Wisdom Wednesday-2
WISDOM WEDNESDAY: GEAR UP FOR THE CLIMB!

Teacher's Lounge

Today's Showcase Resource

Sarah Noffsinger, CS Champion 2025, shares a recent lesson that engaged middle school students at SmithTech in Chesapeake, VA. "SmithTech students worked in Scratch to create their own jumping games. I paired the activity with the guide [linked below]. It has reflection questions and step-by-step instructions (while still giving students some autonomy over their game). Teachers did this activity with their students during our Power Up time and teachers said it was very accessible, even for students who had not worked in Scratch before. This YouTube video can be used as a hook or support for the lesson as well."

Scratch Game Reflection Guide

Reflection Guide for the Jumping Game in Scratch activity explained above.

Access the Guide Here

CS Integration in Science

Explore some of the ways computer science can support your science instruction with this one-page handout.

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Computational Thinking

Use this printable to explore five concepts of computational thinking: Abstraction, Algorithmic Thinking, Decomposition, Patterns, and Sequencing & Debugging.

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Playdough Decomposition

A quick lesson with discussion prompts to explore how to explain decomposition to our youngest learners. (NEED TO CLEAN UP DOC)

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NEW Teaching Computer Science

A NEW asynchronous, 3-hour PD that helps K–8 educators design and facilitate strong CS-integrated learning within core instruction in a practical way. Participants learn to ID high-quality integration, connect CS to other content, and leave with a ready-to-use plan for creating meaningful CS experiences for all students. (Replaces CS Integration) NEED TO UPDATE REGISTRATION LINK

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CS Reading List

Need a new read for yourself or to add to your classroom library? Check out these reading lists!

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Student Corner

Each day, the Student Corner highlights a different CS Career to consider, especially those that don't necessary seem like they use computer sciene. 

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) (5)

Featured Resource: CodeVA's Pocket Guides

Algorithms and Programming Pocket Guide Image

A tool providing a quick snapshot of how the Algorithms & Programming strand and CS skills progress naturally across grades K-8.

Student Resources

Patterns & Loops Poster: This poster helps students identify where they can use patterns and loops in real life and your classroom.
 
 Match the Machine- K-2 Unplugged Activity: Explore the difference between input and output.
 
Binary Switchboard - 3-5 Unplugged Activity: Examine how binary is used to represent data.
 
Network Optimization - 6-8 Unplugged Activity: A challenge to send a message as efficiently as possible.
 
Do You Speak Emoji? :An activity for K-6, this page invites kids to explore how humans have used pictures to communicate from ancient cave art to today’s emojis, with fun rebus-style challenges that let them practice decoding visual messages.
 
Computational Storycards 3: Computational storytelling cards help students plan, sequence, and communicate ideas, making it easy to bring algorithms and creative thinking into any story-based activity.
Videos Below

Student Friendly Videos

Sorting Network: A fun activity classes can use to practice sequencing or ordering steps in any content area!
Python Part 1: Basic coding concepts in the Python language
 

Partners in AI Education

 

From Kindergarten to Graduation: Real-World AI Implementation in CS Ed — CSTA 2025 Closing Keynote

The Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) is a professional organization dedicated to supporting K‑12 computer science educators. Joining CSTA provides access to resources, professional development, community networking, advocacy opportunities, and guidance to help teachers effectively implement and grow CS education in their schools.

CSTA Voice

The CSTA Voice is your resource for analysis and commentary on issues related to K–12 computer science education issues. Interested in contributing to The Voice? Reach out to media@csteachers.org.

Computer Science Teaching Association

CSTA Virginia | PD, Curriculum, Advocacy

REACHING 5 MILLION GIRLS, WOMEN, AND NONBINARY INDIVIDUALS BY 2030

Girls Who Code is committed to preparing our students for in-demand jobs in emerging technology and AI, ensuring that they keep in pace with a rapidly changing tech industry. For the next five years, our work will focus on Clubs and Pathways.

Girls Who Code | Get Involved.

Girls Who Code

Coding Clubs & Advocacy | Connect, Grow & Share

 

Designed to nurture your passion for technology and equip you with the skills to thrive in this ever-evolving field.

Contributing to the AI Ecosystem

JMU CS Dept. supports community and K‑12 outreach, offering programs and research initiatives that include AI education, coding camps, and hands-on CS learning experiences.

JMU CS Department

James Madison University

Computer Science Dept. | Being the Change

Celebrating CS Ed Week in Partnership with Code.org to create the "Hour of AI"

CSforAll is a national initiative ensuring all K‑12 students have access to high-quality, equitable computer science education. 

Initiatives: Unlock 8, Teach AI and Computer Science is Everything

Unlock 8 is the movement to make computer science and AI a high school requirement. Teach AI is building the framework of how and what to teach about AI. Computer Science is Everything demands efforts in closing the gender gap in computer science.

Support from CSforAll here.

CS for All

Hour of AI | We are working to bring AI and computer science education to all students.

 

Spark STEM with Boolean Girl

Boolean Girl has opportunities to teach coding workshops, mentor students, support STEM clubs, or sponsor programs. Participants help guide girls through hands-on coding projects, robotics, and engineering activities while fostering an inclusive learning environment. Volunteer and mentorship roles provide direct engagement with students, while sponsorship and program support contribute to expanding access and resources for girls in technology.

Get Involved

 

Empower Learning with Teacher Resources

Support for teachers includes access to lesson plans, free training, and donated micro:bit STEM kits, making it easier to integrate hands-on coding and STEM activities into the classroom. These resources help educators guide students through engaging, project-based learning experiences.

Teacher Resources

Boolean Girl

Girls Coding Programs | Teaching coding and engineering in an inclusive, welcoming environment

 

Anyone Can Be a Technologist!

The Capital One Coders program connects students with technologists through mentorship. The students build their own mobile app, website or Provides coding and computational thinking programs for students, including curriculum and workshops that introduce basic AI and software development concepts.

Capital One Coders Resources

Capital One Coders

Capital One | Building the Future through Technology

csta
gwc
JMU CS
csforall
boolean girls
capone

Challenge & Reflection

Reflection: What’s one piece of CS wisdom from your own experience you can pass on to another educator?
Challenge: Pick a lesson in math, literacy, or science and brainstorm one way to integrate a CS concept.

Need to catch up?

State of CS Ed in VA

Virginia has made great strides in CS Education but still has some gaps to close.

Sorting Networks

Sorting networks are a fun, engaging unplugged activity for many ages!

Python Coding Basics Pt. 1

This student-created video explores the basics of programming in Python.

Python Coding Basics Pt. 1

Dive deeper into Python with another student-created video!