October 2024 Newsletter
In This Issue:
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has officially proclaimed December 9-15, 2024, as Computer Science Education Week! This week is a great opportunity to spotlight the importance of computer science in preparing students for the future.
Computer science empowers students to be creators, problem-solvers, and innovators in today’s tech-driven world. It also offers a chance for students to explore coding, cybersecurity, and other exciting concepts in computer science. It enhances problem-solving, fosters creativity, and equips students with critical thinking skills that will serve them in any field.
Here are some engaging ideas for celebrating Computer Science Education Week:
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Participate in an Hour of Code: Students complete at least one hour of coding using grade-appropriate platforms to build foundational programming skills.
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Discover Influential CS Heroes: Students research and create posters about influential figures in computer science, showcasing their contributions to the field and demonstrating how these role models have shaped technology and innovation.
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Engage Younger Students with Unplugged Activities: This may include creating algorithms for simple tasks, such as tying shoelaces, to develop logical thinking without screens.
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Host a Computer Science Education Night: Bring together students, parents, educators, and community leaders to hear a guest speaker, participate in student-led computer science activities, and observe student-created projects, fostering community engagement and collaboration.
I would love to observe the activities you and your students have planned during this special week. Let’s celebrate and inspire together! Click here to invite me to your school or organization for any day during the week of December 9-15, or to express interest in sharing pictures of your Computer Science Education Week activities. These photos will be highlighted in the January computer science newsletter, showcasing the wonderful work happening in Oklahoma schools and communities!
Feel free to email me or schedule a one-on-one virtual meeting if you would like to collaborate on activities or need ideas for events.
Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) is excited to announce free professional development workshops for the 2024-25 school year. These workshops will be held in different regions to support educators with effective instructional strategies aligned to the Oklahoma Academic Standards. Space is limited, so register today!
Elementary - STEM and Computer Science
There are two parts to this professional development opportunity. The first part explores engaging and interactive resources for integrating STEM into the classroom using center-based activities. The second part explores how the Oklahoma Academic Standards for Computer Science (OAS-CS) can be leveraged to support other subject areas.
Middle School/High School Computer Science
This session explores meaningful computer science education at middle and high school levels. Participants will discover the relationship between the Oklahoma Academic Standards for Computer Science (OAS-CS) and classroom activities.
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PAEMST APPLICATIONS FOR GRADES 7-12 NOW OPEN!
Recognize a great 7-12 grade computer science, math, science, or engineering teacher by nominating them for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching!
The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) is the top honor for computer science, math, science, and engineering teachers in the nation. National awardees receive $10,000 and a trip to Washington, D.C.
Anyone can nominate a 7-12th grade teacher at paemst.gov; you only need the person's name, school, and email address to nominate them (it takes about 5 minutes). Or, if you are a 7-12th grade computer science, math, science, or engineering teacher who has been teaching for at least 5 years, you can start your application right now at paemst.gov.
Completed applications are due February 6, 2025!
Send a message of support and encouragement to a fellow teacher; nominate someone today!
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We are excited to announce some key updates to the Computer Science Framework!
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Bundled Standards: Explore our new resource featuring bundled standards, complete with grade-appropriate lesson ideas. This resource currently includes kindergarten with additional grade levels coming soon.
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Progression Chart: Explore our new progression chart, which organizes standards by subconcepts and computer science practices. This valuable tool is perfect for lesson planning and ensuring vertical alignment across grade levels.
Progression by Subconcept
Progression by Computer Science Practice
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