The Annual Computer Science Education Week Is in December. CS Education Week at BCPS is celebrated the Whole Month of December

Every December, we celebrate Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek), an annual call to action to inspire K-12 students to learn computer science, advocate for equity in computer science education, and celebrate the contributions of students, teachers, and partners to the field.  However, at BCPS, we celebrate CS Ed Week the entire month of December!  #CSEverywhere

This is a perfect month to start coding with your students - Rocket League, App Challenges, Esports, Minecraft Family Code Night! 

• Calendar of events - Daily computer science activities for students can be accessed via the Canvas course (updated by November)
• https://hourofcode.com/us/learn (Hour of Code activities from Code.org)
  Try a one-hour tutorial designed for all ages in over 45 languages. Join millions of students and teachers in over 180 countries starting with an Hour of Code.
• https://www.csedweek.org/events (Schedule of events and activities from CSTA)

Try a one-hour tutorial designed for all ages in over 45 languages. Join millions of students and teachers in over 180 countries starting with an Hour of Code. https://hourofcode.com/us/learn

Volunteer in our schools during the Hour of Code!  Register here: https://bit.ly/BASEmentor

For more info about computer science in Broward County Public Schools, email us at browardstem@browardschools.com

Get Involved in #BrowardCODES

Through its #BrowardCODES initiative, BCPS has expanded its connections between K-12 and computer science career pathways in South Florida in partnership with the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, South Florida Regional TechGateway, and other local businesses.

Every year, BCPS invites industry professionals to get involved with #BrowardCODES and join the excitement of Computer Science Education week by volunteering during CS Education Week in December.  Contact Dr. Lisa Milenkovic at browardstem for further information.

• #BrowardCODES Fact Sheet
• Code.org 
• 2016/17 CSforAll Consortium Pledge
• 2016/17 White House Fact Sheet
• 2021-2022 Computer Science in BCPS

Computer science is also a top paying college degree and computer programming jobs are growing at the national average.  Basic computer science skills can be applied and utilized in a variety of different careers.  
 
Today’s students are surrounded by technology in their everyday lives, yet few are learning how computers actually work. Computer science transforms students from simply users of technology to creators of technology.

Statistics from code.org's website (09/27/2024): https://code.org/promote/fl 

BCPS is honored to be the recipient of a $1.2 million grant from the National Science Foundation to develop a model for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and computer science in elementary schools.  

The project creates hands-on learning applications for students through a “STEM plus computing curriculum,” allowing students to build models and prototypes to improve problem-solving skills and develop their critical thinking abilities.  The District will also work with teachers to develop STEM problem-based learning and teacher professional development materials, to address challenging new areas for young learners.

The pilot project included 14 schools in the 2016/17 school year.  The results will be used to develop a national model for integrating computer science in the classroom.

For more information, go to Time for CS.  This material is based on work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 1542842.

The technology sector is big business in South Florida.  BCPS and the county’s economic development organization, the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance (Alliance), are teaming up to create an even brighter future for this industry and local students.
 
The Alliance, together with its counterpart economic development organizations in Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties, are showcasing technology companies throughout South Florida through a TechGateway initiative. This initiative includes a website,TechGateway.org, which highlights more than 2,000 local technology companies, as well as a map showcasing the location of these technology companies across our region.  Through a partnership with BCPS, poster-sized versions of the map are displayed at all of the District’s middle and high schools. BCPS Career, Technical, Adult & Community Education facilitators are also working to raise awareness at schools about the TechGateway initiative, posters and associated classroom activities.