Family Resources

Ideas for Families

With or without internet access at home, families can start learning CS together. Here are a few resources to get you started!

Please note that this is not a complete list of all resources; a Google search may help you to find more resources as well. The intention of this site is to get you started.

Without Internet Access, here are some great resources:

Activities

The Hello Ruby Series comes with several embedded ideas for younger children that would best be done with an adult to be sure vocabulary is being practiced
Build a computer from scratch: there is nothing quite like putting a computer together, piece by piece, to understand how it works. There are lots of online tutorials if you get stuck. Recommended for grades 7 and up.
The CS Unplugged Series has recommendations for elementary, middle and high school students. With these activities, all you need is paper, pencil, and an imagination to see how you are using these items to simulate how a computer really works.

Books

Hello Ruby - published in more than 20 languages, this book series is intended for young children to learn the fundamentals of CS
Lift the Flap: Computers & Coding - great for grades 2 and up; small flaps exist throughout the book to give kids a chance to interact with the book and learn about many different CS ideas while they do so!
Lauren Ipsum: A Story About CS and Other Improbable Things - great for grades 5 and up; Lauren is lost in a forest and while she is lost she discovers all kinds of interesting characters and ideas connected to more advanced CS topics.
Check out our book list for some more ideas.

TECH FAQS

With Internet access, here are some great resources:

For HS Students

Upcoming Opportunities:

RSS Feeds Subscribe to Alerts

March

Mar 28 2023

VIRTUAL: Exploring Computer Science in our Curriculums Subscribe to Alerts

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

The Governor's Council on Women & Girls proudly presents a panel on "Exploring CS in our Curriculums". Panelists are: Jackie Corricelli, Kristin Violette, Nicole Pelletier, and Dr. Stacey Williams.

Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, herself, will be moderating.

Register here: bit.ly/COWAGCS

Mar 30 2023

CSK5, The National Summit for Elementary Computer Science Education Subscribe to Alerts

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

For CS/STEM Advocates, Elementary Educators, Principals & District Staff
CSK5 is a national master class in K-5 CS education. You'll learn how top schools and districts are succeeding, see the best in K-5 CS resources, network with providers to bring the best ideas and resources to your schools. It's a special online learning opportunity for all elementary educators and CS/STEM advocates. It's free, two hours, all online, and packed with knowledge on how to start or enhance K-5 CS ed at any school. Learn more and Register to attend here.

Mar 31 2023

Deadline - ManufactureCT Scholarships Subscribe to Alerts

all day

ManufactureCT, a statewide manufacturing association, is accepting applications for eight $500 Scholarship Awards for students pursuing a career in manufacturing by way of college or entering the workforce upon graduation from high school. The MCT scholarship program also includes the Kris Lorch Memorial Scholarship for $1,000 for family members of ManufactureCT's member companies. The deadline for all scholarships is March 31 by 4:00 p.m. To apply online, click here.

Mar 31 2023

Registration Deadline: GenCyber Teacher Camp for Non-STEM Teachers Subscribe to Alerts

all day

Flyer is here.

At University of Maryland Global Campus, we know that cybersecurity has practical applications across a wide range of fields, even outside of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). That's why the 2023 GenCyber Infusion and Immersion Teacher Camp at UMGC will look a little different than in years past. The GenCyber camp is still designed to help high school teachers deliver cybersecurity content into their curricula more effectively. But this year, the program will focus on training non-technical high school teachers to infuse cybersecurity concepts into their existing courses. This is designed to introduce more students to cybersecurity fundamentals, concepts, and ethics.

The targeted subject areas that will be included in the camp are English, social studies, history, math, foreign language, health and physical education, library science, history, music, and fine arts.

UMGC is currently accepting applications for the summer 2023 camp. The program has a cap of 20 high school teachers to allow for compelling discussions and hands-on experiences. The application deadline is March 31, 2023.

If you are selected to participate in the 2023 camp, you will not pay any cost or fee for the program. Plus, the 20 selected program participants will be provided with the following:

Certificate of participation upon the completion of the summer camp
$1,000 stipend upon the completion of all pre-and post-camp activities, camp activities, and necessary surveys
Meta Quest 2 VR headset
Breakfast and lunch provided on in-person camp days (in-person schedule TBD)

The camp is open to teachers nationally, but keep in mind that housing and transportation are not provided.