Computer science (CS) shapes how people live and work. From designing mobile games played by millions to exploring new renewable energy solutions, technology is transforming our world, and to build technology solutions, you need to know computer science. Its prevalence and value make CS an important instructional topic in all K-12 classrooms as well as a potential career opportunity for high school graduates. Research indicates that coding activities result in higher test scores in reading and math, and the number of computer science job openings is expected to grow 15% from 2021 to 2031 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Realizing the transformative role of computer science begins with K-12 education and increasing student interest at a young age. Microsoft is committed to providing equitable, accessible, and engaging computer science education experiences for all students.
From December 5-11, classrooms around the world will celebrate Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek) by participating in an Hour of Code. The goal of this global call-to-action is to inspire K-12 students to explore and learn computer science. Packed with exciting opportunities for students to exercise their creativity, CSEdWeek and Hour of Code are two of the largest education events with millions of participants worldwide.
To celebrate this year’s CSEdWeek and Hour of Code, Microsoft Education is leading the charge with exciting, new learning resources that are guaranteed to energize students and educators. Whether it is building retro-style games in MakeCode’s Code a Carnival or using code to solve mysterious puzzles in Minecraft’s new Hour of Code: Escape Estate, students will have fun, gain valuable skills, and learn through engaging activities. Plus, these resources include embedded training and support so that everyone succeeds. Educators can also develop their own CS skills during collaborative events like Flip’s Creating Equity in Computer Science and this live event with Minecraft gamechangers!
Kick off CSEdWeek and Hour of Code with Microsoft Education!
Use coding to solve puzzles in Minecraft Hour of Code: Escape Estate
Escape from Dr. Breakowski’s mysterious mansion by dawn in an all-new Hour of Code tutorial and free demo lesson from Minecraft: Education Edition. With block-based and Python coding pathways for novice and expert coders alike, Escape Estate invites students to use code to solve puzzles that unlock secret passageways, hidden clues, and trap doors. It’s a fun, easy-to-teach lesson designed to teach anyone the basics of computational thinking in under an hour.
Teach with Hour of Code
Minecraft Hour of Code offers resources for educators including lesson plan and facilitation guides, a free teacher training on Microsoft Learn, solution guide for each coding challenge, and a walkthrough video. You can even download PowerPoint slides to introduce Hour of Code: Escape Estate to your learners and Digital flyers for promoting Hour of Code in your school or organization. Students will receive the Hour of Code completion certificate at the end of the lesson.
- Educators already licensed to use Minecraft: Education Edition can access the Escape Estate world though the main menu in the newest version of the application (download here). Select “New & Featured” and then choose “Hour of Code (Escape Estate).”
- Download a free demo to join in the experience if you don’t have a license.
Register for Free Hour of Code Student Workshop
If you’re totally new to Minecraft and coding, sign up for a Live Workshop to have a guest teacher facilitate Hour of Code virtually for your class. These engaging 75-minute, live events are run by expert educators who will provide you and your class with all the necessary knowledge to successfully navigate Escape Estate. Register now to reserve a spot so that you and your class aren’t trapped in the mansion forever. The workshops are happening at multiple times each day during CSEdWeek December 6-8, 2022.
Build CS knowledge and connect with experts during Flip live events
Explore issues like equity in computer science and meet the professionals that make Minecraft a playful learning experience on Flip throughout computer science education week. Informative and insightful, Flip events offer a chance to see how coding and CS can meaningfully impact everyone’s lives. Learn about the scheduled events and join the discussion by registering today.
Build a better world with code
Meet Lydia Winters and Cory Scheviak, who spend their days at Mojang Studios in Stockholm, Sweden, working on Minecraft. They’re both passionate about using the power of play to build a better world and the creativity of code to design features for the bestselling game of all time.
- Suggested Audience: Educators, parents, and students
- Date/Time: December 8, 2022 at 10:00 AM PST
- Registration
Creating equity in computer science
Computer Science should be an integral part of all K-12 student experiences. Join us as we discuss the importance of computer science education with industry professionals, educators, and non-profits who are making this happen every day.
- Suggested Audience: Educators, clubs, organizations, and professionals
- Date/Time: December 5, 2022 at 3:00 PM PST
- Registration
Design exciting games with Code a Carnival and Wakanda Forever from MakeCode
Give students the chance to strengthen their coding skills by designing video games with MakeCode Arcade. Built with both novices and experts in mind, MakeCode Arcade introduces computer science concepts like sequences and loops using blocks that snap together to create code or text-based programming. To celebrate this year’s CSEdWeek and Hour of Code, MakeCode is offering two new free engaging and entertaining experiences which are already available for use in the classroom.
Code a Carnival is MakeCode’s new collection of video game projects. Students will be introduced to game design as they create carnival activities like “Whack-the-Mole” and “Bustin’ Balloons.” They can also build alongside millions of other coders as they create multiplayer versions of games to play with their friends. Plus, Code a Carnival comes with teacher-ready resources like lesson plans and introductory PowerPoint slides.
If there are Black Panther fans in your classroom, give them the opportunity to learn coding fundamentals through an action-packed activity inspired by Marvel Studios’© Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Letitia Wright, the actress who plays Wakanda’s lead technologist Shuri, introduces why learning how to code is essential for becoming an expert scientist like her character.
Use the new Wakanda Forever tutorial and the corresponding lesson plan to inspire students to help Shuri, Okoye, and Riri Williams escape Namor.
Learn alongside the Code Ninjas
Look for exciting collaborations with Code Ninjas throughout Computer Science Education Week. They will be hosting a Carnival of Code with daily dress themes like “cozy coding in your pajamas” as well as activities from the MakeCode Hour of Code 2022 website. There will even be projects that incorporate Makey Makey so that students can design their own controllers and learn about physical computing with MakeCode.
Microsoft Education has everything necessary to bring Hour of Code 2022 to life during CSEdWeek. From an engaging collection of Hour of Code learning experiences to events that inspire, students will be excited to explore the possibilities that computer science has to offer.
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