Middle School Computer Science Unit - Computer Coding Worksheets and Activities

Introducing middle school students to the basics of computer science can be tricky! This complete computer science unit will engage and amaze your students as they learn about computers and the fundamentals of computer coding.

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The bundle includes over 100 pages of resources that can be used individually where they best fit within your STEM course or taught in sequence as a 3-week middle school computer science unit. Your students will learn about computer parts, algorithms, flowcharts, code, and the role of computer science in our daily lives.

Grab these lessons today to get back your nights and weekends while knowing your students will be engaged in learning the basics of computer coding!

What’s included in the middle school computer science unit?

• Intro to Computers and Computer Parts - In this unplugged lesson, students will explore their background knowledge of computers and computer science in a class discussion and learn the basic components and characteristics of computers through a webquest and puzzle activity.

• Writing Algorithms - In this unplugged lesson, students will learn about algorithms and practice writing clear, specific algorithms as an ordered list of steps. 

• Algorithm Flowcharts - In this unplugged lesson, students will learn how to interpret flowcharts and how to represent algorithms using the standard flowchart symbols. 

• Learn to Code - In this lesson, students will write algorithms to solve specific tasks and then translate their algorithms into code using a given coding language. Finally, students will practice their new skills using a free online coding platform.

• Introduction to Computer Science - In this lesson, students discover why it is important to learn to code. They will engage with text and media to gather evidence and then write an essay about the importance of kids learning computer coding.

• Computer Science Activities Choice Board - In this activity, students will choose from 9 engaging activities to review or extend their coding skills and basic computer knowledge.

• Computer Science Quiz - This unplugged assessment is great for an informal or formal assessment of your students’ coding skills. You could use it at the beginning of your course to assess your students' prior knowledge or use it at the end of this unit to assess what they have mastered.

• Can We Build a Brain? - This resource includes a  movie guide and activities to use with an episode of PBS NOVA Wonders. Students will learn about artificial intelligence, its uses, and its potential drawbacks. (Note: This video is currently streaming for free on the PBS website here.)

Each of the middle school computer science resources described above also has:

✔ Printable, Google, and Easel versions of the student activities and worksheets

✔ Detailed lesson plans and slideshows for easy lesson facilitation

✔ Easy-to-use grading rubrics and assessments

X No specific software or programs are required!

What are other teachers saying?

★★★★★

"My students really enjoyed these activities. They really made them think and were fun. Thanks for creating such a great set of resources. Easy to deliver and ready to use. Awesome!"

★★★★★

"This was a great way to introduce coding! My students and I enjoyed the unit. Simple to follow and instruct from. Thank you!"

★★★★★

"This was a great resource to use to introduce my students to Computer Science. This is my first time teaching a Computer Science/Robotics class and it was really helpful!"

How can the middle school computer science resource be used in your classroom?

• Teach each lesson in the suggested sequence as a 3-week introduction to computer science and coding
• Use the lessons individually where they fit within your existing computer coding curriculum
• Leave the lessons as emergency computer science sub plans
• Assign the lessons to be completed on virtual or asynchronous learning days
• Use the resources as STEM extra credit, holiday break packets, or extension activities

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