You are here

Computer Science Education Week 2025

Computer Science Education Week - December 8-14, 2025

 

Computer Science Education Week (CS Ed Week) began in 2009 as a nationwide effort to spotlight the importance of computer science. It is celebrated annually during the week of Grace Hopper’s birthday (December 9, 1906). Hopper, a computing pioneer, invented the first compiler and coined the term “bug” after removing a moth from a computer in 1947. In 2013, CS Ed Week introduced the first Hour of Code, engaging millions of students worldwide. Today, CS Ed Week continues to inspire learners, educators, and leaders to embrace the power of computing—this year’s theme, “CS Powers AI Innovation,” highlights how computer science fundamentals fuel the future of artificial intelligence.

I encourage you to join the movement and make a difference.

For Students

students

For Educators

Educators

  • Integrate CS into everyday learning.
    • Stack of booksBooks to explore:  Daphne Draws Data, Drawing Data with Kids, Data Made Fun for Kids, Oscar and the Bird, The Computer Always Wins
  • Use resources like AI4K12 guidelines, PBS’s Work It Out Wombats for computational thinking in early grades, or Scratch’s “Imagine a World” cards.
  • Consider hosting a classroom showcase or inviting local industry partners to share real-world CS applications.

For Administrators

Administrators

  • Champion broadening access and experiences.
  • Support professional development, adopt district-wide CS/AI pathways, and highlight student work during CS Ed Week.
  • Explore ACM’s Digital Library and CSTA’s advocacy tools to align CS with long-term district goals.

 

Wisconsin continues to broaden accessible opportunities for all to students to experience computer science and artificial intelligence. Let's continue to build on the momentum to create opportunities to learn, inspire, and celebrate computer science.  Get involved in a way that excites you!

Computer Science Education Week Proclamation

 

CS Ed Week Resources and Links
Theme Overview Resources

Careers

Cyber.org Logo

All online information, from personal accounts to national security, needs protection. That is where cybersecurity professionals come in! There are not enough though and Cyber.org not only helps students learn the basics of cybersecurity, but also provides resources on the different types of cybersecurity jobs are available.  Check out these resources, available in Spanish, to help students explore careers of the future. Cyber.org

Young Learners:  PBS Learning

PBS Kids Logo

"Work It Out Wombats" is a new animated series for children ages 3 to 6. The series stars Malik, Zadie, and Zeke - three energetic and creative marsupial siblings who line in a treehouse apartment complex. The playful trio demonstrates computational thinking for preschoolers, a way of thinking that enables them to solve problems, express themselves, and accomplish tasks using the practices, processes and ideas at the core of computer science.

In each story, the Wombats demonstrate computational thinking for preschoolers, learning as they go. Their aspirations sometimes exceed their proficiency. But, eventually they’ll stop, take a breath, put their heads together and figure out a fix—using the design process, sequencing, debugging, and other key elements of computational thinking.

PBS Kids Work It Out Wombats

Parent Resources

Artificial Intelligence:  AI4K12

 

AI4K12 Education Logo

 

The Artificial Intelligence (AI) for K-12 initiative (AI4K12) is jointly sponsored by AAAI and CSTA. The initiative is developing (1) national guidelines for AI education for K-12, (2) an online, curated resource Directory to facilitate AI instruction, and (3) a community of practitioners, researchers, resource and tool developers focused on the AI for K-12 audience.

Grade Band Progression Charts

Big Ideas Poster

Activity Resources Guides

 

Hour of Code:  Code.org

Hour of Code Logo for 2024

One Hour:  IGNITE. INSPIRE. CODE

The Hour of Code is a worldwide movement that aims to introduce millions of students to computer science through one-hour coding activities. Through Hour of Code, we aim to demystify coding and show that anyone can learn the basics, inspiring future interest in computer science.

Code.org

Hour of Code Activity Search

MakeCode: micro:bits

Micro:bit circuit board

Take your students creativity to the next level with the Microsoft Makecode micro:bit coding platform. With or without the physical LED circuit board, students can explore multiple ways to express their individual creativity. Visit the tutorials and see which one might be a good fit for your classroom. The Rock Paper Scissors is my personal favorite as it takes computation thinking to the next level with understanding "if" statements. 

micro:bit Tutorials

Flashing Heart

Name Tag

Smiley Buttons

Dice & more

Scratch

SCRATCH Cat Logo

Encourage your learners to imagine a world where anything is possible, then bring it to life with Scratch! This is a great introductory coding activity. The accompanying Educator Guide is full of tips for facilitating a workshop or class around this tutorial. The Imagine a World Coding Cards have extra tips to support learners as they explore and create.

Scratch.org

Educator Guide

Coding Cards

**The DPI will not endorse the use of any specific instruction platform, tool, or product. Wisconsin DPI facilitates discussions between school districts on successes and challenges in providing instruction to help each district identify and utilize tools that fit the district's specific needs. Each district should work with its own legal counsel to ensure the use of a particular product complies with state and federal law, including student privacy requirements, as well as local school board policies.

For questions about this information, contact Amy Bires (608) 266-3851