Smart List: 25 Coding & Computer Science Resources

To celebrate Computer Science Education Week (December 4-10), we’re bringing you a series of posts highlighting both the benefits of computer science education and fun ways for teachers of all backgrounds and skill levels to give their students computational thinking skills. Stay tuned for more like this throughout the week!

Did you know that:

• Only 35 states allow students to count computer science courses toward high school graduation,
• 90% of parents want their kids to study computer science, but only 40% of schools teach computer programming, and
• 54% of students say they enjoy programming and computer science courses “a lot?”

Organized by code.org, Computer Science Education Week is running December 4-10, and we’re encouraging teachers and principals everywhere to find time this week for an Hour of Code.

An Hour of Code is a great way to get started, but to celebrate @CSEdWeek we wanted to compile a few more resources for those looking to dive a bit deeper into computer science.

Coding & Computer Science Resources for Schools

• CNCS AmeriCorps Computer Science program: provides teacher PD
• Code.org: start here for coding resources (see feature on CS4RI)
• CodeHS: great high school course
• CodeAcademy: after school program
• CS for All Teachers: collaborative CS PD for teachers
• CS Teachers Association: members association for CS teachers:
• Exploring Computer Science: NSF funded
• Hour of Code: give coding a quick try
• Khan Academy: growing computer science library
• Launch CS: consulting support for districts launching #CSforAll
• Made with Code: projects from Google
• P2PU: open resources and badging
• Project Lead the Way: full K-12 pathway with grade-specific content and teacher PD
• Rasberry Pi: teaches kids all over the world to learn programming
• TopCoder: coding competitions

Coding tools and toys for kids

• Dash & Dot: make coding fun (with robots)
• The Foos: puzzles to teach coding to young kids
• LittleBits: electronic building blocks that teach coding and invention (see feature)
• Modular Robotics: programmable blocks and a visual coding language
• Root: a robot to teach coding (see feature)
• Sam Labs Inventor Kit: inspire a “maker” mindset
• Scratch: program stories and games (See our feature on their coding cards)
• Sparki: a robot that makes coding accessible to all skill levels (see feature)

Data Shops

• BrightBytes: measure tech-enabled learning outcomes
• Civitas Learning: business intelligence for higher education
• CODAP: open-source data manipulation tool for educators
• Education Strategy Consulting: cool visualization tools

We’re sure we missed some great resources. Which would you add? Share in the comments section below.

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