Course Details

Note: A course's programming language includes the [PP] flag to designate Proprietary Platform. This means that code written in this course would not run elsewhere without significant modifications or installations.

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Code.org: Computer Science Discoveries

Code.org's most flexible course, allowing each unit to be taught alone, combined into collections that focus on specific areas, or as a full year course. The free curriculum introduces students to building their own websites, apps, animations, games, and physical computing systems. The course is updated frequently and includes content and gamified activities that reflect teen trends.

Suggested for 6th – 8th Grade

10 - 113 hours

Free to use

Platform

Proprietary Platform

Programming Language

[PP] Block-based, JavaScript

Device Compatibility

Computers Running Windows, MacOS, Chromebooks, iPads with iPadOS 13.4 or Later with External Keyboard and Mouse/Touchpad, Microsoft Surface Pro with an external keyboard (Most Other Tablets NOT Supported) Micro:bit or circuit playgrounds recommended, but not required, for unit 6

Auto-Grading Availability

Partial

Date Modified

Year of creation unavailable; updated annually

Funding Information

Code.org is a nonprofit funded by many large companies: Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Kenneth C. Griffin (3m+ each)

Lesson Structure

Videos, Activities, Quizzes, Slides

Course Sequencing

Note: Unit selection/order can be customized

1.Problem solving & computing (8 lessons)

2. Web development (21 lessons)

3. Interactivity & game design (28 lessons)

4. The design process (21 lessons)

5. Impacts of computing: Data and Society (16 lessons)

6. App development

6A: (option A) Creating Apps with Devices-Circuit Playground (19 lessons)

6B: (option B) Creating Apps with Devices (micro:bit) (17 lessons)

7. AI and Machine Learning (22 lessons)

Course "Lens"

Students are introduced to programming concepts through creative computing activities in a block-based environment and through web development. Through projects, discussions, and unplugged activities, students explore conceptual, social, and ethnical aspects of computing.

Standards Alignment

Provides alignment to K-12 CS Framework and the CSTA standards.

Structure

7 units with ~2 chapters each and ~10 lessons per chapter. Each lesson is divided further into steps. 139 total lessons

Training Available

Offers PL workshops for new and experienced teachers throughout the year – require an application, offered through regional partners. Self-paced PD becoming available online.

Spotlight

Spotlight:

Breadth & Depth

Code.org is the most comprehensive curriculum listed in this tool, as it is budgeted to use the most instructional hours. As a powerhouse in this space, it offers tons of resources for a variety of CS programming, though we note that even though many materials are provided to educators, teachers still need planning time to make the lessons come to life.

Honorable Mention:

Modularity

Being as comprehensive as it is, the Code.org curricula are able to be adapted into different structures depending on a school's need. For instance, the CS Discoveries course may be broken up into a grades 6-8 sequence, or some individual units may be used for shorter class lengths

What makes it great:

Flexibility! Code.org has resources, and you can use what they offer as a powerful foundation for any number of situations.

Expert Take

Code.org Discoveries offers a comprehensive, well-organized, and student-centric approach to computer science education. Its flexible curriculum accommodates various class schedules, allowing teachers to tailor the course length to their needs. Covering a wide array of topics including Artificial Intelligence, Data, Web Design, Physical Computing, App Design, Games and Animations, Art and Design, and Programming, it ensures a holistic learning experience. One of the strengths of Discoveries is its inclusion of "unplugged" activities in all units, promoting hands-on and cooperative learning. Additionally, the curriculum provides detailed guidance for teachers, with a consistent progression through predict, skill building, practice, assessment, and challenges phases for programming via the Code Studio platform. Discoveries offers guidance on designing a flexible curriculum based on the teacher's preferred focus areas, such as Creativity, Hardware, Data, Design with Purpose, Coding, or Impact on Society. This adaptability makes it accessible and effective for teachers with minimal or no programming or computer science background. We also note that should educators choose to use Unit 6, the micro:bit simulator may be used in place of the physical device.