Instructional Technology Initiative
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  • K-12 Classroom Resources

Programming

What is Programming?

Programming is the process of creating software, applications, and computer programs by writing code using programming languages. The goal of programming is to instruct a computer to perform specific tasks or operations. Programming involves designing, writing, testing, and maintaining computer code that can be executed by a computer. This code can be written in various programming languages, such as Python, Java, C++, and many others. Programmers use programming languages to create algorithms, or step-by-step instructions, to solve problems and perform specific tasks. These tasks can range from simple operations, such as printing text to the screen, to complex calculations and data analysis. Programming is used in a wide range of industries, including software development, web development, data science, artificial intelligence, and robotics. The ability to program is a valuable skill in today's increasingly digital world and can open up many career opportunities.

Grades K-5

Code.org LogoCode.org

Objectives: Learn the fundamentals of computer science with drag & drop block coding, develop problem-solving skills, and work through fun challenges!

https://code.org/student/elementary

Hour of Code LogoHour of Code

Objectives:Introduce computer science and learn the basics with these lessons.

https://hourofcode.com/us/learn

Minecraft LogoMinecraft Education

Minecraft Education prepares students for the future, building future-ready skills like creativity, problem solving, and systems thinking, and nurturing a passion for play.

https://education.minecraft.net/en-us/resources/explore-lessons

CS First LogoCS First (4-5)

Google's free, introductory computer science curriculum designed for students in 4th to 8th grade

https://csfirst.withgoogle.com/c/cs-first/en/curriculum.html

Grades 6-8

Code.org LogoCode.org

Objectives: Learn the fundamentals of computer science with drag & drop block coding, develop problem-solving skills, and work through fun challenges!

https://code.org/student/elementary

Minecraft LogoMinecraft Education

Minecraft Education prepares students for the future, building future-ready skills like creativity, problem solving, and systems thinking, and nurturing a passion for play.

https://education.minecraft.net/en-us/resources/explore-lessons

Grades 9-12

Minecraft LogoMinecraft Education

Minecraft Education prepares students for the future, building future-ready skills like creativity, problem solving, and systems thinking, and nurturing a passion for play.

https://education.minecraft.net/en-us/resources/explore-lessons

Creative Computing

What is Creative Computing?

Creative computing emphasizes the use of digital tools and technologies to promote creative expression, critical thinking, and problem-solving. It involves using tools such as programming languages, software applications, and other digital media to create original content and solve problems in creative ways. In creative computing, students learn to use digital tools and technologies as a means of creative expression, rather than simply consuming content. This approach encourages students to develop skills in programming, digital design, and multimedia production, which can help them prepare for careers in technology and related fields.

Creative Computing Curriculum Guide

Creative Computing Curriculum Logo The Creative Computing Curriculum Guide provides a collection of ideas, strategies, and activities for an introductory creative computing in using the Scratch programming language. The guide is designed to increasing fluency with computational creativity and computational thinking. It covers topics such as: getting started with Scratch, creating interactive stories, animations, games, and simulations, developing computational thinking skills, collaborating and sharing projects, and assessment strategies. The guide is intended to help educators and learners develop the skills and knowledge needed to create and share their own Scratch projects.

http://creativecomputing.gse.harvard.edu/guide/curriculum.html

Grades K-2

Scratch Jr LogoScratch Jr

Objective: Young coders create a variety of fun and engaging projects while learning the foundation of coding concepts and practices using a simplified, block-based coding platform

https://bootuppd.org/scratchjr/

Grades 3-5

Scratch 3.0 LogoScratch 3.0

Objective: Young coders create a variety of fun and engaging projects while learning the foundation of coding concepts and practices using a simplified, block-based coding platform

https://bootuppd.org/scratch/

Grades 6-12

Scratch 3.0 LogoScratch 3.0

Objective: Young coders create a variety of fun and engaging projects while learning the foundation of coding concepts and practices using a simplified, block-based coding platform

https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/editor/?tutorial=all

Cybersecurity Education

What is Cybersecurity Education?

Cybersecurity education is the process of teaching individuals and organizations how to protect themselves from cyber threats and attacks. It includes educating individuals on best practices for securing their digital assets and personal information, as well as how to identify and respond to potential cyber threats.Cybersecurity education can cover a range of topics, including safe internet browsing, email security, password management, social engineering awareness, malware detection, and incident response. It can be delivered through various methods, such as online courses, workshops, seminars, or formal classroom instruction.

The goal of cybersecurity education is to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to protect themselves and their assets from cyber threats. It can help prevent data breaches, financial losses, and reputational damage caused by cyber attacks, and contribute to a safer and more secure digital world.

Grades K-2

CyberGenerating Student Passwords

Overview: The purpose of these activities is to empower students in increasing their personal security online through recognizing and creating strong and memorable passwords.

Objective: Students will recognize the type of information that is private and identify strategies for creating and protecting secure passwords.

Lesson Plan: Generating Student Passwords

Grades 3-5

Cyber.org LogoKeys to Cybersecurity

Lesson Key 1: Personal Identifiable Information

Overview: First, students will learn what a digital footprint and personally identifiable information are. Then, students will learn when it is safe to share personally identifiable information and whom they should share it with.

Objectives: Students will learn how to keep their digital footprint safe.

https://cyber.org/learning-modules/module-1/#/

Lesson Key 2: Online Safety

Overview: In this lesson, students will learn about some things to watch out for when using technology and how to best respond to those threats. Students will also learn why it is important not to post private information online.

Objectives: Students will learn about online safety.

https://cyber.org/learning-modules/module-2/#/

Lesson Key 3: Authentication

Overview: In this key, students will learn how to create strong passwords. Students will also discover why it’s important to use multiple ways to protect their devices and learn about different kinds of authentication.

Objectives: Students will learn about authentication.

https://cyber.org/learning-modules/module-3/#/

Lesson Key 4: Connected Devices

Overview: In this key, students will learn about the risks involved in opening unknown files and connecting to unknown devices. Students will also discover the benefits of keeping their apps and devices updated and backing up data regularly. Additionally, students will learn about the Internet of Things (IoT).

Objectives: Students will learn how to protect their connected devices.

https://cyber.org/learning-modules/module-4/#/

Grades 6-8

Cyber.org LogoKeys to Cybersecurity

Protecting Your Digital Footprint

Overview: Students will learn how to protect their devices and files when using interconnected systems like the Internet of Things (IoT).

Objectives: Students will learn about the risks and benefits of IoT devices, the importance of file backups, and hardware and software vulnerabilities.

https://cyber.org/learning-modules/module-5/#/ https://cyber.org/learning-modules/module-5/#/

Online Threats and Vulnerabilities

Overview: In this key, students will learn to identify the characteristics of an email or text message that may be part of a phishing scam. Students will also become more aware of the different types of threats and vulnerabilities.

Objectives: Students will explore online threats and vulnerabilities.

https://cyber.org/learning-modules/module-6/#/

Defense in Depth

Overview: Students will learn how authentication and authorization methods can protect authorized users. Students will also learn various strategies that can help protect simple networks.

Objectives: Students will take an in-depth dive into online defenses.

https://cyber.org/learning-modules/module-7/#/

Protecting Connected Devices

Overview: For this key, Students will learn how to protect your devices and files when using interconnected systems like the Internet of Things (IoT). Students will learn about the risks and benefits of IoT devices, the importance of file backups, and hardware and software vulnerabilities.

Objectives: Students will learn how to protect their connected devices.

https://cyber.org/learning-modules/module-8/#/

Grades 9-12

Cyber.org LogoKeys to Cybersecurity

Protecting Your Digital Footprint

Overview: Students will learn how to protect their devices and files when using interconnected systems like the Internet of Things (IoT).

Objectives: Students will learn about the risks and benefits of IoT devices, the importance of file backups, and hardware and software vulnerabilities.

https://cyber.org/learning-modules/module-5/#/ https://cyber.org/learning-modules/module-5/#/

Online Threats and Vulnerabilities

Overview: In this key, students will learn to identify the characteristics of an email or text message that may be part of a phishing scam. Students will also become more aware of the different types of threats and vulnerabilities.

Objectives: Students will explore online threats and vulnerabilities.

https://cyber.org/learning-modules/module-6/#/

Defense in Depth

Overview: Students will learn how authentication and authorization methods can protect authorized users. Students will also learn various strategies that can help protect simple networks.

Objectives: Students will take an in-depth dive into online defenses.

https://cyber.org/learning-modules/module-7/#/

Protecting Connected Devices

Overview: For this key, Students will learn how to protect your devices and files when using interconnected systems like the Internet of Things (IoT). Students will learn about the risks and benefits of IoT devices, the importance of file backups, and hardware and software vulnerabilities.

Objectives: Students will learn how to protect their connected devices.

https://cyber.org/learning-modules/module-8/#/

Artificial Intelligence

What is Artificial Intelligence?

Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to perform tasks that would typically require human intelligence to complete. It involves the use of computer algorithms and models to analyze and process data, recognize patterns, make decisions, and learn. AI is used in a wide range of applications, including image and speech recognition, natural language processing, robotics, and autonomous vehicles.

The goal of cybersecurity education is to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to protect themselves and their assets from cyber threats. It can help prevent data breaches, financial losses, and reputational damage caused by cyber attacks, and contribute to a safer and more secure digital world.

AI for Teachers LogoAI for Teachers

Integrating ethical AI into your K-12 classroom

https://aiforteachers.org/teaching-resources?type[]=lesson-plan

MindSpark LogoMindSpark

Become familiar with the basics of AI. Learn and define five key terms (AI, neural network, big data, algorithm and machine learning) through analogy, interactive games and activities.

https://www.mindspark.org/ibm-on-demand-webinars/2020/2/7/creating-a-spark-for-artificial-intelligence

International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) LogoInternational Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) AI

The Hands-On AI Projects for the Classroom guides from ISTE and GM provide elementary, secondary, elective and computer science teachers with innovative curricular resources about AI across various grade levels and subject areas.

https://www.iste.org/areas-of-focus/AI-in-education

Fun activities to try

Quick Draw: https://quickdraw.withgoogle.com/

Shadow Art: https://experiments.withgoogle.com/shadow-art

Blob Opera:https://artsandculture.google.com/experiment/blob-opera/AAHWrq360NcGbw?hl=en&cp=e30