Bringing Computer Science Into Elementary School Classrooms

• In Event: Poster Session 14
  In Poster Session: Contemporary Topics in Computer Science Education Research

Abstract

There is a growing push to bring computer science to all learners across the K-12 spectrum. While a great deal of resources and supporting research exist for high school learners, far less is known about how best to introduce younger learners to the powerful ideas of computer science in a classroom setting. This paper presents findings from a three-year study investigating approaches for supporting upper elementary learners (grades 4-6) in engaging with foundational computer science concepts. Specifically, we introduce a programming environment and curriculum designed for elementary-aged learners and present data showing both successes from this work as well as remaining challenges.

Authors

• David Weintrop, University of Maryland - College Park

• Alexandria Killian Hansen, University of California - Santa Barbara

• Danielle Boyd Harlow, University of California - Santa Barbara

• Diana Franklin, University of California - Santa Barbara