CS First

Mission:
CS First aims to make computer science education accessible and engaging for all students by providing a free, easy-to-use curriculum for teachers and learners.

Overview

CS First is a computer science curriculum designed to empower teachers—regardless of their prior experience with coding—to introduce students to the fundamentals of computer science. The program is always free of charge and offers a wide range of resources and tools to support both educators and students in learning coding through hands-on, interactive lessons.

Services and Curriculum

• Video-Based Lessons: Students learn coding concepts through video tutorials and block-based coding activities using Scratch.
• Thematic Units: The curriculum includes various themes such as sports, art, storytelling, and game design, catering to different interests and skill levels.
• Lesson Structure: Lessons range from introductory (1–2 hours) to more advanced multi-lesson units (8–12 hours), including:
• An Unusual Discovery (Introductory)
• Art (Intermediate)
• Storytelling (Beginner)
• Game Design (Advanced)
• Teacher Tools: Educators can manage class progress, allow students to save their work, and access a dashboard for monitoring.
• Community Engagement: The platform highlights projects and experiences from teachers and students across various regions.

Accessibility and Cost

• Free Access: All materials and resources are provided at no cost, with no limit on the number of students or lessons.
• No Experience Required: The curriculum is designed so that any teacher can facilitate lessons, regardless of their background in computer science.

Eligibility and Service Area

• Eligibility: Open to all educators and students; no specific eligibility requirements are mentioned.
• Service Area: The online nature of CS First makes it accessible to students and teachers in Louisa County, VA, as well as surrounding regions and nationwide.

Additional Information

• Standards Alignment: CS First is aligned to educational standards, supporting integration into classroom settings.
• Program Sunset: CS First will no longer be available after June 30, 2025.

For more details or to get started, contact the organization or visit the website.