Exploring Computer Science is a year-long, research-based introductory-level high school CS curriculum and teacher professional development program. Our comprehensive project is designed to broaden participation in computing and show the breadth of CS.
The ECS curriculum has 6 units, all with daily lesson plans, final projects, and grading rubrics:
ECS uses the Scratch programming language. The curriculum has strong alignment to CSTA standards and a loose crosswalk to reinforce Common Core Math, ELA, and NGSS. Our website discusses the scope and sequence of the curriculum.
The PD consists of two week-long summer institutes (in consecutive summers) and four quarterly 1-day PDs throughout the school year. Teachers learn about our three strands: equity, inquiry, and CS concepts—while planning, practice teaching, reflecting, and building community. Our quarterly PDs are in-person for the first year, and additional supports depend on the region and project. Given the options for virtual PD, we have no geographic limitations. Our website lays out the philosophy and sequence of our teacher PDs.
Our curriculum is completely free of cost and available on our website. The PD has no cost for individual teachers. Edison robots are used in unit 6 and cost ~ each.
Pictured: Facilitator Workshop, student project during e-textiles unit, summer PD
