Through our partnership with Code.org, we are bringing high-quality, computer science-focused training to educators across Arizona. Code.org’s program supports K–12 teachers and principals in their efforts to develop the fundamental knowledge and strategies they need to create the next generation of coders. If you’ve ever considered teaching computer science or know other teachers who might love it, Code.org’s professional learning programs are an ideal place to begin.
Code.org has helped prepare nearly 100K elementary, middle, and high school teachers to offer computer science, 98 percent of whom say they would recommend the program to another teacher.
Upcoming Workshops
In partnership with Code.org, Arizona educators have the opportunity to take the first steps in bringing computer science to their schools. Check out our upcoming CS workshops at Arizona Science Center.
What can you expect from a Code.org Workshop?
- Engaging workshop experiences
- Teaching and learning in context
- A collaborative, participant-centric approach
- One cohesive set of resources
CS Fundamentals
For educators who have never taught computer science.
April 4, 2025 | 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m
This introductory workshop is designed for elementary educators new to teaching computer science who want to explore how to begin teaching the CS Fundamentals curriculum. Join your peers and experienced facilitators to get a hands-on introduction to computer science, pedagogy, overviews of the online curriculum, and teacher dashboard, as well as strategies for teaching “unplugged” classroom activities.
Cost
$20 | Includes general admission ticket to Science Center
Year Long Programs
CS Discoveries, CS Principles, and AP CSA professional learning programs are year-long programs consisting of a 5-day workshop held during the summer, followed by monthly sessions (3 hours) throughout the school year. Each of the follow-up sessions are held on a Saturday and engages participants in continued learning of the curriculum, pedagogy, and resources needed for a successful year. Additionally, the AP CSA professional learning program has a two-day workshop in May to deepen content knowledge and prepare for the following year.
Applications for the 2025 summer CS Discoveries, CS Principles, and AP CSA cohorts will open January 2025.
CS Discoveries
Computer Science Discoveries (CS Discoveries) is an introductory computer science course appropriate for 6th - 10th-grade students. The curriculum emphasizes problem-solving, creation, and collaboration while introducing students to the many ways computer science impacts their lives. CS Discoveries is designed to be taught as a single semester (Units 1-3), two semesters over multiple years, or as a full-year course. No computer science background is necessary for students or teachers.
CS Principles
Computer Science Principles (CS Principles) is an introductory Advanced Placement (AP) course designed to broaden participation in computer science for 9th-12th grade students. CS Principles introduces students to the foundational concepts of computer science while challenging them to explore how computing and technology can impact the world. Topics include Programming, Data, Art and Design, Cybersecurity, Games and Animation. No computer science background is necessary for students or teachers.
AP CSA
Code.org’s Computer Science A is an Advanced Placement (AP®) course designed to broaden participation in computer science. Our team designed the AP CSA curriculum to support students and teachers familiar to the discipline, having already covered Computer Science Discoveries (CSD) or Computer Science Principles (CSP). The free curriculum introduces students to software engineering and object-oriented design while they learn the Java programming language.Code.org is recognized by the College Board as an endorsed provider of AP® Computer Science A curriculum and professional development.
Scholarships
The cost of the year-long program is $1,500 per participant. However, thanks to corporate sponsors, we are able to reduce the cost to $700 per participant. There are a limited number of full scholarships available for teachers who meet at least one of the following criteria:
- A minimum of 50% of the student population qualify for free/reduced lunch services.
- A minimum of 50% of the student population are underrepresented minorities.
- The school is classified as rural per NCES (locale codes 32, 33, 41, 42, or 43), AND a minimum of 40% of the student population qualifies for free/reduced lunch services.
Computer Science Professional Development Week
Join us for a week of CS Professional Development for K-12 educators, brought to you by the Arizona Department of Education (ADE), the Arizona Science Center, Grand Canyon University, University of Arizona Data Sciences Academy, and the Arizona CSTA Chapter.
Arizona K-12 teachers can choose one, week-long, PD workshop strand and participate in networking and fun throughout the week! Workshops include CS Fundamentals, CS Deep Dive, CS Discoveries, CS Principles, AP CSA, and more!
Mark your calendars! Our 2025 CSPD Week will tentatively be held June 16-20.
What Most Schools Don't Teach
Every School Should Teach Computer Science
Become A Computer Science Teacher
Did you know?
- Public school districts and charter schools (grades 9–12) can apply for grant dollars through the Computer Science Professional Development Fund.
- Arizona recently approved two computer science endorsement options for educators - and Code.org CS Professional Learning course hours are eligible to count toward requirements.
- Arizona adopted K–12 Computer Science standards in 2018.
As the Regional Partner, Arizona Science Center provides K–12 teachers opportunities to engage in professional learning that will enable them to effectively teach computer science.