CS First

K12 CS Framework Aligned

Google

Google creates resources to provide every student access to the collaborative, coding, and technical skills that unlock opportunities.

CS First (g.co/csfirst) is Google’s free, introductory computer science curriculum designed for students in 4th to 8th grade. CS First was built by educators who wanted a tool that allowed every teacher to teach computer science, even if it was their first time teaching CS. So they developed a curriculum that was easy to teach and integrate into a wide range of classrooms. CS First’s video-based lessons introduce students to the basics of block-based coding and core computer science concepts. CS First has been used by thousands of teachers and millions of students in 75+ countries.

CS First is designed to:

  • Tap into students’ interests
  • Encourage problem solving, collaboration, and creativity
  • Facilitate teamwork and peer tutoring

URL:

http://g.co/csfirst

Cost:

Free

K12 CS Framework Components

What is this?
Grade Band:
3-5
Concept:
Networks and Internet
Sub-Concept:
Network Communications
Statements:
Information needs a physical or wireless path to travel to be sent and received, and some paths are better than others. Information is broken into smaller pieces, called packets, that are sent independently and reassembled at the destination. Routers and switches are used to properly send packets across paths to their destinations.
Grade Band:
3-5
Concept:
Data and Analysis
Sub-Concept:
Inference and Models
Statements:
The accuracy of inferences and predictions is related to how realistically data is represented. Many factors influence the accuracy of inferences and predictions, such as the amount and relevance of data collected.
Grade Band:
3-5
Concept:
Algorithms and Programming
Sub-Concept:
Algorithms
Statements:
Different algorithms can achieve the same result. Some algorithms are more appropriate for a specific context than others.
Grade Band:
3-5
Concept:
Algorithms and Programming
Sub-Concept:
Variables
Statements:
Programming languages provide variables, which are used to store and modify data. The data type determines the values and operations that can be performed on that data.
Grade Band:
3-5
Concept:
Algorithms and Programming
Sub-Concept:
Control
Statements:
Control structures, including loops, event handlers, and conditionals, are used to specify the flow of execution. Conditionals selectively execute or skip instructions under different conditions.
Grade Band:
3-5
Concept:
Algorithms and Programming
Sub-Concept:
Modularity
Statements:
Programs can be broken down into smaller parts to facilitate their design, implementation, and review. Programs can also be created by incorporating smaller portions of programs that have already been created.
Grade Band:
3-5
Concept:
Algorithms and Programming
Sub-Concept:
Program Development
Statements:
People develop programs using an iterative process involving design, implementation, and review. Design often involves reusing existing code or remixing other programs within a community. People continuously review whether programs work as expected, and they fix, or debug, parts that do not. Repeating these steps enables people to refine and improve programs.
Grade Band:
3-5
Concept:
Impacts of Computing
Sub-Concept:
Culture
Statements:
The development and modification of computing technology is driven by people’s needs and wants and can affect groups differently. Computing technologies influence, and are influenced by, cultural practices.
Grade Band:
3-5
Concept:
Impacts of Computing
Sub-Concept:
Safety, Law, and Ethics
Statements:
Ethical complications arise from the opportunities provided by computing. The ease of sending and receiving copies of media on the Internet, such as video, photos, and music, creates the opportunity for unauthorized use, such as online piracy, and disregard of copyrights, such as lack of attribution.
Grade Band:
6-8
Concept:
Data and Analysis
Sub-Concept:
Visualization and Transformation
Statements:
Data can be transformed to remove errors, highlight or expose relationships, and/or make it easier for computers to process.
Grade Band:
6-8
Concept:
Data and Analysis
Sub-Concept:
Inference and Models
Statements:
Computer models can be used to simulate events, examine theories and inferences, or make predictions with either few or millions of data points. Computer models are abstractions that represent phenomena and use data and algorithms to emphasize key features and relationships within a system. As more data is automatically collected, models can be refined.
Grade Band:
6-8
Concept:
Algorithms and Programming
Sub-Concept:
Algorithms
Statements:
Algorithms affect how people interact with computers and the way computers respond. People design algorithms that are generalizable to many situations. Algorithms that are readable are easier to follow, test, and debug.
Grade Band:
6-8
Concept:
Algorithms and Programming
Sub-Concept:
Variables
Statements:
Programmers create variables to store data values of selected types. A meaningful identifier is assigned to each variable to access and perform operations on the value by name. Variables enable the flexibility to represent different situations, process different sets of data, and produce varying outputs.
Grade Band:
6-8
Concept:
Algorithms and Programming
Sub-Concept:
Control
Statements:
Programmers select and combine control structures, such as loops, event handlers, and conditionals, to create more complex program behavior.
Grade Band:
6-8
Concept:
Algorithms and Programming
Sub-Concept:
Modularity
Statements:
Programs use procedures to organize code, hide implementation details, and make code easier to reuse. Procedures can be repurposed in new programs. Defining parameters for procedures can generalize behavior and increase reusability.
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