This week, students in Kindergarten to Grade 12 will participate in the OCSB’s first Computer Science Education Week!
The goals of the week are to:
- demystify coding and inspire students to learn computer science;
- advocate for equity by providing every student with the opportunity to learn about computer science; and
- celebrate the contributions of students, teachers, and partners to the field.
A fun week of exploring the world of Computer Science
Computer coding is now part of the Ontario Mathematics curriculum beginning in grade 1. Coding allows students to develop critical skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, perseverance, and attention to detail. Even younger students can benefit from learning the basics.
The week will be full of opportunities for students to learn how computer science impacts our world. Together with the Learning Partnership, Let’s Talk Science, Fair Chance Learning, and the Ontario Network for Education (ONFE), our consultants will offer a week-long program with a wide range of activities for our educators to choose from.
A virtual field trip Monday morning, the week kicks off with a virtual field trip to Amazon’s Fulfillment Centre. Future engineers and robotics technicians in grades 4-12 will discover how algorithms and machine learning drive Amazon’s processes. The Tours are interactive, and students will get to ask questions and meet the engineers behind the technology.
Live coding sessions for all grade levels
Throughout the week, classes will have the chance to participate in live coding sessions using applications tailored to their grade level. For students in grades K-3, this means learning with Bee Bots simulators and unplugged coding. Grades 4-6 will learn about Google’s CS First – an easy and engaging online coding platform, as well as the Micro: bit and Scratch website coding applications.
Grade 7 and 8 students will get to try their hand at coding a rock, paper, scissors game, or a step counter in Micro: bit. Students in grades 7-9 will learn about Python – a powerful general-purpose programming language used in web development and data science. The Let’s Code Math session for grades 9-12 will introduce students to how math and computer science work together.
Exploring Computer Science career opportunities
OCSB’s Computer Science Education Week finishes off on Friday with an online career panel of Tech and IT professionals. Students in grades 5-12 will get to hear about a diverse number of jobs available in the field of computer science. Panellists include a software engineer, robotics technician, website developer, and more!
Follow along on social media!
Be sure to ask your child about what they are learning this week, and check social media to see how Computer Science Education Week is being celebrated in our schools. Our educators will be sharing their class experience using our hashtags: #ocsbCSED and #ocsbCodes