Changing the Face of Computer Science
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Although computer science has become foundational to every industry and field of study, representation and participation in computer science is still far from balanced. Code.org has launched a video campaign to change the face of computer science. Only 3% of Black students learn computer science in high school or beyond. Inspire or encourage a student to try computer science and let them know they belong. Together we can change the face of computer science. #BlackVoicesForCS.
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Minecraft Education Edition: Good Trouble
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Journey through time to meet leaders of social justice movements who were catalysts for Good Trouble and positive change. This Minecraft EDU world, based on the life and teachings of Civil Rights leader and US congressman John Lewis, guides learners through historic and present day social movements around the world. Lewis believed that being a catalyst for “good trouble” was a powerful way to help build a better world by encouraging others to speak out and stand up whenever they see injustice. Install the free Minecraft Education Edition and the video will show you how to set this up, play, and asses your students in remote or face-to-face learning environments.
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A Deeper Look at Women of Color in AP CS in 2020
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Maryland had more black females pass the AP CS-A exam than any other state in 2020 as illustrated in the graph above. Learn more about the great strides Maryland has made to increase access to high-quality CS, and increase the diversity of students taking those courses. View more details and data at https://code.org/promote/ap and https://research.collegeboard.org/programs/ap/data.
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National Virtual Family Code Nights are returning this Spring on Monday, March 8 at 7 pm and Monday, March 22 at 6 pm. Go to csiselementary.org to sign up. While you are there, consider setting Computer Science goals for your school.
Do you want a great family engagement opportunity? Try what 24 elementary schools across MD did this fall--a Virtual Family Code Night. Very little is required of the schools to execute this turnkey event but a lot is gained as students code with the important adults in their lives. “This school year, Caroline County Public Schools was proud to host several virtual family coding nights,” said Amy Shepler, Supervisor of Instruction for Caroline County Public Schools. "During this unprecedented time in education, we wanted to continue to offer opportunities for our elementary school students to expand their Computer Science knowledge and CS is Elementary helped us make this happen!”
Want ideas for enhancing the event? Or a larger, homegrown district wide event? We have gathered best practices from around the state and want to share them. Uncomfortable using a LiveStream? Or want an event just for your school? See cs4md.org/family or contact elissa.hozore2@maryland.gov for resources and ideas from others who have done it.
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Interview on Quantum Computing
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Mohammad Hafezi and William (Bill) Phillips
Professor | Joint Quantum Institute | University of Maryland College Park
As computing evolves we work with bigger and bigger data sets and try to solve bigger and bigger problems. Traditional computers have limits. Could quantum computing be the gateway to unlock the future power we need to solve the biggest problems? We talked with Bill Phillips and Mohammad Hafezi about their work in this area and their desire to communicate these ideas to K-12 teachers, students, and counselors.
Read the full interview here.
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CSTA Maryland welcomes all Maryland computer science teachers. It's FREE with so much to learn!
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General meetings are the first Thursday of every month. This month, the focus was on Black Lives Matter in Code/ Black History Month. The Black History Month presentation had many take-aways. The next meeting will be on March 4th.
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CSTA-MD is looking for administrators and teachers to self-nominate or nominate an outstanding computer science teacher in their district or school for the new Maryland Golden Crab Award for teaching excellence in Computer Science.
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Registration is OPEN for the summer CSTA Conference July 14-July 16! Register here! Applications to receive a Scholarships close on April 30th.
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The CSTA Equity in Action Summit is a one-day virtual event bringing together K-12 CS teachers for a call to action to transform our approach to providing equitable CS education rooted in justice. Register here.
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Please tell us how we can best continue to support you at CSTAMD by filling out this quick survey.
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Teachers and CS jobs can connect on the new CSTA Job Board. Check it out!
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Be A CSDiscoveries or CSPrinciples Facilitator
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CSDiscoveries and CSPrinciples Facilitator Applications are now OPEN for Maryland Codes!
New computer science educators need top-notch facilitators. Maryland Codes recognizes the need for highly-qualified, flexible and knowledgeable facilitators who can develop and support the next generation of CS educators. That’s why we’re accepting applications for the 2021-22 Code.org Facilitator Development Program.
This is a highly-selective professional learning program designed to prepare and support facilitators to deliver high-quality professional development on Code.org's curriculum. Learn more and apply here today!
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University of Maryland- College Park 2021 applications are open for student summer programs in Computing, Website Development, Cybersecurity, & Artificial Intelligence for Elementary, Middle and High School students. Need-based Scholarships are available. Please check out the February Newsletter for more information.
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UMBC is offering a new graduate program for non-degree courses in MAE ( Master of Arts in Education) computer science education starting this summer. All teacher wishing to take these graduate computer science courses are welcome to apply.
If you are interested in pursing a graduate program in Computer Science education, Fall applications are still being accepted.
For more information, visit the MAE website or view this flyer. Apply today!
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Encourage 9th -11th grade girls and non-binary students to apply for the Girls Who Code’s free 2-week Virtual Summer Immersion Program for an unforgettable experience! Early application ends February 17th and students from underrepresented groups in tech including Black, Latinx, and students from low-income backgrounds are encouraged to apply. More information is on this flyer and the FAQ page.
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Registration is now OPEN for Summer Professional Development 2021. Running from late June- early August. Register here.
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Starting March 13th- May 1st, 2021. Saturdays from 8:30AM-11:30AM. Register today!
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Dr. Marina Bers, who developed Scratch Jr. and the KIBO robot, will share how coding, engineering, and computational thinking can be age appropriate for young children from Pre-K through 2nd grade. Learn more and register today!
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The Taste of O'Cyber webinar will give a quick introduction to what teachers should know and understand about cybersecurity.
Wednesday, March 17th 4:00pm-5:30pm.Register here.
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The Cyber Careers webinar will explore options in cybersecurity careers and how to communicate them to students be on Wednesday, April 21st from 4:00pm-5:30pm. Register here.
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All education and computing faculty with an interest in computational thinking and computer science are welcome to attend. Register here.
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The Symposium is open to all who are interested in education in Maryland. Register here.
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Join NCWIT Counselors for Computing (C4C) on February 24th to learn more about Advising for Future Ready Careers in STEM! Hear directly from two award-winning students who share their experiences in this FREE webinar! Choose from three times to find the best option for you- 3pm (EST), 4pm (EST), or 5pm (EST).
The first 150 eligible participants to register and attend will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card and free C4C Resource Kit (with posters, VR Headset, talking point cards, magazines and more!) mailed to them! All are welcome to attend!
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