Creative Computing with Scratch(6 - 8)
Organization: Copernicus STEAM Learning Lab
Format: The format is flexible and will vary dependent on the course where Scratch is being integrated. Free curricula and more than 30 class projects available to choose from.
Description: Students use Scratch a drag and drop programming language to code, create and share interactive stories, animations, games, art, music, and more as they learn problem solving and other fundamental CS concepts across the curriculum.
Teacher Profile: No prior CS experience required
PD Profile: 4 full-days, school-year follow-up Meetups, school year support and 1 full-day of CS Fundamentals (35+ hours).
Cost to School: PD costs waived for eligible educators.
Computer Access: Computers and Chromebooks (Tablet & smartphone accessibility coming soon)
Unique Benefits:
Introduction to SCRATCH across curricula resources, strategies for classroom implementation and integration
Includes full-day training on Code.org Computer Science Fundamentals (CSF) curriculum
School-year support
CS Discoveries (6-8)
Organization: URI / Code.org Regional Partner
Format: One year-long course OR six modules distributed in courses in 6-8th
Description: Introductory computer science course that empowers students to create authentic artifacts and engage with computer science as a medium for creativity, communication, problem solving, and fun.
Modules: Problem Solving, Internet, Programming, Design, Data, Physical Comp
Teacher Profile: No prior CS experience required
PD Profile: 5-day TeacherCon and four 1-day follow-up workshops during the school year; school year support
Cost to School: No cost for PD. $10/student for physical computing device.
Computer Access: Access for all students
Unique Benefits:
Access for all students.
No installed software.
All platforms (including chromebooks)
Stipend available for accepted RI educators
PLTW Gateway (6-8)
Organization: Project Lead The Way
Format: 3 units integrated across grades 6-8; each unit is 45 minutes/45
days of instruction; each unit fits a quarter or semester rotation schedule
Description: PLTW’s entire K-12 CS experience involves interdisciplinary learning, exposing students not only to computer science, but to various disciplines and subjects, helping them understand how computer science relates to the world around them. Follow up to PLTW's Launch program.
Teacher Profile: No prior CS experience required
PD Profile: 5-day in-person training per unit and ongoing training opportunities
Cost to School: $750 per school Annual Participation Fee; PD is $950 per teacher, per unit
Computer Access: Access for all students
Unique Benefits:
Engages students in collaborative projects that develop in-demand computer science knowledge, creative thinking and communication.
Focuses on the positive impact of the application of computer science and computational thinking to other disciplines.
The PLTW Gateway program also provides access to 7 additional semesters of high-quality STEM middle school experiences.
Curriculum aligned to CSTA, Common Core Math & ELA standards and NGSS.
Bootstrap: Algebra (7-12)
Organization: Bootstrap
Format: 20 hour module in existing algebra course
Description: Students learn the fundamentals of Computer Science using a unique, algebraic programming language to build a video game of their own design. This allows students to blend their understanding of programming and mathematics, enhancing both disciplines. Learn more...
Teacher Profile: No prior CS experience required
PD Profile: 3-day in-person PD and school year support
Cost to School: PD/Curriculum costs waived for one teacher; $1000/teacher for additional PD; Free PD Opportunities Available
Computer Access: Occasional student access
Unique Benefits:
Aligned to national and state standards for mathematics
When deployed in CS classes, provides a “booster shot” of algebra
When deployed in algebra classes, makes computing available to all students, increasing equity
Research-based material that improves algebra outcomes for students
Bootstrap: Data Science (7-12)
Organization: Bootstrap
Format: 20 hour module in existing course
Description: Bootstrap: Data Science teaches students to view programs as questions we ask of data. Students form their own questions about the world around them, and learn to analyze data critically and carefully to find answers to their own compelling problems. Learn more...
Teacher Profile: No prior CS experience required
PD Profile: 3-day in-person PD with optional 4th day and school year support
Cost to School: PD/Curriculum costs waived for one teacher; $1000/teacher for additional PD
Computer Access: Occasional student access
Unique Benefits:
Effective tool to help students learn to make inferences from data
Works as a module for the data unit for AP CS Principles
Serves as an engaging and accessible introduction to statistics
Can be used as a standalone CS course, or integrated into a GIS, Social Studies, Business or Statistics course