Designing the Science Teaching Computational Thinking Inquiry Group: Professional Development for Computational Thinking–Integrated Elementary Science

• In Event: Division C Outstanding Graduate Student Research Posters

Abstract

The presence of computational thinking (CT) within the Next Generation Science Standards has created a demand for elementary school teachers in the United States to integrate CT within disciplinary curricula—particularly science. However, limited professional development (PD) is available to support teachers in this effort. In response, we used design based research to develop a PD opportunity for pre-service and in-service teachers focused on CT integration in elementary science. In this presentation, we outline the design iterations of the Science Teaching Computational Thinking Inquiry Group (STIGCT) and how changes to the design informed teachers’ CT integration in science lesson plans. We conclude with recommendations for designing PD that supports teachers to create CT-integrated science lessons.

Authors

• Merijke Coenraad, University of Maryland - College Park

• Virginia Byrne, Morgan State University

• Diane Jass Ketelhut, University of Maryland - College Park

• Jandelyn Plane, University of Maryland - College Park

• Lautaro Cabrera, University of Maryland - College Park

• Heather Killen, University of Maryland - College Park

• Kelly Mills, Digital Promise Global