The Arizona Computer Science Standards for grades kindergarten through twelve are organized into five concepts and seven practices, based on the K-12 Computer Science Framework.

Reading the AZ Computer Science Standards 

Additional Computer Science Videos from Arizona's Department of Education:

What is Computer Science?

Computer Science Practices

CS Concepts: Computer Systems

CS Concepts: Networks & the Internet

CS Concepts: Data & Analysis

CS Concepts: Algorithms & Programming

CS Concepts: Impacts of Computing

In Deer Valley USD we provide access to Computer Science Education to students from PreK through high school. Our goals and resources for Computer Science delivery in DVUSD schools are specified by grade:

• PreK: Use of unplugged computational thinking activities each month
• K-6: All students will participate in 15-30 class hours each school year, including coding activities on computers (delivered through a special area course, embedded in curriculum, centers, or MTSS outer circle time)
• 7-8: At least 9 weeks of Computer Science/ STEM as an exploratory course available at each campus
• 9-12: All campuses will offer a two-year sequence in Computer Science (Software and App Design CTE Program) and a senior internship option for students

Computer Science Progression of Learning in DVUSD

Preschool & Pre-K

Creating sequences, recognizing patterns, and identifying cause/effect relationships are all foundational computational thinking skills developed by children in DVUSD's preschool and pre-K classes.

To support our young learners with these concepts, each preschool/PreK classroom has a LEGO Coding Express kit which is used to introduce students to early coding concepts that naturally spark their curiosity, creativity, and desire to explore.

Kindergarten - 6th Grade Code.org's Computer Science Foundations

 

The foundational framework of resources for the implementation of Computer Science Education in DVUSD are Code.org’s courses. The Code.org Computer Science Fundamentals curriculum includes courses designed for each grade level, K-5. The Computer Science Fundamentals curriculum also includes an “Express Course” which is great for students in 6th-8th grades along with units in the Computer Science Discoveries course.

Explore the Code.org courses - https://code.org/teach/.

Computer Science Mini-Lessons

DVUSD teachers developed brief Computer Science mini-lessons for teaching students in K-5 the skills addressed by Arizona's Computer Science standards that extend beyond the scope of Code.org's curriculum (which mostly align with the Algorithms and Programming standards).

CS Mini-Lessons for Grades K-2: Computing Systems | Troubleshooting | Passwords | Storage | Data Collection | Inference & Models | Impacts on Culture | Social Interactions

CS Mini-Lessons for Grades 3-5: Computing Systems - Devices |  Computing Systems - Hardware/Software | Computing Systems - Troubleshooting | Networks & The Internet  | Cybersecurity | Storage | Data Collection | Inference and Models | Impact on Culture | Improving Technology | Social Interactions  | Permissions & Copyright

Physical Computing Resources

The use of hands-on computing resources allows for the concepts to play out beyond the screen as students see their code come to life. Through a process of piloting resources and convening a team to dig deep into the evaluation of options, DVUSD has identified a hands-on computing resource for introduction at each grade level.

• Kindergarten: Indi (Sphero)
• 1st Grade: VEX123 (VEX Robotics)*new in Spring 2025
• 2nd Grade: Dash (Wonder Workshop) 
• 3rd Grade: Spike Essential (LEGO)
• 4th Grade: Bolt (Sphero)*new in Spring 2025
• 5th Grade: Micro:Bit (BBC)
• 6th Grade: Hummingbird Robotics (BirdBrain)

Middle School [7th-8th Grades]

Schools serving students in grades 7th & 8th can offer Computer Science & STEM Exploratory course. These courses can be delivered for a single quarter, two quarters, or a full-school year.

 

In the middle school Computer Science course, students learn concepts including coding, fundamentals of hardware, basics of cybersecurity, and exploring the impacts of technology developments on life. Through the use of digital and physical computing resources like the micro:bit and Sphero RVR, students apply their skills to real-world applications.

STEM exploratory courses integrate computer science alongside application of the engineering design process. Each campus offering STEM has VEX IQ robotics kits for STEM lab units. 

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) provides students with opportunities to apply the design processes of invention and innovation. Students experience ways in which technological knowledge and processes contribute to effective designs, abilities, and skills. Brainstorming, visualizing, modeling, constructing, testing, and refining designs provide firsthand opportunities for students to understand the uses and impacts of innovations. Students apply problem-solving, collaboration, research, exploration, inquiry, evaluation, and engineering design to address real-world problems.

High School [9th-12th Grades]

Students in DVUSD can continue their journey with computer science at each high school in our district through the Career and Technical Education (CTE) program Software & App Design.

Additional CTE programs in STEM fields are also available at select sites:

• Air Force JROTC
• Biomedical Sciences
• Engineering
• Interior Architectural Design
• Software & App Design
• Stagecraft

Learn more about CTE programming in DVUSD

What is Hour of Code?

The Hour of Code started as a one-hour introduction to computer science, designed to demystify "code", to show that anybody can learn the basics, and to broaden participation in the field of computer science.

During Hour of Code students participate in activities that challenge them to apply problem-solving skills. Each year DVUSD schools offer students opportunities to participate in the Hour of Code.

Check out sample activities at https://hourofcode.com/us/learn.

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Hour of Code 2023 | Fox10 News @ Sonoran Foothills

When is Hour of Code?

Hour of Code takes place during Computer Science Education Week, which is held annually in recognition of the birthday of computing pioneer Admiral Grace Murray Hopper (December 9, 1906). Campuses can pick a day during Computer Science Education Week to conduct Hour of Code activities.

Hour of Code 2019 - DVUSD from Michelle Coots on Vimeo.

Who Leads Hour of Code?

Anyone can implement Hour of Code activities using the computer-based / unplugged tutorials.

To support implementation in DVUSD schools, we partner with USAA which provides volunteers to lead Hour of Code activities. At the partnering schools, USAA volunteers share an introduction of themselves and how their work is influenced by computer science, show a video about Computer Science / Hour of Code, and facilitate student participation in select activities from the Hour of Code site.

Several organizations in the community provide opportunities to explore STEM beyond the school day. The details on this page are for informational purposes only and are NOT endorsements of any organization or program. The choice to engage in any activities on this page is the full responsibility of the participant (and parent/guardian.)

AZ SciTech

The SciTech Institute’s Community Events Calendar is the #1 resource to learn about and register for STEM events taking place throughout the state of Arizona. With new events added almost daily.

Camp Innovation @ AZ Science Center (Summer 2024)

Let your imagination run wild in our series of 5-day camp sessions that spark curiosity for science! 5-Day Camps | Grades 1-6 | June 3 – July 26 | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | $295 Members | $325 Non-Members

DVUSD Community Education Courses

The Deer Valley Community Education Department is committed to providing opportunities for local citizens and different vendor organizations to become active partners in delivering high quality educational, cultural, and recreational enrichment to our community beyond the school bells. Programs and activities are planned to serve the needs of all age groups, from preschoolers to adults.

Engineering For Kids

When school is out, camp is in at Engineering for Kids of Phoenix Metro! Kids are naturally curious about how things work and our programs give them an outlet to explore science, technology, engineering, and math in a hands-on way.

Glendale Public Library

Glendale Public Libraries host a variety of STEAM events for families, kids, tweens, and teens.

Grand Canyon University

GCU is a champion for STEM and hosts events for students to learn more about possibilities with technology.

KidsTech Events & Camps @ GenTech

GenTech is a community tech hub managed by brilliant techs with backgrounds in engineering, IT support, computer science and programming.

Maricopa County Libraries

As the vibrant community front porch, we aspire to meet the changing needs of our diverse and connected residents.

Phoenix Public Libraries

We connect today's community to a world of possibilities.

TGen

TGen’s mission in science education and community outreach is to educate, train and inspire the next generation of researchers and physicians and to increase the community’s working knowledge of genomics.

West-MEC Career Camps

Be a part of a select group of students to engage in hands-on, interactive career camps this summer. Students in grades 6th-8th can explore future careers with industry-standard equipment and labs.

Canyon Springs STEM Academy

Sierra Verde STEAM Academy

Instructional Technology Overview

1:1 Student Devices

Digital Platforms

Artificial Intelligence

Parent Resources