Elementary-level Computer Science​ Program

Prepare young learners for the future

Teaching computer science in early grades develops critical computational thinking skills in young learners. OSLN’s K-5 Computer Science Program provides the tailored solutions elementary teachers need.

This collaborative, year-long professional learning experiences focuses on key questions including: 

  • How to combine computer science with content standards across all the core disciplines
  • Finding the time to bring in computer science standards and computational thinking skills
  • Leveraging computer science experiences to increase classroom engagement
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OSLN K-5 Computer Science Program

Program sections include:

  • Computational thinking integration
  • Digital citizenship
  • Computer science in literature
  • Computer science in mathematics
  • Standards crosswalk
  • Physical computing
  • Integrating modern technology
  • Computer science for all

Technology package:

Participants will also be provided with a technology package to enable classroom implementation.

K-5 Program Details and Expectations

Applications will fully close on April 15, 2025.

Expectations

Teachers who apply and are accepted in the OSLN Computer Science K-5 Program are expected to:

  • Complete the five-day, in-person summer workshop
  • Attend four Saturday workshops throughout the school year (typically from 9a – 3p)
    • Sept./Oct. 2025
      One-day face-to-face Saturday workshop
    • Nov. 2025 to Feb. 2026
      Two one-day virtual Saturday workshops
    • March 2026
      One-day face-to-face Saturday workshop
  • Integrate computer science standards in your instruction during the school year

5-day summer workshop

The five-day summer workshop will include the following topics and learning experiences:

  • Experiencing plugged and unplugged computer science activities for K-5
  • Integrating computer science standards in math, ELA, and science instruction
  • Learning strategies for engaging students in core instruction using computer science
  • Exploring Code.org curriculum for your grade level
  • Collaborating with colleagues on creating an implementation plan for integration of computer science in math, ELA, and science instruction

Summer workshop dates

Apply by April 15, 2025

Program offered at no cost

For the 2025-2026 school year, the Ohio STEM Learning Network’s computer science programs are offered at no cost to educators and schools.

Costs are waived for all educators who:

  • Complete the program’s requirements
  • Plan to teach the course content to students in the 2025-2026 school year

The facilitation, materials, and supports are valued at $2,000 per participant, across all four programs.

Summer workshop details

K-12 educators from four distinct professional learning cohorts will gather at two sites for a week of immersive learning and networking in computer science and computational thinking. For the 2025-2026 school year, summer workshops will be held in both Central and Northwest Ohio.
  • Northwest Ohio cohort summer workshop
  • Central Ohio cohort summer workshop
Both cohorts are open to applicants statewide.
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Help us bring computer science to all classrooms in Ohio!

If you’d like to share this opportunity with another educator, you can nominate them for this training. They’ll immediately receive a link to this information, along with a note letting them know you thought it would be a good fit for them.

As a little bonus, if the educator you nominated is accepted into the next cohort, you will be entered to win a gift card as a token of our appreciation.

Nominate an Educator