Resources

PACE project participants have chosen to use the CS Discoveries Curriculum, Code.org’s most flexible course, allowing each unit to be taught alone, combined into collections that focus on specific areas, or as a full year course. The free curriculum introduces students to building their own websites, apps, animations, games, and physical computing systems. Learn more about Code.org CS Discoveries.

CSforMA provides summer and school-year professional development on the Code.org CS Discoveries curriculum with certified trainers in Massachusetts. Join upcoming PD in Massachusetts with CSforMA.

Education Development Center is excited to introduce a thoughtfully curated selection of computer science resources designed to support you in extending the core curriculum of CS Discoveries, fostering equitable learning experiences, and connecting you with a network of fellow computer science teachers. We have divided the resources into six categories of interest to teachers like you. These categories also align with PACE’s mission to generate systemic change that improves equity in computer science student achievement: Career exploration, equity, K-12 pathways, supplemental lessons, out of school opportunities, and teacher supports. The resources in each of these categories have been handpicked to provide comprehensive support as you navigate the complexities of teaching computer science. By utilizing these resources along with the core CS Discoveries curriculum, you’ll not only enrich your lesson plans but also forge meaningful connections within a supportive network, enhancing your professional growth and amplifying your impact as a computer science educator. The resource links have been validated in November 2024 and are not exhaustive. 

Please select a category below to access additional Code.org CS Discoveries extension activities and advocacy resources:

Career Exploration and Industry Connections

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 67% of all projected new jobs in STEM fields require computer science skills. Explore a suite of resources designed to ignite students’ career interests and real-world insights into diverse professions. Our curation offers free videos and activities found online, and opportunities to invite computer scientists to attend one of your classes.

Equity

The PACE Framework emphasizes designing district-based practices for opportunity, fairness, and achievement in computer science education. The resources compiled offer research-based actionable strategies for district leaders and teachers to address the needs of youth historically underserved in CS education.

K-12 Pathways

Discover a sample of middle and high school computer science curricula reviewed by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Our curated collection provides guidance, lesson plans, and materials aligned with state standards, empowering educators to seamlessly adopt curricula for enhanced student learning experiences.

Supplemental

Explore plug-and-play computer science lessons to integrate in your classroom. These activities give students additional practice opportunities while demonstrating a wide range of uses for computer science.

Out of School

Explore a spectrum of after-school and summer activities encouraging computer science education. Resources like Code.org, CoderDojo, Black Girls Code, Girls Who Code, Project GUTS, and STEAM Ahead provide diverse opportunities for students, spanning clubs, online communities, and in-person programs to foster skills and empower youth.

Teacher Support

Sign-up for professional learning communities and newsletters tailored for computer science teachers. These organizations provide crucial support, diverse resources, and insightful pedagogical guidance for new and experienced teachers. Stay up to date on the latest trends and collaborate with fellow educators, enriching your CS teaching journey with shared knowledge and innovation.