1. Introducing Computer Science in the Classroom
Perla Weaver
Pilot Teacher, Computer Science and Software Engineering, Project Lead the Way
Wyandotte High School
Kansas City Kansas Public Schools

2. Why Computer Science? Increasing demand from industry
Decreasing supply of graduates in computing fields
Computational thinking and skills are not inherently taught in the classroom
False perception that by teaching math skills and science we are inherently teaching computing skills

3. How do you get started?
Introduce short activities: One time events e.g. Hour of Code, Coder Dojos, Hackathons
After school clubs: Teacher-Endorsed, Student-Driven
Get your principal and administration on board.
Aim for curriculum presence.
Explore partnerships: Code.org

4. Curriculum Options Project Lead the Way – new Computer Science pathway
College Board – Computer Science Principles
CodeHS
Exploring Computer Science
The beauty and joy of computing
Code.org

5. PLTW – Computer Science and Software Engineering (CSE)
Introductory course
No prior computer science or coding required
Explores four main areas of computing
Graphics and Graphical User Interfaces (GUI)
The Web
Data discovery and Application Invention
Predicting, Understanding, and Communicating with Simulation

6. PLTW- CSE Code Exploration
Multiple programming environments: Scratch, App Inventor, Python, HTML/CSS, and more.
Computational concepts: binary code, abstraction, variables, data structures
Problem solving through computing algorithms
Foster creativity using programming as a tool

7. PLTW- CSE More than just Coding
Impact and presence of computing
History and Future of Computing
Social, legal, and ethical issues in computing
Career Paths in Computing
Computing and other fields

8. PLTW-CSE “First try” Observations
Curriculum is rigorous and filled with new concepts
Students struggle and succeed
Mastery is not the goal
Goal is understanding through creation, exploration, inquisition.
Curriculum may be best in a year long setting
Concepts need time and practice

9. PLTW-CSE Observations
Activities are flexible
Students can develop various levels of proficiency
Programming environments and areas of study are varied
Wide opportunity for personal interests
Wide array of applications
Creativity is fun
Students love to see solutions: games, phone apps, animations, web sites.

10. PLTW-CSE Observations
Similar performance among ethnic groups
Girls
Higher engagement in class
More questions – less afraid to say “I don’t know”
Higher rate of project completion
Slightly lower complexity of projects

11. PLTW-CSE Professional Development
PLTW provides PD as part of their standard summer training
Teachers do not need to be programmers or computer experts
Many sources of materials, lessons, ideas
Many sources for self-paced learning