Poster Lesson

Students will expand their knowledge of the relationship that computer science has with different industries by exploring the CS Heroes, how their work integrates with other industries, and the positive impact the CS Heroes' contributions have on the lives of others.

The following activities are based on a 1-day (about 45-minute) class session. Further below on this webpage, you will find suggestions and additional activities to extend this lesson. Other ways to continue celebrating CSEdWeek include My CS Hero Poster, Future Me Poster, and CS Connections on the CS Heroes webpage.

This lesson uses the 2023 theme and heroes as an example, but this lesson can be reworked with any theme or heroes.

Introduce CSEdWeek

Computer Science Education Week is dedicated to inspiring all students to learn computer science, making sure that all students have opportunities to explore a future in computer science, and celebrating the work of students, teachers, and partners each December. This week is held in recognition of the birthday of Admiral Grace Murray Hopper (December 9, 1906), who helped create the first commercial electronic computer and made popular the term “bug” (an error in a program) after removing an actual moth from a computer in 1947.

Introduce Theme (2023 Example: #ImpactsofComputing)

CSEdWeek Theme - “Impacts of Computing.” #ImpactsofComputing

• Lesson Opener/Reflection

  • What does “Impacts of Computing” mean to you?

  • Think-Pair-Share: Give students 3 minutes to reflect on the theme. With a partner, students each have 1 minute to share their reflection. As a whole group, have a few groups share their thoughts.

This year, our focus will be on the Impacts of Computing. “Impacts of Computing” refers to the positive and negative effects of computer science on various aspects of our lives, including education, privacy, security, and accessibility.

We want students to know that computer science is not just about learning about programming but also about helping them understand computer science's ethical, social, economic, and environmental implications.

Our 2023 CS Heroes have shared how their work has contributed to or harnessed computer science’s good, neutral, and negative impacts.

• Below are a few areas where computing has made a significant impact:

  • Communication: Computing has revolutionized communication. The advent of the internet, email, social media, and messaging apps has transformed how people connect and share information globally, enabling real-time communication across vast distances.

  • Information Access: The internet has democratized access to information. People can now access vast amounts of knowledge, research, and data with a few clicks, leveling the playing field for education and research.

  • Entertainment: Computing has transformed the entertainment industry. Video games, streaming platforms, digital art, and virtual reality have created new forms of entertainment and storytelling, enriching our leisure time.

  • Healthcare: Computers have improved medical diagnosis, treatment, and record-keeping. Technologies like Electronic Health Records (EHRs), telemedicine, and data analysis have enhanced patient care and research.

  • Education: Computing has revolutionized education. Online learning platforms, educational software, and interactive digital resources have expanded access to education and personalized learning experiences.

  • Business and Commerce: E-commerce, supply chain management systems, and data analytics have transformed how businesses operate. Computing has streamlined operations, improved customer experiences, and enabled global trade.

  • Research and Innovation: Computing plays a vital role in scientific research and innovation. Computational modeling, simulations, and data analysis have accelerated progress in fields like biology, physics, and climate science.

  • Automation: Computing has led to automation in various industries, increasing productivity and efficiency. Robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) are automating tasks from manufacturing to customer service.

  • Transportation: Computing has improved transportation systems through GPS navigation, traffic management, and autonomous vehicles, making travel safer and more efficient.

  • Environmental Impact: Computing is used for environmental monitoring, climate modeling, and sustainable resource management. It helps address environmental challenges and promotes sustainability.

  • Security: Cybersecurity is a critical aspect of computing. With increased digital connectivity, the need for robust security measures to protect data and privacy has grown exponentially.

  • Social Impact: Computing has social implications, including issues of privacy, digital divide, and ethical considerations in AI development. It has reshaped social interactions and norms.

  • Workforce and Jobs: The computing industry has created a wide range of job opportunities. It has also disrupted traditional job roles, requiring workers to adapt and acquire digital skills.

  • Economic Growth: The tech industry and related sectors have contributed significantly to economic growth in many countries, fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation.

  • Accessibility and Inclusion: Computing technologies have the potential to enhance accessibility for individuals with disabilities, ensuring that more people can participate in the digital world

Introduce CS Heroes

All of the CS Heroes can be found on the CS Heroes page. Follow the button below.

Meet the CS Heroes

2023 CS Heroes Scavenger Hunt

Provide students an opportunity to skim through each CS Hero’s webpage by completing the 2023 CS Heroes Scavenger Hunt.

Directions: Review the information at CSEdWeek.org/Heroes. Write the name of the 2023 CS Hero in the right column next to the fact that matches that person in the table provided. Click here for the printer-friendly version.

​Fact	​2023 CS Hero
Has an extreme desire to self-improve.
Passionate about performing arts and has participated in many school productions (musicals, plays, black box) during middle and high school.
Loves the flying feeling through the air on skates or a skateboard; regularly rollerskate, skateboard, and snowboard and has tried surfing.
Wrote a book called "InnovateHer: A Black Girl’s Guide to Tech and Social Innovation." The book denotes experiences as a minority student trying to enter the technology industry, as well as advice for young students facing similar scenarios. The book is scheduled for release in January 2024!
Is a baba to 5 beautiful kids and it’s the greatest joy and adventure of their life.
Loves listening to Afrobeats such as Tems and Davido.
Has trained in Muay Thai for around 3 years.
Has three rescue cats: Yoyo, Yoda, and Rex!
Learned a great deal of what little they know about conducting scientific research, not from scientists at all, but from the composer Ben Johnston.
At 8 years old was on a reality show called Child Genius - but was eliminated in the first round with all the other 8-year-olds.
Has a bookish Instagram that has nothing to do with CS education and everything to do with the books read for fun.
Used to be a varsity fencer in high school!
Has lived all over the world and is a computer and a music nerd, but also a high school varsity athlete.
​Is trained in classical Indian dance.
Enjoys immersing family in STEM projects during their free time.
Started learning the viola in sixth grade and played in amateur ensembles.
​Enjoys creating art through painting, sewing, crocheting, and DIY projects.

ANSWER KEY

​Fact	​2023 CS Hero
Has an extreme desire to self-improve.	Kayla Roman-Flores
Passionate about performing arts and has participated in many school productions (musicals, plays, black box) during middle and high school.	Mehar Bhasin
Loves the flying feeling through the air on skates or a skateboard; regularly rollerskate, skateboard, and snowboard and has tried surfing.	Randi Williams
Wrote a book called "InnovateHer: A Black Girl’s Guide to Tech and Social Innovation." The book denotes experiences as a minority student trying to enter the technology industry, as well as advice for young students facing similar scenarios. The book is scheduled for release in January 2024!	Grace Magny-Fokam
Is a baba to 5 beautiful kids and it’s the greatest joy and adventure of their life.	Dr. Sepehr Vakil
Loves listening to Afrobeats such as Tems and Davido.	Jada Okeoghene Ogueh
Has trained in Muay Thai for around 3 years.	Myles Ezeanii
Has three rescue cats: Yoyo, Yoda, and Rex!	Danielle Boyer
Learned a great deal of what little they know about conducting scientific research, not from scientists at all, but from the composer Ben Johnston.	Dr. Andreas Stefik
At 8 years old was on a reality show called Child Genius - but was eliminated in the first round with all the other 8-year-olds.	Eden Wilson
Has a bookish Instagram that has nothing to do with CS education and everything to do with the books read for fun.	Dr. Maya Israel
Used to be a varsity fencer in high school!	Sarah Applebaum
​Has lived all over the world and is a computer and a music nerd, but also a high school varsity athlete.	Ragib Ehsan Shadab
Is trained in classical Indian dance.	Adhwita Gopi Selvan
Enjoys immersing family in STEM projects during their free time.	Alva Laster
Started learning the viola in sixth grade and played in amateur ensembles.	Dr. Lisa Milenkovic
​Enjoys creating art through painting, sewing, crocheting, and DIY projects.	Dr. Christina Gardner-McCune

3-2-1 CS Hero Reflections

Select a 2023 CS Hero to learn more about and explore the resources that are listed on that CS Hero’s CSEdWeek page. Complete the 3-2-1 prompts:

• List 3 things you learned about the CS Hero.

• List 2 things you’re interested in.

• What is 1 question about this CS Hero you still have?

Optimistic Closure

After learning more about your select CS Hero, answer the following questions:

1. Why did you select this CS Hero?

2. What do you have in common with the CS Hero?

Lesson Plan Breakdown - 45 minutes

​# mins	​Description
​1	​CSEdWeek Introduction & Theme Introduction
​5	​Theme Reflection: Think-Pair-Share
​1	​CSEdWeek Theme Description
​10	​2023 CS Heroes Preview & Scavenger Hunt Instructions
​3	​Scavenger Hunt Review & Instructions for Learning More about a CS Hero
​20	​Explore a 2022 CS Hero of Choice & Complete 3-2-1 Reflection
​3	​Optimistic Closure

Extension Ideas

• On a 2nd day, have students select another CS Hero to learn more about.

• Split the CS Heroes into two groups and have students select one from Group A and on the next day from Group B. For example:

  • Group A: Randi Williams, Danielle Boyery, Maya Israel, Mehar Bhasin, Grace Magny-Fokam, Jada Okeoghene Ogueh, Ragib Ehsan Shadab

  • Group B: Adhwita Gopi Selvan, Dr. Lisa Milenkovic, Andreas Stefik, Kayla Roman-Flores Myles Ezeanii, Alva Laster, Sarah Applebaum, Eden Wilson, Sepehr Vakil, Christina Gardner-McCune

Extension Activities

• Give One-Get One-Move On

  • In partners that did not select the same CS Hero, student A tells student B about a CS Hero (give one). Then, student B tells student A about a CS Hero (get one). Finally, they switch partners (move on).

  • Have as many rounds as time allows so that students can learn about as many CS Heroes from their peers as possible.

• Have students create a presentation of a CS Hero of choice.

  • Present their CS Hero to a small group.

  • Present their CS Hero to the entire class.

• Have students create a Scratch animation or other CS project to share information about their CS Hero.

• Show the panel discussion from the CSEdWeek kickoff event featuring four CS Heroes: Danielle Boyer, Mehar Bhasin, Grace Magny-Fokam, and Dr. Maya Israel.