New Tool for Teaching Kids to Code
Posted on September 18th, 2014 by Mary Lord
To encourage more schools to teach computer science, the nonprofit Code.org has launched Code Studio — a set of tools, lesson plans, and curriculum to help students in kindergarten through high school explore the underlying concepts behind coding. The site includes a dashboard for teachers to monitor their students’ progress.
Filed under: For Teachers, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12, Grades K-5, K-12 Outreach Programs, Lesson Plans, Web Resources | Comments Off on New Tool for Teaching Kids to Code
Tags: Angry Birds, code.org, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Internet Resources, learn to program, Lesson Plans, STEM education
“The Power of Engineering” is the theme of the Technology Student Association’s 2015 TEAMS (Tests of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics and Science) competition for middle and high school students. Groups hone their STEM skills and knowledge by addressing real-world challenges related to solar, nuclear, biofuels, and electrical energy, with top-ranked teams invited to participate in the national competition June 28 to July 2, 2015.
Applications for the 2014 Google RISE (Roots in Science and Engineering) Awards are due September 30. Organizations can receive up to $50,000 to expand successful K-12 computer science programs or include computer science in STEM programs aimed at girls and underrepresented minorities.
MIT BLOSSOMS, a blended-learning consortium for high school STEM educators, houses a video library with more than 100 free science, engineering, and math lessons taught by experts in the field – and searchable by national and state standards, grade level, and content.
Explore dead zones and learn about threats to undersea habitats in an engaging, video-rich education program from Earth Echo International designed to empower youth to help protect “our water planet.”
Engineering undergraduates and graduate students do some pretty amazing things, such as developing an inexpensive neonatal ventilator for newborns in developing countries like these Brigham Young University engineering seniors (above) did. Learn about their projects, find scholarships and internships, and connect with other engineering students by subscribing to “The Accelerator,” ASEE’s free monthly e-newsletter and blog. 
Summer is a great time to recharge, refresh, and learn new things. Check out eGFI’s collection of engineering education and STEM learning opportunities!
Share a ride. Plant a tree. There are lots of ways individuals can have a positive impact on the planet. Earth Day 2014’s theme is Green Cities. Since buildings worldwide are responsible for a third of all greenhouse gas emissions, reducing the carbon footprint of schools, homes, and offices can pay huge dividends.
Do you have a great idea for boosting STEM education? Dow’s STEMtheGap competition, open to all K-12 teachers nationwide, will reward the best 100 ideas with a $1,000 grant. 
