This article describes how curriculum compacting can be used to meet the needs of gifted students within the regular classroom.

Computer Science is the study of how we use computing devices. Over 70% of jobs in STEM are actually in computing, and the demand is growing. Virginia currently has over 30,000 unfilled jobs in computer science and this sector is growing at four times the national average. Nationally there are more than 500,000 open computing jobs.

In 2016, the Virginia legislature passed a law making Virginia the first state in the country to include computer science as a mandatory part of the curriculum in all public schools. CodeVA offers free professional learning for Virginia public school educators, education professionals, and school districts to implement the computer science SOLs. Although CodeVA cannot cover travel costs, all curricular materials are included for free.

We work with local school districts to provide professional development to public school teachers and to facilitate state licensing required to teach computer programming, but we don’t stop there. We also work with state education agencies and other outside partners to produce and disseminate computer science curricula and resources to support teachers once they have begun using computer science in their classrooms.

Use the CodeVA Connection Request form to request more information about professional learning, curriculum, and to request professional learning opportunities for your school or district!

This activity is designed to provide students with real-world application of classroom curriculum. Students will be required to make budgeting decisions in the light of inflation, unemployment, and other unforeseen additions or strains to the family budget.

Developed by the Science Museum of Western Virginia, this educator outline is intended to assist in guiding middle school-aged students through various activities using the Rokit Smart robot kit. The Rokit Smart utilizes Arduino, a widely-used open-source environment for programming that enables users to create interactive electronic objects.  Designed through modules, the activities can be grouped to fit after-school, summer camp, or other student enrichment needs.  

Developed by the Science Museum of Western Virginia, this educator outline is intended to assist in guiding middle school-aged students through various activities using the Rokit Smart robot kit. The Rokit Smart utilizes Arduino, a widely-used open-source environment for programming that enables users to create interactive electronic objects.  Designed through modules, the activities can be grouped to fit after-school, summer camp, or other student enrichment needs.  

Developed by the Science Museum of Western Virginia, this educator outline is intended to assist in guiding middle school-aged students through various activities using the Rokit Smart robot kit. The Rokit Smart utilizes Arduino, a widely-used open-source environment for programming that enables users to create interactive electronic objects.  Designed through modules, the activities can be grouped to fit after-school, summer camp, or other student enrichment needs.  

Developed by the Science Museum of Western Virginia, this educator outline is intended to assist in guiding middle school-aged students through various activities using the Rokit Smart robot kit. The Rokit Smart utilizes Arduino, a widely-used open-source environment for programming that enables users to create interactive electronic objects.  Designed through modules, the activities can be grouped to fit after-school, summer camp, or other student enrichment needs.  *Module 4 is meant to be done after Modules 1-3 are completed. 

This collection uses primary sources to explore the 1925 Scopes Trial. Digital Public Library of America Primary Source Sets are designed to help students develop their critical thinking skills and draw diverse material from libraries, archives, and museums across the United States. Each set includes an overview, ten to fifteen primary sources, links to related resources, and a teaching guide. These sets were created and reviewed by the teachers on the DPLA's Education Advisory Committee.