Self-paced | K-8 Grade Teachers | 8 Modules
Start and end this course at your convenience; there are no due dates. Our recommended pace is one module per week. Expect to spend around 24 hours playing, oh, we mean working 😉 on this course.
Teachers will be prepared to integrate computational thinking into their K-8 instruction.
WHAT'S COVERED?
This course covers basic computational thinking concepts and principles including: algorithms, sequence, debugging, programming, decomposition, events, loops, conditionals, data, and abstraction.
Participants will learn to use multiple tools including: Scratch Jr., Scratch, Ozobot, Makey Makey, and Micro:bit.
HOW DOES BRING YOUR OWN DEVICE (BYOD) WORK?
The BYOD (Bring Your Own Devices) version of our Computational Thinking Integration course is meant for teachers who already have access to some of the devices used in the course. In this course, you will provide your own devices and materials for each activity.
Although it is not required, it is highly recommended that you complete this course with a group of peers. All crew time activity instructions assume you are in a group/pair.
If you are completing this course alone, we suggest you do the activities with your students or other children.
Here's a list of what you'll need for each module:
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Module 1
Module 2
Module 3
Module 4
Module 5
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Module 6
Module 7
Module 8
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Course Requirements
Please note, it is your responsibility to make sure that you have access to:
- Reliable Internet access
- A laptop, desktop, or Chromebook computer with an up to date web browser
- A tablet device (iPad, Android tablet, or Kindle fire) or Chromebook
- Course materials as outlined above
Course Reviews:
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Love this course
By Ann Miller
I loved this course! Lots of hands-on activities, vocabulary explained, and ways to integrate activities in the classroom. I have taken several CS courses fo...
Read MoreI loved this course! Lots of hands-on activities, vocabulary explained, and ways to integrate activities in the classroom. I have taken several CS courses for my district lately and took this one on my own...it was well worth it!! Hope my district considers it.
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Great Course
By Michael Thomas
This was a great introduction course, giving us a basic understanding of different types of CS tools along with the ability to think critically about how to ...
Read MoreThis was a great introduction course, giving us a basic understanding of different types of CS tools along with the ability to think critically about how to add cs standards to a regular course.
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Fun While Learning
By Carrie Copley
I would recommend taking the Launch CS Computational Thinking Integration course. The course content and materials are engaging! Being an elementary Computer...
Read MoreI would recommend taking the Launch CS Computational Thinking Integration course. The course content and materials are engaging! Being an elementary Computer Science teacher, I already had a solid understanding of computational thinking and this course helped me build on my knowledge. I couldn't wait to get the materials and get together with my colleagues to learn! It was one of the few times I looked forward to professional development because it didn't feel like a class at all! I've already used some of the lesson ideas and look forward to using more. Thank you Launch CS for the fresh ideas and materials and also for pushing me to extend my understanding of teaching computational thinking in the classroom. If given the chance, I would take this class again and again!
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Course curriculum
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1
Pre-Launch
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2
Module 1 - Algorithms, Sequence, and Programming
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3
Module 2 - Programming and Debugging
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4
Module 3 - Decomposition and Events
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5
Module 4 - Events Continued
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6
Module 5 - Loops
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7
Module 6 - Conditionals
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8
Module 7 - Data
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9
Module 8 - Abstraction
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Introduction Video FREE PREVIEW Course Expectations FREE PREVIEW Course Materials Computational Thinking Overview FREE PREVIEW -
Module 1 Introduction FREE PREVIEW Solo Time Crew Time FREE PREVIEW Module 1 Downloads What are Algorithms and Sequence? FREE PREVIEW Rosie's Runtime Unplugged Activity FREE PREVIEW What is a Program? FREE PREVIEW Ozobot Tinker Time FREE PREVIEW Ozobot Activity FREE PREVIEW Module 1 Evidence of Learning Submission -
Module 2 Introduction Solo Time Crew Time Module 2 Downloads Crazy Character Unplugged Activity Scratch Jr. Tinker Time Scratch Jr. Dance Party What is Debugging? Bugs in the Fruit Stand Scratch Jr. Debugging Module 2 Evidence of Learning Submission -
Module 3 Introduction Solo Time Crew Time Module 3 Downloads What is an Event? Remote Control Unplugged Activity What is Decomposition? Scratch Jr. Seasons Project Module 3 Evidence of Learning Submission -
Module 4 Introduction Solo Time Crew Time Events Revisited Flabby Physics and Makey Makey Tinker Time Flabby Physics + Makey Makey Activity Makey Makey Piano Project Module 4 Evidence of Learning Submission -
Module 5 Introduction Solo Time Crew Time Module 5 Downloads What are Loops? Handshake Unplugged Activity Scratch Tinker Time Scratch/Makey Makey Build a Band Project Module 5 Evidence of Learning Submission -
Module 6 Introduction Solo Time Crew Time Module 6 Downloads What are Conditional Statements? Don't Eat Pete Unplugged Activity Scratch Race to the Finish Project Module 6 Evidence of Learning Submission -
Module 7 Introduction Solo Time Crew Time Module 7 Downloads What are Data and Variables? Word Game Unplugged Activity Micro:Bit Tinker Time Micro:Bit Reaction Time Project Module 7 Evidence of Learning Submission -
Module 8 Introduction Solo Time Crew Time Module 8 Downloads What is Abstraction? Guess What Unplugged Activity What are Procedures and Parameters? //CODE On The Brink (OPTIONAL) Procedures Project Launch Goals Activity Module 8 Evidence of Learning Submission
About the Instructor
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Lead Facilitator
Grant Smith
Grant is a former computer science teacher and district administrator. He has led #CSforAll initiatives at multiple school districts in multiple states across the nation and has developed computer science curricula and standards. In recognition for his leadership in computer science education, he won the 2015 Digital Innovation in Learning Award – Administrator Trailblazer. He has served on national computer science education panels. He is also one of the authors of the 2017 CSTA Computer Science Standards.