Scholarships Are Available!
Grant funding from WeTeach_CS at the Texas Advanced Computing Center (UT Austin) for training scholarships and physical computing kits has been extended through December 2026. Contact us to bring free, high-quality, TEKS-aligned training to your classroom or campus!
Up to 50 educators who complete the Launch_K5 CS training requirements through Region 13 will receive, courtesy of WeTeach_CS.
- No-cost registration for the 3-day training (up to $300 value)
- Day 1 and Day 2 are in-person
- Day 3 is a 6-hour online asynchronous course
- Physical computing kits to begin their launch into CS! (up to $276 value)
Unlock New Possibilities
Welcome to Launch_K5 Computer Science, where education takes flight into a realm of innovation and possibilities! Launch_K5 CS is a dynamic three-day workshop designed for K-5 educators by the experts at WeTeach_CS, the K-12 professional development arm of the Texas Advanced Computing Center at UT. It is crafted with meticulous alignment to the new K-5 Technology Applications TEKS that began implementation in the 2024-2025 school year.
This engaging professional learning experience:
- Models how to integrate the new Technology Applications TEKS into existing instruction, with and without devices.
- Includes ready-to-implement sample lessons that address science, math, and ELAR TEKS, in English and in Spanish.
- Is accessible and engaging for educators of all technology comfort levels, even those who prefer to teach “unplugged.”
Workshop Highlights
- Interactive Workshop: Immerse yourself in a transformative 3-day workshop that equips educators with the skills to seamlessly integrate computer science into their teaching practices.
- TEKS Alignment: Gain insights into aligning your teaching strategies with the latest Tech Apps TEKS, ensuring your curriculum is up-to-date and in line with educational standards.
- Inclusive Curriculum: Explore a comprehensive set of K-5 lessons, including both unplugged and plugged activities, that you can immediately implement in your classroom.
- Coding and Physical Computing: Embrace the future of education by learning about block-based coding and physical computing, essential skills for preparing our students for the digital age.
What About Middle School?
Launch_K5 CS was built to help teachers address the K-5 Technology Applications TEKS. However, a middle school version is in development and is expected to have grant funding to support its rollout. Fill out our form to be notified when it is available.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the WeTeach_CS registration scholarship and physical computing kits, you must work at a Texas school that serves K-5 students and you must complete the Training Requirements below.
Audience
This opportunity is best suited for K-5 educators who will be embedding the new Technology Applications TEKS into their regular instruction. However, educators teaching the Technology Applications TEKS as a stand-alone course or rotation will also benefit.
Training Requirements
Completion of these training requirements ensures your eligibility for a WeTeach_CS registration scholarship and classroom computing kit.
- Day 1: In-person training
- Day 2: In-person training
- Day 3: 6-hour online course
Agenda
This is the agenda for the full 3-day workshop. Need something different? Check out our customization options below.
K-5 Teachers Day One
| Time | Activity |
| 30 minutes | Welcome, Logistics, Overview |
| 1.5 hours | Technology Applications TEKS Deep Dive |
| 1.5 hours | Computational Thinking & Computer Science |
| 1.5 hours | Cybersecurity |
| 1 hour | Artificial Intelligence |
K-2 Teachers Day Two
| Time | Activity |
| 3 hours | Physical Computing - VEX 123 Robots |
| 1.5 hours | Scratch Jr. |
| 1.5 hours | Integrated Lessons |
3-5 Teachers Day Two
| Time | Activity |
| 1.5 hours | Scratch |
| 1.5 hours | Integrated Lessons |
| 3 hours | Physical Computing - micro:bits |
K-5 Teachers Day Three
| Time | Activity |
| 6 hours | Self-Paced Online Course
Topics:
- Teaching and Implementing Computer Science, including Sequencing / Algorithms, Conditionals, Loops, Variables
- Introduction to and guided experiences in Code.org and Scratch
Features:
- Interactive formative assessment items
- Quizzes
- Final Exam
|
We are happy to customize!
Want only some of these topics? Wish to add others? Don’t have a full three days? Already have different computing equipment on site? We are happy to design a customized agenda to fit your needs. Contact us to discuss!
Physical Computing FAQs
Part of the Launch_K5 CS training focuses on the use of physical computing equipment in the classroom.
| Which physical computing kits are covered by grant funding? | K-2 teachers who complete the Training Requirements will receive a set of the Vex 123 robots valued at $276. The set includes: - 2 x 123 Robots in one of three colors
- 2 x VEX Coders
- 2 x 50-pack of Coder Cards in English
- 1 x 123 Field
3-5 teachers who complete the Training Requirements will receive a set of micro:bits valued at $200. The set includes: - 10 x BBC micro:bit V2 boards - available in four colors: red, yellow, green, and blue (please note, you cannot select the color of the micro:bit you receive)
- 10 x battery packs (for batteries)
- 10 x packs of 2 x AAA batteries
- 10 x quick start user guides, safety leaflets, cardboard battery back holders and stickers
| |
| Why physical computing? | Physical computing gives kids a hands-on way to use coding skills to creatively interact with the physical environment. | |
| Why VEX 123 and micro:bit? | Launch_K5 CS developers chose the VEX 123 (grades K-2) and micro:bit (grades 3-5) systems because they are sophisticated enough to fully address the applicable Technology Applications TEKS. Additionally, both systems provide lots of free online resources to help ensure long-term classroom use. | |
| What if I already have physical computing equipment? | If you already have physical computing equipment, we can help you evaluate whether your system effectively addresses the expectations of the Technology Applications TEKS. If so, we’re happy to incorporate your physical computing equipment into a customized version of the Launch_K5 CS training. | |
