Increase Exposure to Computer Science with Integrated Coding Projects
Introduce more students to programming in a math, science, art, or music class.
Based on the 2020 State of Computer Science Education Report, only 47% of our nation’s high schools teach foundational computer science. This tells us that the majority of students still do not have access to computer science at their school, despite the increased effort of educators and organizations around the country.
So, how can we help introduce more students to the world of computer science and the creative possibilities it offers?
Benefits of Integrating Coding Across Different Subject Areas
Think about where coding concepts can be integrated in different subject areas, or core subjects, which will reap many benefits. Not only does this showcase the value of computer science in various disciplines, but it introduces students to programming who might not otherwise take a full year-long course.
By integrating computer science concepts in different subject areas that all students are required to take, you’ll be improving equity and diversity in CS. Starting small by integrating units into other courses could also help build support and interest within your school for a dedicated CS course or program.
Ways to Integrate Coding Across Subjects
If you teach other subject areas, consider running a coding project in your non-computer science class or co-teach with a different department. You could also host a workshop or competition at your school during the school year or to celebrate Computer Science Education Week.
As you think about the different ways to expose more students at your school don’t forget to:
- Involve your computer science students
- Involve other classes, ie: English class students write a short story and CS class students create animations for it
- Demonstrate a growth mindset to show students that they can take their interests and combine it with coding across all industries
- Provide real-world connections and role models
- Share stories of people who apply computer science in their day-to-day jobs from our Coding in the Wild blog
- Give students next steps if they’re interested in learning more programming
- Remember: it’s ok to start small
CodeHS Interdisciplinary Coding Units
Reinforce and extend students’ understanding of mathematics, science, art, and music concepts through these free interdisciplinary coding units:
- Coding in Art
- Coding in Math
- Coding in Science
- Coding in Music
View the Course Catalog to explore all the units available on CodeHS.
“In this kind of class, students have multiple opportunities to ‘teach’ mathematics. Think about this for a minute. When a student writes code, the student is ‘teaching’ the computer how to complete a task and uses all of the Mathematical Practice Standards naturally while writing the programs.” — Jeramie Oliveira, Blended CS and Math Teacher in California
