Downloadable Resources


Gotta Have IT is an all-in-one computing resource kit designed with educators' needs in mind. A select set of high-quality posters, computing and careers information, digital media and more, the resource kit builds awareness and inspires interest in computing. Gotta Have IT is for all students, but is especially inclusive of girls. Click here to download a resource, or for more information on how
to get it.



This resource is a guide to help role models and corporations host effective classroom visits and worksite field trips. Techbridge is a program for girls to encourage and promote their interests in technology, science, and engineering and help increase diversity, particularly among underrepresented minorities, in these fields. The program's emphasis on career exploration for girls has enabled staff to gain expertise training professionals and corporate partners for successful interactions between role models and students. With a successful program model, Techbridge developed a training model and resource guide for role models. This training and resource guide feature practical guidance and case studies that highlight activities and successful interactions between role models and youth. This resource can be downloaded here.



In this thought-provoking presentation (delivered at the 2007 SIGCSE Technical Symposium), Grady Booch explores the beauty and the complexity of software development and raises key questions about the limits of what we know, what we can do, and what we should do. He also explores the history of software development and what the future might hold. Teachers can use this presentation to inform their own knowledge or classroom practices and share it with students to provoke interesting discussions about our history and our future.

The powerpoint presentation can be downloaded here.
The accompanying video clips can be downloaded here and here.



Pair programming has been recognized as a 'Promising Practice' by the National Center for Women and Information Technology. To assist with dissemination of the practice of pair programming, Jill Denner and a team from ETR Associates with the technical direction of Linda Werner, a lecturer of Computer Science at UCSC, have produced a video for use by high school and university educators in their introductory programming classes. Approximately 12 minutes long, the "Examples of Pair Programming" video starts with a short description of pair programming. This introduction is followed by examples of 'good' and 'bad' pair programming and a set of questions that can be used to facilitate classroom discussion.

The video can be downloaded here.
Questions can be directed to Linda Werner.


Three New Resources for Teachers
from CSTA and IBM

IBM and CSTA have worked together to develop new high school computer science curriculum resources. Our goal is to support high school computer science education by providing teacher-developed resources that promote teaching and learning, and engage students in ways that will encourage them to acquire the skills they need to compete in the global marketplace. All of the resources adhere to the standards defined in the ACM Model Curriculum for K-12 Computer Science.

Project-Based Learning Module

This learning module provides teachers with an overview of Project-Based Learning (PBL) and is intended for use as a professional development resource. It includes two Powerpoint presentations, each offering a slightly different approach to the topic, and several additional documents and resources that include reflections, sample worksheets and templates, and links to additional readings and project samples. Download zipped file here.


Web Site Design Learning Module

This learning module introduces students to the principles of web site design and includes a series of four lesson plans and student activities handouts. It is intended for students with a level 1 or 2 basic understanding of the Web. Download zipped file here.


OO Design Using Pong Learning Module

This learning module features an object-oriented implementation of the classic video game, Pong. Students will design and implement Pong using object-oriented programming concepts. This resource is intended for use by beginning Java programmers, but includes suggestions for enhanced learning for more experienced students. Teachers should have experience working with an object-oriented Java program using multiple classes, such as College Board's Advanced Placement Marine Biology Case Study. Download zipped file here.



Using Toys to Teach CS Concepts

Looking for a new way to encourage interest in computer science? Try "dissecting" a Furby or hacking a Boogie Bass! Furbys, Boogie Basses, and other computer-controlled children's toys and novelties are easy to take apart and modify, and they demonstrate in a very real and hands-on way how computer science is used in everyday life.

Furby Autopsy Site
How to Make the Boogie Bass Talk



Why do undergraduate students, graduate students, and faculty choose computer science & engineering as their field? What takes place during a day in the life of a CSE bachelors alum working in the software or Internet industry? Two videos from University of Washington Computer Science & Engineering address these questions. These videos provide useful information of what CSE holds in store for your students.



Studies suggest that kids who play computer-based games increase their understanding of knowledge structures, spatial intelligence and cogitative ability. Girls just know that computer games are fun! In this workshop, we introduced game design concepts like rewards, obstacles and challenges, and then we turned the girls loose. Using an application called Gamemaker, each participant built a new level for an existing game. The new games were posted online so that the girls could share them with each other, their friends and family.



Build IT is an after school and summer youth-based curriculum for under served middle school girls to develop IT fluency, interest in mathematics, and knowledge of IT careers. Build IT, a cornerstone of the Girls Inc. Middle School Program and developed by SRI International, is a problem-based curriculum that capitalizes on girls' interest in design and communication technologies and incorporates performance tasks for IT fluency assessment.



ComputerGirl is a window to the computing world for high school women interested in or about computing. It dispells misunderstandings about the field by providing resources and answers to commonly asked questions. It also provides encouragement from experts and role models in the field. Available resources include organizations, scholarships, mentoring, job possibilities after graduation. ComputerGirl also addresses the experience and confidence gap by offering links and original tutorials on both basic computing knowledge and programming.



The members of Carnegie Mellon's Women@SCS have put put together a number of resources illustrating the many exciting areas of computer science. Parents, teachers, and students can browse the site and download resources such as posters, powerpoint roadshows, and brochures.



The University of Waterloo Computer Science High School Liaison contains information for students and teachers interested in Computer Science. Although the site contains information which is of specific interest to students who plan to apply to the University of Waterloo undergraduate Computer Science program, it has significant resources for high school teachers of Computer Science anywhere. A list of resources from Summer Institutes held at the University of Waterloo over the past five years can be found here. These resources include presentations on a variety of Computer Science and Computer Engineering topics, as well as tests, assignments, and curriculum units provided by teachers who have attended the Summer Institutes.

 
   

CSTA works at many levels to support computing education.

Middle school
(problem solving &
algorithmic thinking)

High school
(computing &
computer science)

College/university
(enrollment &
transition)

Industry
(engagement &
preparation)