AI, game design, and more in Code.org’s 2024–25 curriculum updates

Experience the latest in computer science education with exciting new content for the upcoming school year.

Attention teachers! As Code.org prepares for another fantastic school year, we’re thrilled to share some exciting new and updated curriculum, with a strong focus on the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) and the joy of creating with code. We’ve been working hard on innovative content designed to engage your students and support your teaching. Here’s a look at what’s new and how these updates can transform your classroom.

New for K-5 classrooms: Igniting young minds with creativity and code

Game Design (Grade: 3+, Instructional Hours: 5, Self-Paced PL Available)

This new module is perfect for introducing young learners to game development! Using Sprite Lab, students will learn about behaviors, variables, events, and conditional statements. They’ll also engage in user testing, data collection, and analysis. The module wraps up with a Game Jam where students can show off their creations. If you’re passionate about bringing creativity and problem-solving to your classroom, this module is for you!

Maker with micro:bit Modules (Grade: 2+, Instructional Hours: 3+, Self-Paced PL Available)

Our new Maker with micro:bit modules combine foundational coding skills with hands-on physical computing projects, starting on the Code.org platform and transitioning to the micro:bit platform. Students will experience the joy of seeing their code control lights, sensors, and more. This one’s perfect for teachers looking to bring more interactive projects into their classrooms.

Music Lab Tutorial (Grade: 2+, Instructional Hours: 1)

In May, we launched Music Lab, an innovative programming environment where students learn coding basics while creating music! In this block-based environment, learners will discover the power of programming to create unique sounds, compose songs, and perform live music. This tutorial helps younger students navigate this new environment, blending the joy of music with foundational coding skills.

How AI Makes Decisions (Grade: 3+, Instructional Hours: 4, Self-Paced PL Available)

Dive into the fascinating world of artificial intelligence with our AI module, which focuses on how AI systems analyze data and make decisions. Students explore key AI concepts, use Code.org’s AI tools in fun and educational ways, begin to understand the critical role of data, and gain insight into how AI works behind the scenes. It’s a great entry point for elementary students into the world of AI.

New for 6–12 classrooms: AI-powered learning and foundational skills

Coding with AI (Grades: 6–12, Instructional Hours: 1 Week, Self-Paced PL Available)

This unit empowers students to become confident coders. Students learn how to leverage generative AI tools to help explain code, tackle problems, and even generate code. More than just coding, this unit emphasizes ethical considerations and responsible use of AI, preparing students for the ever-evolving tech landscape.

Computer Vision (Grades: 9–12, Instructional Hours: 3 Weeks, Self-Paced PL Available)

This unit introduces students to the fundamentals, applications, and ethical implications of computer vision technologies. Students learn about the technical aspects of computer vision as well as its impact on society, preparing them to be thoughtful innovators in a rapidly advancing technological landscape.

Computer Science Connections: Generative AI for Humanities (Grades 8–12, Instructional Hours: 2 Stand-Alone Lessons)

These cross-curricular standalone lessons empower students to use AI for brainstorming, drafting, and revising essays, as well as conducting and verifying research. Through hands-on activities and discussions, students will develop critical thinking and digital literacy skills.

Foundations of CS Beta (Grades: 9–12, Instructional Hours: One Semester)

Are you in a state with a CS graduation requirement — but only for a single semester class? We’ve got you covered now: Designed purposefully to fulfill those requirements and align with state and CSTA standards, the Foundations of Computer Science (FCS) curriculum is a semester-long intro to CS. It’s still in beta for now — so you’ll be in on the ground floor! The beta version integrates content from CS Discoveries and CS Principles; the final version will include new content, so stay tuned.

Self-Paced Professional Learning for Educators

We’re also excited to offer self-paced professional learning to accompany almost all of the new curriculum releases, ensuring that educators have the support and resources they need to confidently teach these innovative courses. You’ll find all of our self-paced offerings on our website.

And in case you missed it, check out AI 101 Self-Paced Professional Learning, Code.org’s new foundational online learning series for any teacher or educator interested in the groundbreaking world of AI and its transformative potential in education.

Course Updates

Computer Science Fundamentals (CSF)

Good news for teachers of Courses A and B — we’ve added slides for each lesson in the course! Slides are now available for all CSF courses. We’ve also made some updates to improve alignment to CSTA standards across courses. You’ll find our new Music Lab lesson added to courses D and E, and our new game design lessons added to Course E. We’ve also added some fun new blocks to Sprite Lab! For more information about all of the improvements to CSF, check out our Changelog.

Computer Science Discoveries (CSD)

We’ve made significant improvements to CSD Unit 2 (Web Development) this year, adding three new lessons that teach students modern web development practices and techniques, and improving the Chapter One mini-projects and end-of-chapter project. We’ve also rearranged the lesson sequence to better support skill acquisition. Throughout CSD, we’ve added new post-assessment self-reflections to help you understand why and how students completed assessment levels as they did. For more information about all of the improvements to CSD, check out our Changelog!

Every year, our goal is to provide a modern curriculum that prepares students for the future. These annual updates reflect that commitment to integrating the latest technologies and methodologies into education. We’re so excited to offer new and updated curriculum to you and your students — as always, at no cost. We can’t wait to see how you’ll engage your students with these new tools and resources!

— The Code.org Team

Code.org is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to every student having the opportunity to learn computer science as part of their core K-12 education. We are publicly funded by people like you. If you would like to join our commitment to computer science education by making a donation today, please click here. For questions, please contact Development at giving@code.org or (206) 593–5521. Thank you.