#csforgood - Hour of Code + UN Sustainable Development Goals

When I taught computer science with 2nd graders, I absolutely loved Hour of Code. It was a time of year where I could get every teacher on board with coding with easy, beginner level lessons using Hour of Code's website. It was (and is still) one of my favorite programming events for the library. This was about 8 years ago now, and I think I have grown in my understanding of computer science and the many ways we need to think about it's embedded nature in our lives, the good and the not so good.

My approach to Hour of Code now is not just an introduction to coding in a fun way, but also a way to open conversations to the larger impact of computer science education. The ways computer science and technology are applied in our daily lives, in the real world, is a crucial aspect of learning CS. We need to be able to help students understand the challenges or problems people face around the world and inspire this generation to think deeply about the ways CS can help in solving those problems in order to create a more equitable and sustainable world.

If you also believe in the idea that with great power comes great responsibility, I hope you'll join me in a cross-over of Teaching the SDGs and Hour of Code this week for Computer Science Week! This week can help empower students to be a source of positive change as they think about the ethical responsibilities surrounding computer science. Let's help them to think critically about how CS can solve problems on a deeper and larger scale.

The Padlet below is linked to activities for the Hour of Code (or longer) you can adapt for the different SDGs. It is collaborative, so if you have additional activities or ideas, please share for the collective good.

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