Computer Science & STEM
Resources, professional learning, and support for fostering robust computer science and STEM programs and knowledgeable educators.
Building and supporting CS & STEM educators and innovative programs
Through our partnerships and connections to computer science (CS) educators across the state, we strive to make integrating CS and STEM learning and achieving standards-based compliance an empowering experience for all educators and school districts.
The Illinois State Board of Education defines computer science as the study of computers and algorithms, including their principles, hardware and software designs, implementation, and impact on society. Computer science does not include the study of everyday uses of computers and computer applications, such as keyboarding or accessing the internet. Notably, this is different from computer literacy, “one’s knowledge of and ability to use computers and related technologies efficiently and effectively. More specifically, [it] includes knowing what constitutes a computer, the uses and applications for computers, and the impact of computers on society.”
Related services, resources, events, and articles.
AI4K12
The initiative is developing (1) national guidelines for AI education for K-12, (2) an online, curated resource Directory to facilitate AI instruction, and (3) a community of practitioners, researchers, resource and tool developers focused on the AI for K-12 audience. Check out the following information to learn about this initiative.
Haiku
Haiku is a role play- game that teachers students skills needed for cybersecurity. Our platform has pre-designed “missions” that teach things like Linux, Intro. to Cybersecurity and Intro. to Networking. Our platform tool, Forge, allows you to build drag and drop learning pathways. Our platform takes your pathway and creates and entire story, roles and mission around your objectives. We also provide mission development as a service to customers.
Esports Program Checklist
Empower Your New Esports Team at your School with Our Comprehensive Checklist! Unveil the potential of your budding esports squad using this all-inclusive checklist. From recruitment and practice schedules to team branding, our checklist ensures you cover all the bases for a successful and thrilling esports journey in your school.
IL CS Mastery Worksheet
This document is similar to the Alignment Worksheet, but can be used at the classroom level to align the standards to individual lessons or units of instruction. It includes a customizable 3-level scale to show a progression of standard mastery across the unit or course.
CS & STEM Networking Meeting
Calling all K-12 computer science and STEM educators! Join your peers from across the state each month for an informative, engagement-rich networking meeting centered on topics that matter most to you.
Unpacking the New Illinois Computer Science Standards
Join us for this workshop, where we’ll open up the new K-12 Computer Science learning standards and break them into digestible and actionable segments.
Bring 3D Printing into your Classrooms
Innovative problem solvers are using 3D printing in every industry, from medicine to construction to space exploration. Teach your students to design for the future by adding 3D printing to your curriculum!
Snap into STEM with Tactile Circuits & Snap Circuits
Come learn how at the Champaign Community Fab Lab, where we’ll explore building tactile circuitry using Snap Circuits. These colorful, user-friendly kits allow students to explore electricity, circuitry, and wiring without the hassle of soldering or jumper cables.
Stitching in Creativity with Digital Embroidery & SewArt
Digital embroidery and SewArt can brighten up your STEM curriculum, one stitch at a time. Come discover how to get started with both at the Champaign Community Fab Lab, where we’ll dig into the advantages of using different digital embroidery software to spark creative, maker-centered projects.
Coding Across the Curriculum with LEGO®: Elementary and Early Learning
Join us for an interactive session focused on LEGO Education Learning System, including how it can bring computer science learning to life in your classroom.
Coding Across the Curriculum with LEGO® for Middle School and Beyond
Join us for an interactive session focused on LEGO Education Learning System, including how it can bring computer science learning to life in your classroom. Through this system, students learn to work collaboratively and solve problems creatively – all while “playing” with a familiar set of tools that are easy to manage. Each session will also discuss connections to careers so you will have an innovative way to address career readiness within your districts.
Illinois Education and Technology Conference 2024 (IETC)
Learn, collaborate, and connect with fellow edtech enthusiasts and leaders during a multi-day professional learning experience ideal for collaborating one-on-one with peers and forging meaningful connections.
Code.org Regional Partnership
Through our Code.org partnership, Illinois educators can obtain high-quality CS professional development and curricular resources – often for little-to-no cost. You can also develop the expertise needed make CS learning accessible at any grade level using their ever-growing library of projects and teaching tools.
More than two million teachers have brought CS learning to their classroom through Code.org. Learn more about how Code.org can help you and your district grow CS teaching capacity starting today.