Future Friday-1

FUTURE FRIDAY: GEAR UP FOR THE CLIMB!

Equip yourself with the curated collection of computer science professional learning resources.

Where does CS Fit in my Classroom?

After this week of resources, we hope you see lots of opportunities to increase the computer science content in your classroom! This resource can help you convince your colleagues to do the same!

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CS in ELA

A one-page document to identify where computer science can fit into English/Language Arts class.

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Data Art

Data can create beautiful works of art, when students collect and color code their lives! This page helps students read charts for information and create their own. Check out dear-data.com for additional ways to turn data into art.

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Raise by MIT - Block Based Coding

Use block-based coding and only 3 simple blocks to design a complex program, even if you or your students are new to coding!

Watch Now!

Origami Algorithms

Use the Japanese art of origami to teach algorithmic thinking to your students! This activity is suitable for 1st graders and up.

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Become a CS Champion

Each year, the Virginia Department of Education holds a CS Educator of the Year Award, including several subcategories. Become a CS Champion by being voted top of your category or nominate a colleague by January 9!

Nomination Form

STUDENT CORNER

 

Each day, the Student Corner highlights a different CS Career  to consider, especially those that don't necessarily seem to use computer science.

Explore our student-friendly resources and videos you can use immediately in your classroom.

Landing Page Banner CS Summit - Happy CS Ed Week 2025 (1200 x 450 px) (7)

 

ACE Celebrates Educators YOUR WAY!

American College of Education (ACE) offers online degree programs, certificates, and licensure pathways for educators, along with professional learning and induction programs for school districts. Their offerings include literacy, instructional coaching, educational leadership, and instructional technology to support ongoing educator growth.

For outreach or partnership inquiries, contact Morgan Meadows, Director of K–12 Partnerships at morgan.meadows@ace.edu

School District Partnership Opportunities and Information

American College of Education

Celebrating Educators | Quality education you expect. Low cost you deserve

 

Looking for Funding?

Brown Dog Gadgets provides educators with access to free STEM samples, professional-development workshops, and a curated directory of national and Virginia-based grant opportunities. They offer resources for integrating robotics, circuits, coding, and AI into classroom activities. Their programs are designed to help teachers explore hands-on learning and expand STEM opportunities for students.

Grant Repository, Form for Free Samples & Curriculum Resources for Products

Brown Dog Gadgets

Hardware Kits | Curriculum Resources

 

AFE Brings Career Readiness Education To You!

Amazon Future Engineers offers K–12 students and educators access to career exploration experiences, including Career Tours that showcase pathways in computer science, technology, and engineering. They also provide curriculum resources, virtual learning opportunities, and programs aimed at inspiring students from historically underrepresented groups to pursue tech careers. Educators can access these resources to support classroom learning, career guidance, and hands-on STEM experiences.

Amazon Career Tours, Courses, Scholarships and Internships

AFE Career Tour

Amazon Future Engineer | Career Exposure

 

Creating the Next Makers and Innovators

 
Code in the Schools offers a range of programs for Baltimore City youth, including the free after-school Prodigy Program for students 13 and up, CodeWorks, a paid summer experience for ages 14–21, and DataTrail, a 14-week data science initiative. Educators and organizations can also host an intern to provide hands-on tech experience or participate in professional learning through Maryland Codes, Code.org’s regional partner. Interested participants and educators can learn more and get involved via the Code in the Schools website.


Code in the Schools Mission and Program Information

Code in the Schools

| Expanding access to quality computer science education.

 

Stipends for CHOICE Professional Learning

The CHOICE initiative supports Virginia secondary science, math, computer science, and CTE teachers with a virtual professional-learning community where they can access webinars, micro-credentials, and college courses. Teachers may receive funding to cover training costs and related expenses, along with instructional coaching and peer collaboration. Enrollment information and cohort updates are available through the CHOICE program.

Virginia Ed Strategies Overview

VA Ed Strategies

CHOICE Grant Funding | Professional Development for Educators

 

Walmart's Spark Good Program Gives Grants from $250 to $5,000 for Schools and Nonprofits

Spark Good provides educators with hands-on, project-based activities and campaigns that help students explore social impact, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement. Teachers can use these resources to inspire creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving while connecting classroom learning to real-world challenges. Participation also offers opportunities for students to showcase their projects and make a tangible difference in their communities.
 

Spark Good information and access

Spark Good

Walmart | Social Impact & Youth Outreach

ACE
brown dog gadgets
amazon logo
Code in the Schools MD
VA Ed Strategies
walmart sparkgood

Reflection: How could today’s learning shape your classroom or school CS practices in the future?
Challenge: Think ahead: what’s one CS concept or tool you want to explore with your students next year? Share your plan or create a quick prototype.