The Hour of Code is a global movement reaching tens of millions of students in 180+ countries. Anyone, anywhere can organize an Hour of Code event. One-hour tutorials are available in over 45 languages. No experience needed. Ages 4 to 104.
~Hour of Code
Whether you use one of our done-for-you Computer Science Week STEM activities or something else, the beauty of Computer Science Week is that students are able to try something new, experience computer science, and gain familiarity with this critically important 21st century skill. Want to celebrate but too crunched on time to plan fun computer science activities your students will love? Then here’s a done-for-you Computer Science Week schedule to effortlessly incorporate computer science each day this week:
Monday: Into to Computer Science & Careers webquest (provided FREE for the next 24 hours as my gift to you this holiday season! This is the #1 most popular resource in our store – get it FREE now!!)
Tuesday: All students participate in a free Hour of Code activity of their choice.
Wednesday: Keep the momentum going with this list of more things to try with Computer Science (below). Then play a fun and interactive game of Computer Science Bingo!
Thursday: Take a deeper dive with mini computer science career training courses. Here’s our best selling topics:
– Intro to Cybersecurity Careers STEM Challenge
– Intro to Video Game Design STEM Challenge
– Intro to Robotics STEM Challenge
Friday: Introduce & begin Coding for a Cause Hackathon Contest – part 1 here, part 2 here (also on the bottom of your Explorer page for all Explorer subscribers)
Computer Science Week is very much the beginning. Be sure to fan the sparks of student interest and help interested students KEEP exploring! Here’s how:
5 MORE things to try with students who loved the Hour of Code:
- Keep exploring computer science and other STEM careers with prep free, FUN career exploration activities – webquests, games, online mini courses, posters, and much more!
- The key to success in any career path is to find a mentor. A great place to start is directing students to your local Chamber of Commerce website. Students can use the Chamber directory to find computer-related companies nearby. Then help students email or call to reach out!
- Do more than an Hour! Encourage students to try an hour of a different skill. For example Khan Academy offers Hour of Drawing With Code, Hour of Databases, and Hour of Webpages – all free!
- Get students thinking about the future. Technology fields are booming, and today’s students must be prepared for careers of tomorrow. Expand your students’ horizons of what is possible with technology careers of the future activities and innovative computer science activities.
- Participate in our Coding for a Cause Hackathon contest! FREE for all Explorer subscribers, this is a fun and prep-free way for students to use technology skills to help a community organization they care about. Again see part 1 here, and part 2 here (also on the bottom of your Explorer page for all Explorer subscribers).
These five ideas are sure to help your students KEEP exploring computer science all year long. Happy Coding, Christmas, and New Year to you and yours!
What did you and your students do? Be sure to share Computer Science Week celebrations in the Student Showcase!