Resources
K-12 Educators
ACM Computing Careers Website
This website provides details that will help you prepare for a career in the exciting field of computing.
This website provides details that will help you prepare for a career in the exciting field of computing.
Addressing Core Equity Issues in K-12 CS Education: Identifying Barriers and Sharing Strategies
A report (PDF) from CSTA, the Anita Borg Institute and the University of Arizona focusing on the critical absence of women and underrepresented minority students from computing at the K-12 level.
A report (PDF) from CSTA, the Anita Borg Institute and the University of Arizona focusing on the critical absence of women and underrepresented minority students from computing at the K-12 level.
Alice: Educational Software
Alice is a teaching tool for introductory computing. It uses 3D graphics and a drag-and-drop interface to facilitate a more engaging, less frustrating first programming experience.
Alice is a teaching tool for introductory computing. It uses 3D graphics and a drag-and-drop interface to facilitate a more engaging, less frustrating first programming experience.
AP Computer Science: Present State and Future Directions (PDF)
Presentation by Chris Stephenson, CSTA Executive Director, at CSTA/ABI K-12 CS Workshop—Oct. 3, 2009.
Presentation by Chris Stephenson, CSTA Executive Director, at CSTA/ABI K-12 CS Workshop—Oct. 3, 2009.
By the Numbers (PDF)
Statistics on women and information technology developed by NCWIT.
Statistics on women and information technology developed by NCWIT.
Change the Equation
Our nation’s future hinges on our ability to prepare our next generation to be innovators in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Yet far too few of our students are prepared for the challenges ahead, and other countries are leaving us in their wake. Now, more than 100 companies are joining forces to work with schools and communities to change the equation for our youth and our nation.
Our nation’s future hinges on our ability to prepare our next generation to be innovators in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Yet far too few of our students are prepared for the challenges ahead, and other countries are leaving us in their wake. Now, more than 100 companies are joining forces to work with schools and communities to change the equation for our youth and our nation.
CMU Resources Promoting Excitement of Computer Science
The members of Carnegie Mellon's Women@SCS have put put together a number of resources illustrating the many exciting areas of computer science. Parents, teachers, and students can browse the site and download resources such as posters, powerpoint roadshows, and brochures.
The members of Carnegie Mellon's Women@SCS have put put together a number of resources illustrating the many exciting areas of computer science. Parents, teachers, and students can browse the site and download resources such as posters, powerpoint roadshows, and brochures.
College Board AP CS course
Computer Science A emphasizes object-oriented programming methodology with an emphasis on problem solving and algorithm development and is meant to be the equivalent of a first-semester course in computer science.
Computer Science A emphasizes object-oriented programming methodology with an emphasis on problem solving and algorithm development and is meant to be the equivalent of a first-semester course in computer science.
Computational Fairy Tales
Computational Fairy Tales is a collection of stories written by Jeremy Kubica to introduce computer science concepts. The goal of each story is to provide an overview and illustration of a single computer science concept before presenting the full technical details. The stories cover a range of topics, including: data structures, algorithms, introductory programming, and practical programming tips.
Computational Fairy Tales is a collection of stories written by Jeremy Kubica to introduce computer science concepts. The goal of each story is to provide an overview and illustration of a single computer science concept before presenting the full technical details. The stories cover a range of topics, including: data structures, algorithms, introductory programming, and practical programming tips.
Computational Thinking
Resources and curriculum for educators on Computational Thinking from Google.
Resources and curriculum for educators on Computational Thinking from Google.
Computer Science Teacher Certification Requirements
A CSTA Certification Committee Report
A CSTA Certification Committee Report
Computer Science Unplugged - Unplug Your Classroom
The CS Unplugged program-in-a-Box is a free, downloadable guide to using the CS Unplugged activities.
The CS Unplugged program-in-a-Box is a free, downloadable guide to using the CS Unplugged activities.
Computing: Expand Your Connections Poster (PDF)
This poster invites students to make connections between their interests, goals, and dreams and the many opportunities that computing provides for reaching out to the world.
This poster invites students to make connections between their interests, goals, and dreams and the many opportunities that computing provides for reaching out to the world.
CS in Sports Poster
This engaging new classroom poster invites students to make connections between computer science and their favorite sports and games.
This engaging new classroom poster invites students to make connections between computer science and their favorite sports and games.
CS Unplugged Demos
YouTube Videos demonstrating Unplugged activities.
YouTube Videos demonstrating Unplugged activities.
CSEdWeek Daily Videos
As part of its commitment to support CSEdWeek (Dec. 5-11, 2010) activities, the Computer Science Teachers Association has created a series of videos that schools and teachers can use for morning announcements or in the classroom. These video files are intended to inform and engage students and to help them understand the many opportunities computer science provides.
As part of its commitment to support CSEdWeek (Dec. 5-11, 2010) activities, the Computer Science Teachers Association has created a series of videos that schools and teachers can use for morning announcements or in the classroom. These video files are intended to inform and engage students and to help them understand the many opportunities computer science provides.
Dot Diva
Dot Divas are the new face of computing. They believe in the potential of computing to redesign the future and build a better world. They’re young women with the power and passion to make a difference.
Dot Divas are the new face of computing. They believe in the potential of computing to redesign the future and build a better world. They’re young women with the power and passion to make a difference.
Dot Diva Brochure
Order copies of the free Dot Diva brochure for your high school classroom, club, event, or afterschool program (we’ll also ship them to you for free).
Order copies of the free Dot Diva brochure for your high school classroom, club, event, or afterschool program (we’ll also ship them to you for free).
Dot Diva Launch Video
See video highlights on You Tube from a Dot Diva event for high school girls.
See video highlights on You Tube from a Dot Diva event for high school girls.
Dot Diva Poster
Hang this free poster in your classroom, library, or recruiting office to encourage girls to consider pursuing careers in computing.
Hang this free poster in your classroom, library, or recruiting office to encourage girls to consider pursuing careers in computing.
Dot Diva Webisode
KATE, a sarcastic fan of alt- and indie-rock. ALI, a lover of kittens, chick flicks, and the mall. Two girls with NOTHING in common... except for being ace programmers at a seriously-crazy video game company. As they work to launch Rocklette's first-ever game, these two Dot Divas have to outwit their smarmy boss, Kate's doofus boyfriend, and the spy within their midst.
KATE, a sarcastic fan of alt- and indie-rock. ALI, a lover of kittens, chick flicks, and the mall. Two girls with NOTHING in common... except for being ace programmers at a seriously-crazy video game company. As they work to launch Rocklette's first-ever game, these two Dot Divas have to outwit their smarmy boss, Kate's doofus boyfriend, and the spy within their midst.
Exploring Computer Science (PDF)
A high-school curriculum exploring what computer science is and what it can do.
A high-school curriculum exploring what computer science is and what it can do.
Find Hidden Messages in Songs
This activity involves listening to songs and finding hidden messages based on the same principle as a modem. The binary number activity briefly mentions how text could be coded using sound -- high and low beeps represent binary digits, which in turn can be decoded to numbers that represent the letters of the alphabet.
This activity involves listening to songs and finding hidden messages based on the same principle as a modem. The binary number activity briefly mentions how text could be coded using sound -- high and low beeps represent binary digits, which in turn can be decoded to numbers that represent the letters of the alphabet.
Globaloria (PDF)
Empowering Students and Educators with 21st-Century Digital Literacy through a Game-Making Learning Network
Empowering Students and Educators with 21st-Century Digital Literacy through a Game-Making Learning Network
Google Scholar
Google Scholar provides a simple way to broadly search for scholarly literature across many disciplines and sources
Google Scholar provides a simple way to broadly search for scholarly literature across many disciplines and sources
How can one person in computing change the world?
Read about Mary Lou Jepsen and the One Laptop Per Child project.In addition, read about the big problems in science published by the science magazine. Discuss with your students how people in the world may lack access to information and how the OLPC project has helped to connect children around the world. Discuss the role of Dr. Jepsen in this effort. Ask your students: Think about the big science questions. Put yourself in the position of a computer scientist and come up with a revolutionary idea that will change the world. Feel free to think out of the box.
Read about Mary Lou Jepsen and the One Laptop Per Child project.In addition, read about the big problems in science published by the science magazine. Discuss with your students how people in the world may lack access to information and how the OLPC project has helped to connect children around the world. Discuss the role of Dr. Jepsen in this effort. Ask your students: Think about the big science questions. Put yourself in the position of a computer scientist and come up with a revolutionary idea that will change the world. Feel free to think out of the box.
Ideas for hands-on computing activities
Visit http://www.howtosmile.org and search "computing" or "programming" for a list of downloadable activities. The site is free and provides information on the
Visit http://www.howtosmile.org and search "computing" or "programming" for a list of downloadable activities. The site is free and provides information on the
Imagine Cup 2011 - Worldwide Finals Annoucement
NY Mayor Bloomberg announces the 2011 Imagine Cup Competition.
NY Mayor Bloomberg announces the 2011 Imagine Cup Competition.
Imagine Your Future in Computing Brochure for Middle School Students: ENGLISH version (PDF)
This brochure helps students make connections between the technologies they use every day and the courses and the career opportunities available to them.
This brochure helps students make connections between the technologies they use every day and the courses and the career opportunities available to them.
Imagine Your Future in Computing Brochure for Middle School Students: SPANISH version (PDF)
This brochure helps students make connections between the technologies they use every day and the courses and the career opportunities available to them.
This brochure helps students make connections between the technologies they use every day and the courses and the career opportunities available to them.
Introduction to Mobile Application Development Using Silverlight
Here students learn the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to develop a mobile application on the Windows Phone 7 platform using Microsoft Silverlight.
Here students learn the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to develop a mobile application on the Windows Phone 7 platform using Microsoft Silverlight.
iPhone Application Developer Video
Computer science skills enhance the things kids are capable of achieving. Some use them in really impressive ways, like Thomas Suarez, a 12-year-old who developed apps for the iPhone®, iPod Touch® and iPad®. Enjoy watching Thomas speak about his apps in this truly inspirational video!
Computer science skills enhance the things kids are capable of achieving. Some use them in really impressive ways, like Thomas Suarez, a 12-year-old who developed apps for the iPhone®, iPod Touch® and iPad®. Enjoy watching Thomas speak about his apps in this truly inspirational video!
IT is All About Me Poster (PDF)
Poster developed by CSTA, ACM Women and the American School Counselor Association.
Poster developed by CSTA, ACM Women and the American School Counselor Association.
More CS Unplugged resources
Check out the CS Unplugged website for more activities and resources, as well as multiple language versions.
Check out the CS Unplugged website for more activities and resources, as well as multiple language versions.
NCWIT Computing Jobs Data By State
Computing Education and Future Jobs: National, State, and Congressional District Data -- See NCWIT's interactive map of computing education and workforce data to see what the story is where you live.
Computing Education and Future Jobs: National, State, and Congressional District Data -- See NCWIT's interactive map of computing education and workforce data to see what the story is where you live.
NCWIT Outreach Resources
NCWIT outreach resources are well-researched, well-designed, and well-suited to appeal to all kinds of audiences interested in CS outreach to women and girls.
NCWIT outreach resources are well-researched, well-designed, and well-suited to appeal to all kinds of audiences interested in CS outreach to women and girls.
NCWIT’s “Heroes” Podcasts
Audio Interview - NCWIT Heroes is a series of magazine-style audio interviews highlighting women and men entrepreneurs in information technology (IT) careers. NCWIT Heroes are women and men innovators from small companies, larger corporations, and non-profits, whose ideas and products are changing the way we think, work, play, and communicate.
Audio Interview - NCWIT Heroes is a series of magazine-style audio interviews highlighting women and men entrepreneurs in information technology (IT) careers. NCWIT Heroes are women and men innovators from small companies, larger corporations, and non-profits, whose ideas and products are changing the way we think, work, play, and communicate.
NCWIT’s Reports and Articles
NCWIT reports present compelling research and data in easily digestible packaging and are authored by some of the most esteemed gender and science researchers in the country.
NCWIT reports present compelling research and data in easily digestible packaging and are authored by some of the most esteemed gender and science researchers in the country.
NCWIT: Gotta Have IT
A select set of high-quality posters, computing and careers information, digital media and more, the resource kit builds awareness and inspires interest in computing.
A select set of high-quality posters, computing and careers information, digital media and more, the resource kit builds awareness and inspires interest in computing.
Offer Computing Workshops and Camps: They Benefit Both Students and the Teachers Who Offer Them
This resource for computer science teachers offers ideas for partnering, existing curriculum, and materials for implementation.
This resource for computer science teachers offers ideas for partnering, existing curriculum, and materials for implementation.
Programming Language and Activities for Middle School Students
Kodu provides an end-to-end creative environment for designing, building, and playing your own new games. The core of the Kodu project is the programming user interface. The language is simple and entirely icon-based. Download the software and classroom kit for free from Microsoft.
Kodu provides an end-to-end creative environment for designing, building, and playing your own new games. The core of the Kodu project is the programming user interface. The language is simple and entirely icon-based. Download the software and classroom kit for free from Microsoft.
Promising New Pedagogical Approaches for Teaching High School Computer Science (PDF)
Prepared by Chris Stephenson, Executive Director, Computer Science Teachers Association
Prepared by Chris Stephenson, Executive Director, Computer Science Teachers Association
Promising Practices for Recruiting, Retaining & Advancing Women in IT
NCWIT promising practices use social science research as a foundation for advice, case studies, and activities that are proven to attract, retain, and advance girls and women in IT.
NCWIT promising practices use social science research as a foundation for advice, case studies, and activities that are proven to attract, retain, and advance girls and women in IT.
Quizzes with a Theme
This set of themed quizzes was developed by Bruce Maxwell from Colby College to bring a little fun and creativity to his CS 1 classes. The quizzes tell a complete story from beginning to end, with the code appropriate for the plot. Bruce decided he couldn't re-use the quizzes, so he made them public, in the hope that they may inspire others to try something different. Those of you who are Tolkien fans will probably enjoy scanning through them.
This set of themed quizzes was developed by Bruce Maxwell from Colby College to bring a little fun and creativity to his CS 1 classes. The quizzes tell a complete story from beginning to end, with the code appropriate for the plot. Bruce decided he couldn't re-use the quizzes, so he made them public, in the hope that they may inspire others to try something different. Those of you who are Tolkien fans will probably enjoy scanning through them.
Running on Empty
Computer science and the technologies it enables now lie at the heart of our economy, our daily lives, and scientific enterprise. As the digital age has transformed the world and workforce, U.S. K–12 education has fallen woefully behind in preparing students with the fundamental computer science knowledge and skills they need for future success.
Computer science and the technologies it enables now lie at the heart of our economy, our daily lives, and scientific enterprise. As the digital age has transformed the world and workforce, U.S. K–12 education has fallen woefully behind in preparing students with the fundamental computer science knowledge and skills they need for future success.
SAS “STEM is cool” video
This brand new video from SAS shows students that focusing on STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) can dramatically expand career opportunities and be cool too.
This brand new video from SAS shows students that focusing on STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) can dramatically expand career opportunities and be cool too.
SAS Education Initiatives
There is growing concern about our children's preparation for the 21st century. Today's students will be the workforce of the future, and they will need to be successful for the U.S. to maintain a competitive edge in our global, knowledge-based economy. SAS helps by focusing its community engagements on one primary issue: education. Read about SAS' educational, many of which relate to computer science education. On a broad level, SAS seeks to integrate technology into education at all levels.
There is growing concern about our children's preparation for the 21st century. Today's students will be the workforce of the future, and they will need to be successful for the U.S. to maintain a competitive edge in our global, knowledge-based economy. SAS helps by focusing its community engagements on one primary issue: education. Read about SAS' educational, many of which relate to computer science education. On a broad level, SAS seeks to integrate technology into education at all levels.
Science 2020
In 2005, an international group created a 15-year road map of the evolution, challenges and potential of computer science and computing in scientific research.
In 2005, an international group created a 15-year road map of the evolution, challenges and potential of computer science and computing in scientific research.
Scratch
Scratch is a new programming language that makes it easy to create your own interactive stories, animations, games, music, and art — and share your creations on the web.
Scratch is a new programming language that makes it easy to create your own interactive stories, animations, games, music, and art — and share your creations on the web.
Stuck in the Shallow End
The number of African Americans and Latino/as receiving undergraduate and advanced degrees in computer science is disproportionately low, according to recent surveys. And relatively few African American and Latino/a high school students receive the kind of institutional encouragement, educational opportunities, and preparation needed for them to choose computer science as a field of study and profession. In Stuck in the Shallow End, Jane Margolis looks at the daily experiences of students and teachers in three Los Angeles public high schools: an overcrowded urban high school, a math and science magnet school, and a well-funded school in an affluent neighborhood. She finds an insidious "virtual segregation" that maintains inequality.
The number of African Americans and Latino/as receiving undergraduate and advanced degrees in computer science is disproportionately low, according to recent surveys. And relatively few African American and Latino/a high school students receive the kind of institutional encouragement, educational opportunities, and preparation needed for them to choose computer science as a field of study and profession. In Stuck in the Shallow End, Jane Margolis looks at the daily experiences of students and teachers in three Los Angeles public high schools: an overcrowded urban high school, a math and science magnet school, and a well-funded school in an affluent neighborhood. She finds an insidious "virtual segregation" that maintains inequality.
The New Educational Imperative: Improving High School Computer Science Education (PDF)
This study reports on the findings of the CSTA Curriculum Improvement Task Force established to provide a comprehensive look at high school computer science education in the United States and its link to national economic issues.
This study reports on the findings of the CSTA Curriculum Improvement Task Force established to provide a comprehensive look at high school computer science education in the United States and its link to national economic issues.
Transforming High School Computer Science: CS/10K Project (PDF)
CS/10K is an NSF-led project to develop an effective new high school curriculum for computing, taught in 10,000 high schools by 10,000 well-qualified teachers by 2015.
CS/10K is an NSF-led project to develop an effective new high school curriculum for computing, taught in 10,000 high schools by 10,000 well-qualified teachers by 2015.
Video of Richard Tapia’s National Medal of Science Award
Rice University Professor Richard Tapia was recently awarded the 2010 National Medal of Science, the highest national honor for a U.S. scientist. He is recognized for his pioneering and fundamental contributions in optimization theory and numerical analysis and for his dedication and sustained efforts in fostering diversity and excellence in computational mathematics and science education. The son of Mexican immigrants, Tapia grew up in Los Angeles and was the first member of his family to attend college. He excelled in math and science and went on to earn international acclaim for his research in computational mathematics, and that success led to his election to the National Academy of Engineering. Tapia has authored or co-authored two books and more than 100 computational mathematical research papers, and he is currently authoring a graduate-level textbook on the foundations of optimization.
Rice University Professor Richard Tapia was recently awarded the 2010 National Medal of Science, the highest national honor for a U.S. scientist. He is recognized for his pioneering and fundamental contributions in optimization theory and numerical analysis and for his dedication and sustained efforts in fostering diversity and excellence in computational mathematics and science education. The son of Mexican immigrants, Tapia grew up in Los Angeles and was the first member of his family to attend college. He excelled in math and science and went on to earn international acclaim for his research in computational mathematics, and that success led to his election to the National Academy of Engineering. Tapia has authored or co-authored two books and more than 100 computational mathematical research papers, and he is currently authoring a graduate-level textbook on the foundations of optimization.
Video: Girls in a Tech World
Google has long recognized the importance of investing in education. They aspire to help level the playing field by empowering all students to be active creators of tomorrow's technology. Through this video, they aim to inspire girls, especially those who may have had misconceptions or felt discouraged about pursuing Computer Science.
Google has long recognized the importance of investing in education. They aspire to help level the playing field by empowering all students to be active creators of tomorrow's technology. Through this video, they aim to inspire girls, especially those who may have had misconceptions or felt discouraged about pursuing Computer Science.
WGBH/ACM New Image for Computing (NIC) Final Report (PDF)
NIC is in the first stage of a multi-phase project to improve the image of computer science among high school students (with a special focus on gender and ethnic disparities) and encourage greater participation in computer science at the postsecondary level.
NIC is in the first stage of a multi-phase project to improve the image of computer science among high school students (with a special focus on gender and ethnic disparities) and encourage greater participation in computer science at the postsecondary level.
What are the Important Components of Targeted Recruiting? Change the Gender Composition of High Scho
Targeted recruiting means planning strategically: set quantifiable goals; identify large, capable audiences; personalize the content of your message; deliver that message in media that are relevant to your audience; and pay attention to people who influence your audience’s decision-making. High school computer science teachers who actively recruit girls and minority students report more students overall and more female students in their courses.
Targeted recruiting means planning strategically: set quantifiable goals; identify large, capable audiences; personalize the content of your message; deliver that message in media that are relevant to your audience; and pay attention to people who influence your audience’s decision-making. High school computer science teachers who actively recruit girls and minority students report more students overall and more female students in their courses.
White House Science Fair
President Obama speaks about the importance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics education to the country’s economic future after viewing exhibits from science fair winners from across the country.
President Obama speaks about the importance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics education to the country’s economic future after viewing exhibits from science fair winners from across the country.
Why Should Young People Consider Careers in Information Technology
Created as talking points for Counselors for Computing (C4C), a project of the NCWIT K-12 Alliance made possible by the Merck Company Foundation, this card gives adults talking points and additional resources for a conversation with their students, children, and/or other young people. The main message is that IT offers meaningful work, security and high salaries with a bachelor’s degree, and flexibility and variety. Information is provided to address these specific questions: What should you tell a young person about a career in IT? How can a young person prepare now for a career in IT?
Created as talking points for Counselors for Computing (C4C), a project of the NCWIT K-12 Alliance made possible by the Merck Company Foundation, this card gives adults talking points and additional resources for a conversation with their students, children, and/or other young people. The main message is that IT offers meaningful work, security and high salaries with a bachelor’s degree, and flexibility and variety. Information is provided to address these specific questions: What should you tell a young person about a career in IT? How can a young person prepare now for a career in IT?
