Computer Science Education Week is December 6-12 in 2021! This is a great opportunity to introduce your whole school to Computer Science. Mobile CSP has two Hour of Code activities: Map Tour (Lesson Plan) and Play That Tune (Lesson Plan), both recommended for middle school and up. Click the images below to access these activities. Some tips for leading an Hour of Code activity are below.
Gather Resources for Your Event
Mobile CSP is offering free teacher kits on a first come, first served basis. These kits will include stickers to hand out to your students, posters, and other resources. We ask that you request your kit at least 2-3 weeks before your event. Click here to request a kit.
Student Recruitment
Remember that your Hour of Code should be accessible to all students. All students, including those not currently enrolled in a computer science course, should have an opportunity to attend the event.
Ways to Recruit Students to Your Event
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Ask students directly
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“We are hosting an Hour of Code event on {DATE}. I think you would excel at this and would like for you to attend.”
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Promote “Bring a Friend”
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Ask interested students to encourage a friend to attend the event with them.
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Display posters
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Display information posters (include in CS Ed Week Resource kit) and flyers in areas that all students will be able to view it.
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Sample Flyers Found Here — You are welcome to print off and use these flyers.
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Ask Teachers to Promote Event
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Target courses and classes that all students, including those who are not currently enrolled in computer science courses, are required to take (i.e. English, Math, Science courses) and ask teachers to share promotional information about the event.
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Include Information in Newsletter to Parents
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Include information about the upcoming event in an email or mail newsletters that will be sent out to parents.
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Reach out to local and community groups and ask them to promote your event.
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Boys and Girls Club, scouts, churches, community centers, etc.
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To learn more about how to promote your event, please visit the Hour of Code website.
Sample Message to High School Students’ Parents/Guardians
In today’s world, it is no longer enough for students to simply use technology. Instead, students must learn how to improve and create technology to be successful in their future paths and careers. Computer science education builds creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and communication skills in students. Having these skills helps students from all backgrounds and interests prepare for their future, no matter what field they choose to pursue. {DATES} is Computer Science Education Week. Students from all over the nation will be participating in activities aimed at introducing students to the world of computer science. {TEACHER} will be hosting an Hour of Code event on {DATE} at {SCHOOL NAME}. This event will provide students with the skills necessary to be active creators of technology. Students will learn how to create their own, real mobile app that can be used on their cell phone. All students, including those with no previous computer science background, are welcome to attend. For more information about the event and how your student can get involved, contact {CONTACT INFORMATION}.
Sample Message to Middle School Students’ Parents/Guardians
Computer science education builds creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and communication skills in students. Having these skills helps students from all backgrounds prepare for their future, no matter what they choose to be. {DATES} is Computer Science Education Week. Students from all over the nation will be participating in activities aimed at introducing students to the world of computer science. {TEACHER} will be hosting an Hour of Code event on {DATE} at {SCHOOL NAME}. This event will provide students with the skills necessary to be active creators of technology. Students will learn how to create their own, real mobile app that can be used on their cell phone. All students, including those with no previous computer science background, are welcome to attend. For more information about the event and how your student can get involved, contact {CONTACT INFORMATION}.
Share on Social Media
We encourage you to share photos and updates from your event with Mobile CSP. Visit our Twitter and Facebook pages!
#CSEdWeek | #MobileCSP | #HourofCode | #PlayThatTune | #hAPPycoder