Computer Science Resources for Lower Primary Teachers
Overview
This resource contains several ready made curricula for lower primary students. The resources are easy to use and contain all of the information a teacher would need to teach the lessons/units.
Introduction
This resource is a gathering of free curriculum, videos and tutorials, robots, and general information about computer science in the lower primary grades.
The following are the goals:
- Lower primary teachers will be able to access and use these resources easily.
- Lower primary teachers will be able to use these resources to support their students in the learning of computer science concepts.
- Lower primary teachers will be able to integrate these resources into their regular curriculum.
The Computer Science standards are organized in an easy to filter format for the lower primary teachers in K-2 by concept:
- Algorithms and Programming
- Computing Systems
- Data and Analysis
- Impacts of Computing
- Networks and the Internet
Steps for using this resource:
- Use the CS standards to link CS learning with units already in place.
- Follow the links included with each resource to explore curriculum, projects, and activities.
- Look for related tutorials for even more information.
- Join online communities of other teachers using these resources.
- Try some lessons with students.
Free Curriculum
This is a list of free and easy to access curriculum, projects, and activities for use with lower primary teachers to support their students as they become familiar with and use computer science concepts.
Links:
Code.org CS Fundamentals for Grades K-5
- This curriculum is free and accessible for classroom teachers. Each lesson includes objectives, vocabulary, links to all needed resources (videos, worksheets, manipulatives), and detailed instructions for teaching. State and regional workshops are available by working with the state regional partner.
- It is organized by grade level with the flexibility to move students into the course(s) to best fit their needs.
- It includes unplugged (no device necessary) lessons that teach the computer science concepts through active participation, colloaboration, and problem solving.
- It includes plugged (device necessary) lessons that come in puzzle/game formats that reinforce the concepts learned in the unplugged lessons.
- This curriculum works with the ScratchJr app available on multiple devices, but working best on an iPad.
- It includes animation projects that build computer science skills and support CS concepts.
- It includes project cards for independent work.
- It uses visual blocks which do not require reading.
- PBS ScratchJr includes projects, videos, and other CS resources with PBS characters as sprites.
Robots
These two robots are highlighted because they have well-written and free accessible curiculum supporting computer science concepts. The robots must be purchased and the cost can often be covered through grants and from industry partners.
Dash and Dot
- Create a free educator account and follow the Classroom link to Curriculum. Choose the "Discover a clear scope + sequence" and click on "View Lessons". Choose the "Learn to Code" tab. Lessons are organized by grade level.
- It includes unplugged lessons which can be done without the robot.
- It includes plugged lessons which require the robot.
- The robot is programmed using the Blockly Jr app (icons only - no reading needed) or Blockly app (reading needed)
- Cubetto works without a device.
- It reinforces sequencing/algorithms using color and shape recognition.
- Curriculum can be requested for free.
- Request a free Beginners Guide to Coding with Kids.