Frequently Asked Questions
1a. What materials do I need for the Computer Science Principles course?
Required Materials:
This course requires students have access to computers with a modern web browser in either a lab setting or one-to-one setting.
Many lessons have handouts that are designed to guide students through activities. While these handouts are not required, we highly recommend their use. In addition to handouts, you will need the following:
The following items are called for in lessons, but alternatives are offered below:
1b. What materials do I need for the Computer Science Discoveries course?
2. Can this course count as a fourth mathematics credit for graduation?
The Michigan Merit Curriculum allows local schools to determine which courses count as a 4th mathematics credit so long as students are applying mathematics already learned or learning new mathematics content. This course engages students in applying mathematics particularly related to building and using equations and functions; geometric and algebraic reasoning; and problem solving.
3. Who can teach a CS course?
The Computer Science (NR) endorsement was discontinued in 2017. This endorsement will not be removed from teaching certificates. School districts will be free to assign any teacher to these courses who provides evidence of professional development and holds a certificate for the grade level at which these courses are offered upon. (michigan.gov)
Code.org recommendation (Link)
MDE MEMO on Endorsement Phase Out (4/27/2017)
Endorsement Clarification (5/3/2017)
4. What are the SCED Codes for Computer Science Courses
SCED for computer programing courses: 10152 (SCED Codes)
5. Will SCECHs be available for this program for teachers?
The SCECH application is pending. We fully expect that the application will be approved.
6. If I attend the professional learning am I expected to teach the CS course?
Yes, acceptance into the professional learning program for Computer Science Discoveries and Computer Science Principles is contingent upon the agreement to teach the course in the upcoming school year. We understand that schedules can change late in the summer.
As for Computer Science Fundamentals, there is no requirement to teach the course if you attend the training.
Required Materials:
This course requires students have access to computers with a modern web browser in either a lab setting or one-to-one setting.
Many lessons have handouts that are designed to guide students through activities. While these handouts are not required, we highly recommend their use. In addition to handouts, you will need the following:
- Unit 1 Lesson 2 requires some craft materials for constructing physical devices. The lesson recommends items like cups, string/yarn, construction paper, flashlights, slinkies, noise makers, markers, and glue.
The following items are called for in lessons, but alternatives are offered below:
- (Unit 3, Lesson 1) A handful of legos per 2-3 students. Alternatives: post-it notes, construction paper
- (Unit 3, Lesson 2 - 3) Playing cards (1 deck per 6 students). Alternatives: write numbers on post-it notes.
- (Unit 4, Lesson 8) Clear dixie cups with beans. Alternatives: Any clear container (ziplock bag, empty water bottle, etc) with any small item (bead, raisin, coffee bean, etc)
- Graph paper
- Chart paper
- Markers
- Post-it notes
1b. What materials do I need for the Computer Science Discoveries course?
- Normal classroom supplies (pens, pencils, coloring, scissors, extra paper)
- Computers
- Worksheet Printing (There are worksheets with some lessons. Some teachers get around this by doing everything digitally)
- Couple Decks of Cards
- Aluminum Foil
- Containers that can hold water
- Adafruit's Circuit Playground Boards and Micro USB cables. The curriculum is designed for a ratio of 2 students to 1 board & 1 usb cable
- See this document: https://code.org/educate/it
2. Can this course count as a fourth mathematics credit for graduation?
The Michigan Merit Curriculum allows local schools to determine which courses count as a 4th mathematics credit so long as students are applying mathematics already learned or learning new mathematics content. This course engages students in applying mathematics particularly related to building and using equations and functions; geometric and algebraic reasoning; and problem solving.
3. Who can teach a CS course?
The Computer Science (NR) endorsement was discontinued in 2017. This endorsement will not be removed from teaching certificates. School districts will be free to assign any teacher to these courses who provides evidence of professional development and holds a certificate for the grade level at which these courses are offered upon. (michigan.gov)
Code.org recommendation (Link)
MDE MEMO on Endorsement Phase Out (4/27/2017)
Endorsement Clarification (5/3/2017)
4. What are the SCED Codes for Computer Science Courses
SCED for computer programing courses: 10152 (SCED Codes)
5. Will SCECHs be available for this program for teachers?
The SCECH application is pending. We fully expect that the application will be approved.
6. If I attend the professional learning am I expected to teach the CS course?
Yes, acceptance into the professional learning program for Computer Science Discoveries and Computer Science Principles is contingent upon the agreement to teach the course in the upcoming school year. We understand that schedules can change late in the summer.
As for Computer Science Fundamentals, there is no requirement to teach the course if you attend the training.