Computer Science Education Week is almost here! How will your school district celebrate?
This year, Dec. 5-11 marks the annual celebration of all-things computer science. Events and activities across the globe will highlight the importance of computer science and the impact it has on our daily lives. In Iowa, over 110 events are planned for the week, and school districts and communities are encouraged to create their own event or attend a gathering to join in the celebration.
“In today’s world, computer science impacts everyone, in every subject matter and field,” said Justin Lewis, computer science consultant at the Iowa Department of Education. “Computer Science Education Week allows us to officially recognize and celebrate the interconnectedness of computer science and how it touches every aspect of our lives.”
School districts looking to add a Computer Science Education Week celebration event are invited to access the list of resources from the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council.
Notable Iowa events include:
- A virtual panel (link removed) for secondary students will be held Dec. 5 at 9 a.m. Students can hear more about what types of careers in computer science are available, what professional skills are needed and what a typical day on the job entails. Students in grades 6-12 are invited to attend.
- A virtual panel (link removed) for educators, librarians, home school teachers, business partners, school leaders and more will be held to talk about how to incorporate more computer science into their activities. This will be held on Dec. 5 at 10 a.m.
- A one-hour Virtual Family Coding Night (link removed) on Dec. 8 at 6:30 p.m. will host representatives from Google, Microsoft and Code.org who will share their thoughts on the importance of computer science, careers within the field and how families can support students at home. To ensure anyone with or without internet access can attend, participants can either attend virtually or find select libraries or Area Education Agencies that will be hosting events in person.
Registration is required to participate in most events. Schools, educators, students and families are encouraged to register early.
For more information on how your school can participate in Computer Science Education Week activities, contact Justin Lewis at justin.lewis@iowa.gov.