This is a big year for computer science in South Carolina with the new list of computer science courses to fulfill the graduation requirement (see page 128) going into effect for all students across the state. If you have any questions as you navigate the changes, please don't hesitate to reach out to your CSTA South Carolina board.
It's been a busy summer with many of you attending a variety of events including SC's Education and Business Summit, the SCDE CS Symposium, Code.org PD, CROCs ECS & UTeach PD and the 2019 CSTA Annual Conference. I hope you returned to the school year with a wealth of resources to leap into teaching CS this year!
We are looking forward to this upcoming year for CSTA South Carolina and we hope to see you at the CSTA Day on September 28th!
As we transition, during the 2019-2020 school year, to ALL high school students required to take Computer Science (not keyboarding) for graduation, we want to make sure that teachers and students have all the resources they need.
Please join us on September 28, 2019 for sessions related to teaching and learning Computer Science and computational thinking.
Time: 10am - 3pm (with a 9am early-bird bonus session)
Where: The Citadel - Bond Hall - Charleston, SC (171 Moultrie St, Charleston, SC 29409)
Cost: FREE
Who: Anyone interested in learning more about Computer Science
Code.org is hosting multiple 1-day workshops across the state this fall for CS Discoveries and CS Principles.
CS Discoveries Professional Development
*Please register using the links below, all are welcome but those teachers who attended Summer 2019 PD have priority. Parts 3 & 4 will be held in the Spring, dates TBD.
*Please register using the links below, all are welcome but those teachers who attended Summer 2019 PD have priority. Parts 3 & 4 will be held in the Spring, dates TBD.
We’re celebrating at the 20th anniversary of the CSTA Annual Conference and you’re the first to be invited to the party. We’re excited to add an extra day of conference programming, while continuing to keep the price low for K–12 teachers. Join us for CSTA 2020, set for July 11–15, in Arlington, Virginia!
Secure your CSTA 2020 spot at the lowest possible price!
Hotel reservations in the CSTA hotel blocks can be made at $165 per night (plus tax). You’ll receive a link to book at the special CSTA rate once your registration is complete, while supplies last.
Apply to Present at CSTA 2020
Submit an application to present your great computer science and education leadership strategies at the 2020 CSTA Annual Conference, set for July 11–15, in Arlington, Virginia.
We’re looking for proposals from educators that:
Go beyond the traditional classroom lecture and introduce new ways to increase student engagement
Are grounded in the everyday practice of teaching and learning
Target specific grade bands and/or experience levels, with guidance for participants to easily determine what’s appropriate for their needs
Visit our website to learn how you can submit a three-hour workshop, one-hour session, 20-minute mini-session, or a one-hour “Birds of a Feather” discussion. Applications close Sept. 29.
You’re Invited to Become a CSTA 2020 Reviewer
CSTA’s Conference Committee invites you to consider reviewing submissions for CSTA 2020. If you’ve attended or presented at a prior CSTA conference and/or have a connection to K–12 computer science, consider volunteering your time.
Submissions are limited to about 2.5 pages of information so each review will likely take no more than 15 to 30 minutes. Reviewers will have an opportunity to indicate a preference to not review any assigned submission. We may ask you to help with additional reviews as the deadline closes to ensure a comprehensive review of all submissions. We hope to have a minimum of three reviewers per submission.
The review process begins on Oct. 4 and concludes on Oct. 28, so please make sure that you are available to devote time to during this period to review content.
The call for reviewers closes on Sept. 15, so be sure to submit your application before then! This application will only take two to three minutes of your time. You will be notified of next steps after the application closes. Thank you for your interest and commitment to CSTA.
Earlier this year, CSTA and ISTE launched an initiative to revise CS Educator Standards. In June, we opened Draft 1 of these standards for review and public comment. We’ve reviewed your feedback and are now ready to share the next draft with you.
Your input as a CS educator is important to us! Learn more about how you can review Draft 2 of the new standards and provide your feedback.
Are you looking for an opportunity to keep your students engaged outside the classroom? CSTA is thrilled to offer educators across the United States the opportunity to start a Computer Science Honor Society (CSHS) in their high schools. This CSTA program encourages secondary students’ enthusiasm for computer science, honors academic excellence, and promotes service.
By starting a chapter at your school, you will instill the program’s three core values in your students; recognize students who excel in computer science; provide student leadership opportunities, and support your school and community through meaningful service. Read more about the program and start an application today!
These computer science magazines are a great way to explore some solid CS ideas and pedagogy this school year. Download them to your phone or iPad and enjoy an article or two.
Take an in-depth look at computing and the arts, with stories from educators who have created wonderful cross-curricular projects, as well as activities you can try with your students.
Elementary code clubs: educators share how they've made them work
The little book of algorithms: an introduction to a fantastic new resource
Take an in-depth look at what the National Centre for Computing Education means for the future of teaching computing. Lesson plans and features written by educators from around the world.
A day in the life of a primary school computing teacher
What all teachers can learn from specialist provision
Artifacts to inspire: an inspiring digital making hack day at museums and libraries
How to use a Crumble to get started with physical computing
This issues cover feature is “Global Challenge”. In 2018, the Micro:bit Educational Foundation with Arm and World’s Largest Lesson challenged students aged 8-12 across the globe to consider how these Goals could change the lives of themselves and others and to design solutions to these Goals using the micro:bit.
Playing with magnets: Les Pounder shows us how to use magnets to alter the micro:bit’s compass.
Battery Eliminator for micro:bit: Build your own regulated 3.3v power supply for micro:bit.
Check out the June issue of beanz for articles on learning JavaScript with Cue, a maze generator that uses a Python coding challenge to create exciting labyrinths at the click of a button! Some beanz issues can be read online without a subscription.
STEAM Summer Reading List
Gamify the Summer
Make a Turtle Move in Circles with a simple and fun Python tutorial
Print a 3D Galaxy
Enjoy reading these great resources for PD!
~ Lois Byars, Lexington County School District One
