EQUIPPED FOR THE {FUTURE}: Curriculum Planning Tools for Integrating Computer Science Into K–5 Content Areas

Abstract

While teachers and leaders agree on the merit of elementary computer science (CS) instruction, perceived obstacles of time and expertise constrain implementation. Integrating CS with content areas represents a meaningful, accessible, sustainable, and scalable pathway for CS access for all students. Our suite of unit-planning tools progresses through foci on CS connections, unpacking, instructional resources, assessment, and supports and meaning. A template with matched sets of checklists and rubrics define high-quality attributes for feedback and reflection. Teachers (n = 49) created units across content areas, showing proof-of-concept for CS-novice elementary classroom teachers as designers of CS-embedded curricula.