Computer Science Education Week
During the week of December 6th, 2021, the Northwestern Lower MiSTEM Network partnered with Traverse Area Public Schools to elevate Computer Science Careers and Hour of Code within northwest Michigan. This event showed students and teachers how easy it is to bring computer science into the classroom by providing STEM storytime, a sample lesson plan, elementary appropriate sites, 15 min conversations with local computer science professionals, and so much more!
Haven’t heard of Hour of Code before? The Hour of Code is a global movement to introduce coding to kids; it is held annually during the first week of December. We know computer science jobs are high-paying, high-demand careers. What we don’t always talk about though, is how CS and technology, in general, can make the world better. This year’s TCAPS theme of #CSforGood will get kids talking and thinking about the impact of technology on our everyday lives.
“The students have really enjoyed watching the interviews and look forward to seeing the new videos as soon as they become available,” said Colin O’Brien, Northwest Education Services Information Technology Instructor. “The videos have lead to some interesting discussions and reinforce topics that we have covered in class.”
Computer Science can be somewhat intimidating for new teachers. Danelle Brostrom, TCAPS Educational Technology Coach, and Shelly VanderMeulen, Career Exploration Specialist, collaborated to ensure that the teachers would be supported every step of the way and recognize that this nationwide event includes thousands of educators just like them jumping in their first time.
Check out the website as it will be available throughout the year and walks educators through computer science.
What started as a TCAPS and MiSTEM Network partnership has expanded to additional schools within the region. The resources have been requested and/or used in the following districts:
- Leland Public Schools
- North Ed CTC:
- Engineering Tech Academy
- Information Technology
- Web and App Development
- Public Schools of Petoskey
If you would like to recommend a company for an interview or provide a resource to be added for teachers to use, please contact Drea Weiner.