Computer Science banner

Computer Science

Grant Wood AEA #CSForGWAEA gwaea.org/computerscience

Grant Wood AEA computer science team members are committed to supporting area schools in providing high quality computer instruction for all PK-12 students. Area schools should contact a team members for information about our supports, resources, and how to get started.

Sign Up For Our Newsletter! 

Click here to view archived newsletters.

2024-25 Funding Opportunities

Time Sensitive Computer Science Professional Development & Funding Opportunities! 

The Iowa Department of Education has appropriated funds to help districts meet the computer science requirements included in House File 2629. Computer Science PD focused applications are due November 17, 2024.

Districts can apply for funds to deliver CS PD and/or support educators with earning their CS Endorsement. Learn more in the Important Computer Science Updates & Funding Opportunities document and contact consultant Corey Rogers with questions and requests for support.

Elementary Computer Science + Content Area Integration Modules

Our team has developed materials and training to support elementary teachers with integrating computer science instruction with math and science curriculums.

Increase student engagement by integrating computer science with math and/or science because:

  • Computer Science, Math, and Science Standards are required for all learners
  • No need for additional instructional time or staff
  • Enhances student learning in computer science and core content area

Requirements

Computer Science Requirements For Districts (Click to Enlarge)

Computer Science in Iowa [This graphic breaks down the timeline for districts, click for P D F)

  1. Each public school district and nonpublic school develops and implements a K-12 computer science plan beginning July 1, 2022.
  2. One-half unit of computer science incorporating the standards offered, beginning July 1, 2022 in high school.
  3. Computer science instruction incorporating the standards taught, beginning July 1, 2023, in at least one grade level 1-6.
  4. Computer science instruction incorporating the standards offered, beginning July 1, 2023, in at least one grade level 7-8.

Supports

Grant Wood AEA is part of the Statewide Iowa AEA CS Team. Please visit the team's website at bit.ly/IowaAEACS for SCRIPT resources, CS standards and unpacking information, current updates, and statewide computer science programs.

Large group picture of Iowa educators attending the 2023 CS PD Week wearing purple shirts that say "This is my teaching computer science shirt"

Photo credit NewBoCo

Professional Learning & Events

Professional learning, events, and information to strengthen computer science instruction.

📑 Computer Science Standards




The Iowa State Board of Education adopted statewide Computer Science standards in June 2018. The standards include five concept areas and seven practices. The standards progression chart and abridged standards document are both good resources for educators.

ℹ️ Curriculum & Club Resources




District/Educator teams are encouraged to use the TEC Rubric developed by Canon Lab to review curricular and club resources prior to adopting them for instruction.

🤖 Physical Computing Resources




Check out our Physical Computing Toolkit website at bit.ly/GWAEAPhysicalComputingToolkit! The website highlights resources & lessons to teach CS with robots, micro-controllers, and robotics kits!

You can learn more about:
💡 Lesson Ideas from Beginning to Advanced!
🎥 Video Tutorials
📄 Printables
💰 Lending and Purchasing Information

Screen capture of the home page of the Physical Computing website. Text and menus are over an image of students uses the indi robot and color mats.

Please use the bit.ly/PCReserveGWAEA form to reserve physical computing devices or robots. Reservations are for two weeks.

🤜🏿 🤛🏼 Professional Organizations & Networking




📨 Contact the Team




Computer Science Support Main Contact

  • Corey Rogers: Computer Science & Digital Learning Consultant

CS + Content Area Integration Support