#SAISDSmart: SAISD Elementary Students Celebrate Computer Science Through Coding

San Angelo ISD elementary students immersed themselves in the world of computer science this week in celebration of Computer Science Education Week (December 6 - 12) by participating in coding activities during their science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) class. Computer Science Education Week celebrates the ways districts across the nation inspire students to learn computer science and the STEM teachers who nurture problem-solving skills, logic and creativity through computer science. 

Elementary students across the District engaged in various coding stations in the library this week. At these stations, students worked as teams of up to four to solve a problem through coding using technology, collaborating and communicating with their teammates, and thinking critically to complete the code. Some activities even had the students unplug from technology and work with a pencil and paper or manipulatives to digest complicated concepts made more relatable by removing technology. By learning the basics of coding, students are building a foundation for a successful future in the 21st-century, no matter what that future might be. 

San Angelo ISD is committed to providing our students with opportunities to explore areas of science, technology, engineering, and math through our innovative STEM programs available to students at all levels. Our STEM labs offer students hands-on, collaborative learning experiences that challenge students to think critically through various design challenges and explore subjects such as applied engineering or flight technology in hands-on, meaningful ways. Opportunities for students to explore STEM don’t stop at the elementary and middle school levels, SAISD high school students can choose to follow the STEM program of study within our Career and Technical Education (CTE) program which offers courses focused around engineering to support their individual hopes and dreams. 

Throughout the school year, SAISD will be sharing ways we are celebrating our students for following their individual hopes and dreams through hands-on, collaborative learning experiences that challenge students to think critically through various design challenges. Follow the San Angelo ISD Facebook, Twitter, and website, www.saisd.org/smart, to stay up-to-date and to find out more about how we are celebrating our students' smartness. Students, families, staff, and community members are encouraged to share how their students are smart through the hashtag, #SAISDSmart.