Supporting CS Teachers with Intensive, On-Going Support and Resources

Computer Science Resources

The LTC supports Illinois K-12 schools and educators as they strive to grow their own CS curriculum and comply with forthcoming state-level mandates. This digital resource library can help accomplish both goals by providing access to vetted CS resources geared toward a variety of grade levels, content areas, and use cases.

Computer Science & STEM Focus Area CS & STEM Professional Learning CS PD Week
Blog

pi-top Blog

The Pi-top blog provides educators with articles, tutorials, and project ideas related to STEM education. It offers insights into using Pi-top’s modular computer kits and software for hands-on learning. Educators can find resources to enhance

Tools and Apps

OpenSCAD

OpenSCAD offers a script-based approach to 3D modeling. It enables designers to define shapes and parameters using code. This allows for easily modifiable and repeatable designs. Works on Linux/UNIX, Windows, and Mac OS X.

Blog

TechnoKids > 5 Reasons to Teach Offline Coding Activities

Offline coding activities offer benefits like enhanced problem-solving and critical thinking. They foster collaboration, accessibility, and a deeper understanding of coding concepts without reliance on technology.

Curriculum & Lesson Plans

Science +C

Science+C enhances your existing Biology, Chemistry or Physics core courses with units on computational modeling. Units build and reinforce student science learning while introducing students to computing—and its importance in science!

Activity

Valentine’s Circuit Cards > Makerspace.com

Create a unique Happy Valentines Day by sending a paper “text message” using paper circuits. This is a fun way to show off maker skills to that special someone. This tutorial has (2) FREE project

Tools and Apps

Daisy the Dinosaur

This free, fun app has an easy drag & drop interface that kids of all ages can use to animate Daisy and make her dance on their screen. Kids will intuitively grasp the basics of

Activity

Cybersecurity Lab > PBS

This game teaches digital safety and cybersecurity defense. Players act as a CTO, completing challenges to protect a social network from attacks. The Lab includes real-world scenarios and cyber term explanations. Includes Educator support

Resource

Data Nuggets

Data Nuggets offers scientist-teacher co-designed activities. These activities introduce authentic data and research into classrooms, fostering student engagement in the scientific process.

Physical Computing

Learning Resources > Curious Coders

Learning Resources provides a suite of engaging, screen-free robots designed to introduce young learners to the fundamentals of coding. These robots offer playful, hands-on experiences that foster early STEM skills. Educators can use these tools

BookResource

Kids Tech Skills

Kids Tech Skills offers ebooks, interactive practice, and interactive PDFs for many technology skills. Educators can use the ebooks to introduce and reinforce essential digital proficiences. Ebook topics include Algorithms, 3D Printing, Animation, Bugs &

Curriculum & Lesson Plans

Integrating CT

Integrating CT is a website that has curated Teacher Created materials to demonstrate Computational Thinking activities in mathematics and science classes.

Tools and Apps

Pickcode

Pickcode provides a platform designed to simplify coding education, particularly for game development. Educators can use this platform to introduce students to coding concepts through engaging, project-based learning. The platform aims to make coding more

Activity

Classroom Coordinates > Microsoft MakeCode

In this activity, students will practice to familiarize themselves with the difference between relative coordinates and absolute coordinates in your own classroom. How general or detailed you choose to be with coordinates depends on the

Curriculum & Lesson Plans

Makers Empire

Makers Empire subscriptions include all the materials needed from planning to assessing student work with 3D design and printing. Includes Teacher Dashboard built in tools, features and resources.

Activity

Leprechaun Coding with Partners (Docs)

Partner up and code! In this engaging activity, students write and interpret directional instructions to guide a leprechaun. Test your algorithmic thinking and communication skills! Created by Amy Graham, LTC Instructional Technology Coach

Resource Collection

EdTech Index

EdTech Index, from ISTE & ASCD, streamlines the process of selecting educational technology by providing a system to search, compare, evaluate, and validate solutions. Identify and choose products that align with their specific teaching and

Resource

The Cyber Challenge

Cybermission.tech, a U.S. Department of Defense resource, educates on military cybersecurity. It highlights national cyberdefense and career paths. This platform, through interactive experiences, aims to foster informed decisions about future careers in cybersecurity.

Curriculum & Lesson Plans

iKeepSafe

iKeepSafe provides resources and certifications focused on online safety and privacy, particularly for educational technology products. Educators can use this site to ensure that the digital tools they use in the classroom meet established safety