Computer Science Week runs from December 9 through December 15. Many schools observe it with Hour of Code activities during this week, but computer science encompasses so much more!

What is Computer Science?

Computer science is the study of computers and computational systems. It deals mostly with software and software systems. In schools, it strengthens algorithmic thinking and problem-solving. It is the future of professions, and students should all have the chance to experience computer science in their education.

Exposure to computer science leads to some of the best-paying jobs in the world. Virginia, in particular, has the highest concentration of computer science employment in the nation.

Computer Programming

Students in kindergarten through third grade will begin coding activities starting this week in their tech lab classes. Those activities will continue through most of January. Listed below are some resources that you could use at home based on your students’ interest and skill level:

• Lightbot: This site is geared toward younger learners learning algorithmic thinking and sequence, but for those new to coding, it gets a lot right. The puzzles do get challenging, though it doesn’t go much past loops.  Check it out at: lightbot.com. The web version is Flash-based, so it may not be compatible with all browsers.

• Hour of Code: The folks at Code.org have cultivated a directory of many different activities that are leveled by experience from Beginner to Comfortable and by age level. Check them out: hourofcode.com

• Code.org: The goal of this site is to provide free coding resources to everyone in order to allow access to computer science education for all.  Students can create accounts using their FCPS Google credentials, but it requires parental permission to do so.

• FCPS-curated Resources: The county’s public website has varied activities broken down by recommended ages. To check them out, go to Coding Resources. 

If you have any questions or would like more information about computer programming for your student, please contact our Instructional Technology Specialist, Ben James via email at [email protected].