Computer Science Classroom Resources
Kira Learning
JMCSS teachers may contact Dr. Molly Plyler (mmplyler@jmcss.org) to gain access to their Kira Learning teacher account.
Code.org
Anyone can learn computer science! Get started coding today using FREE Code.org resources. JMCSS teachers and students can create an account using Clever to access coding tutorials, curriculum, and Hour of Code activities.
Hour of Code
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. Activities can be filtered by grade, device, academic content area, and so much more!
Unplugged Hour of Code Activities
Unplugged activities are computer science activities that do NOT require a device like a computer. Explore some of the unplugged activities created by Code.org.
CS First with Google
A computer science integrated curriculum that makes coding easy to teach and fun to learn.
Scratch
Scratch is a free programming language and online community where you can create your own interactive stories, games, and animations.
ScratchJr
Coding is the new literacy! With ScratchJr, young children (ages 5-7) can program their own interactive stories and games. In the process, they learn to solve problems, design projects, and express themselves creatively on the computer.
VEXcode
VEXcode allows students to get started coding quickly and easily. VEXcode is consistent across Blocks, Python, C++ and all VEX Brands. As students progress through elementary, middle, and high school, they never have to re-learn a new coding environment. As a result, students can focus on creating with technology.
Physical Computing Projects with Raspberry Pi Foundation
Learn coding and design skills to make things that matter to you using Raspberry Pi hardware.
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High School Computer Science in Python Course
JMCSS high schools may now add students to the online course, Computer Science in Python. This FREE course is on the Kira Learning platform and requires a JMCSS teacher of record for students to enroll.
Kira Learning’s Year-Long Introduction to Computer Science in Python Course. This 9-unit course is completely free to teach and is approved by the Department of Education to meet the Tennessee Computer Science graduation requirement, which will come into full effect in the 2024-25 school year.
If you are a JMCSS high school administrator or teacher and would like more information about this course, please contact Dr. Molly Plyler (mmplyler@jmcss.org).
Curriculum Guide Introduction to Computer Science Fundamentals
Hour of Code
TDOE "Reach Them All" Computer Science training
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Computer Science Endorsement Pathway Training
With the passage of Chapter 979 of the Public Acts of 2022 by unanimous vote of the Tennessee General Assembly, all Local Education Agencies (LEA) and public charter schools are required to provide K-12 students with grade-level appropriate computer science education. Beginning in the 2024-25 school year, computer science (CS) will be embedded in grades K-5; middle school students will be required to take CS for one grading period during their 6th, 7th, or 8th grade year; and high school students will take CS as a graduation requirement.
To ensure teachers are properly trained and endorsed to deliver CS courses in middle and high school, the Computer Science Endorsement Pathway (CSEP) has been created. CSEP provides teachers with a no-cost route to computer science endorsement. The endorsement pathway contains six self-paced modules that allow teachers to demonstrate their knowledge and skills of the CS standards by embedding these practices into their current instruction. Teachers who obtained an employment standard or completed Code.org training will only be required to take three of the six modules.
Please contact Dr. Molly Plyler (mmplyler@jmcss.org) if you are a JMCSS teacher wishing to obtain your CS endorsement.