Elementary school teachers at several schools in the Marysville Joint Unified School District are teaching our students a new language—the programming language.
Coding, sometimes called computer programming, is how we communicate with computers and tell them what to do. Coding allows us to create computer software, video games, apps and websites.
At Johnson Park, Edgewater, and Cedar Lane, students learn new ways to organize, express, and share ideas through coding. For example, 5th and 6th grade students use a program called CodeMonkey Jr. to learn block coding, sequencing, basic functions, and variables in preparation for text-based coding.
2nd grade students use Code and Go Code to learn introductory coding functions that allow a mouse robot to move in different directions. After-school programs also offer opportunities for programming and robotics learning. All of this is part of a larger initiative to expand the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) curriculum in our district.
Interest in computer science education is growing at record speed. Dozens of states have passed legislation and provided funding to expand access to and diversity in K-12 computing.
Teachers, parents, community leaders, and policy makers from across the country recognize the importance of ensuring every student has the opportunity to learn computer science. In today’s digital environment, we use technology in almost everything we do and we can see that future careers will be shaped by advances in technology. Teaching students digital skills like programming and coding gives them the tools to bring their ideas to life and express themselves. It can also open up a world of options for their future.
Multiple MJUSD instructors work to create challenging and engaging project-based learning experiences for our students, paving a path to prepare them for tomorrow’s world. One exciting thing our teachers are working on is a coding camp to be offered during the summer school to expand access to more students. Middle and high schools will join this journey as computing and coding options expand in our district.
If you have questions about computer science or coding, you can contact MJUSD Science Coach Michelle Higgins at [email protected]
