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It refers to the ability to leverage
computer technology to appropriately access digital information; to create, share, and
modify artifacts, and to interact and collaborate with others.

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Common Sense Education provides educators and students with the resources they need to harness the power of technology for learning and life. Find a free K-12 Digital Citizenship curriculum, reviews of popular EdTech apps, and resources for protecting student privacy.

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The standards promote development of foundational skills,
knowledge, and experience to solve problems by creating solutions that utilize computational thinking concepts and practices.

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Problem Solving and Computing ('22-'23) - Code.org

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Anyone can learn computer science. Make games, apps and art with code.

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The Networks and Systems Design standards aim to prepare students to understand the basic functioning of the computing systems and networks that are used as fundamental
tools in our personal and professional lives.

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The Cybersecurity standards prepare students to understand why data and computing
resources need to be protected, who might access them, and why they might do so
whether intentionally malicious or not. It is important that students know how to employ
basic safeguards to protect data and computing resources and how to appropriately
respond if a breach occurs.

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The Impacts of Computing standards promote an understanding of the evolving impactof computing technologies on society through many lenses, including personal, social,cultural, accessibility, legal, economic, and ethical.

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The word "algorithm" is thrown around a lot today with respect to computer science and programming - but what exactly are algorithms? The word may sound complicated, but the concept is relatively easy to learn even without a coding background.

In this article, we'll examine algorithms, learn how to create them, and discuss algorithms' use in real life. When you're ready to jump right into learning all about algorithms, join our award-winning free live online AI class for kids, designed by experts from Google, Stanford, and MIT.

What is an algorithm?

Simply put, an algorithm is a set of steps used to solve a specific problem. While algorithms often appear in computer science or coding contexts, an algorithm can be as straightforward as the process for making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Once you've written out the steps for making a PB&J, you can use this same algorithm every time you want to make a new one, and you can share your algorithm with other, hungry people.

What are algorithms in coding?

Algorithms in coding are lines of code, built into blocks or functions, that can solve programming or mathematical problems. They may be written in any language. For a piece of code to be considered an algorithm, it must consistently produce the right solution and must be guaranteed to work on reasonable inputs. Algorithms in coding may be simple methods that can search for information or sort lists. More complicated algorithms can be used for artificial intelligence, data science, and more!

Coding algorithms are especially useful because they can solve big problems much more quickly than humans can. In fact, certain problems that are too complex to solve mathematically can be solved with algorithms.

An algorithm in coding example

Below is a simple example of an algorithm, written in Python:

This example creates a function, findMax(), which finds the biggest number in a list of numbers. Essentially, this algorithm looks at every number in the list and if the next number is bigger than the current maximum value, sets the maximum value to the bigger number. This algorithm is guaranteed to work, even on a very big list.

Another common problem that may be solved with algorithms is the Traveling Salesman problem. In this challenge, the objective is to find the shortest path between multiple cities. While this problem can be extremely complicated to do "by hand" when there are a large number of cities, computer algorithms can solve it very quickly!

There are some computer algorithms you likely use every day. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and many other social media platforms rely on algorithms to serve you relevant posts and recommend other content. Google Search sits on a powerful algorithm which helps you find specific information among the billions of pages of the internet.

Algorithm examples in everyday life

We apply algorithms in real life without even thinking about it. We've listed some examples below.

Baking a cake

The process of baking a cake can be broken down into gathering ingredients, preheating the oven, mixing wet and dry ingredients together, filling a cake pan, and then baking until done. This type of algorithm could be documented in a cookbook, or an online recipe site.

Tying your shoes

Tying your shoes is an algorithm that is likely so automatic you don't even think of the steps as you do them. Many routines or habits are algorithms, as they can be broken into steps that you repeat every time you need to complete the task.

Driving a car

Learning how to drive a car means learning lots and lots of rules of the road. Most of the actions we perform as we drive can be thought of as algorithms. The proper process for moving through a four-way stop, changing lanes, and even parking all have a set of specific steps that make them algorithms.

What other examples can you think of?

Types of algorithms

The most basic types of computer science algorithms are:

1. Brute force algorithms: The simplest possible algorithm that can be devised to solve a problem. It's like using all possible combinations of numbers to open a bank safe.

2. Backtracking algorithms: This is a slight improvement on the brute force algorithm, and is a technique to find a solution to a problem in an incremental approach. It starts with one possible option out of many available. Then tries to solve the problem. If it can solve it with the selected move, then it uses the solution. Otherwise, it backtracks and selects something else to try to solve it.

3. Divide and conquer algorithms: This algorithm divides the problems into subproblems and then solves each of them, before combining them to form the solution to the given problems. Begin by dividing the algorithm into two parts; the first parts divide the problem on hand into smaller subproblems of the same type. In the second part, these smaller problems are solved and then added together (combined) to produce the problem's final solution.

4. Dynamic programming algorithms: This is one of the most efficient ways to solve a problem: it remembers the results of the past run and uses them to find new results.

5. Greedy algorithms: In this type of algorithm, a decision is made that is good at that point without considering the future. These algorithms are used for solving optimization problems.

6. Randomized algorithms: This is an algorithm type that makes its decision on the basis of random numbers. Basically it uses random numbers in its logic.

7. Recursive algorithms: This is an algorithm that calls itself repeatedly until the problem is solved. It thinks about the existing cases and the solution of the simplest subproblem, and all other complexity will be handled by it automatically.

Where are algorithms used in computer science?

Algorithms are the building blocks for programming. So a big part of computer programming is learning about the formation and analysis of algorithms. Today, algorithms allow computers, smartphones, and websites to function and to make decisions. As just one small example, if you use apps such as Facebook and TikTok, the algorithms on those platforms help chose the content that gets shown to you.

How do you write a code algorithm?

The process for writing an algorithm can be broken down as follows:

1. Write it in human-speak.

Write the algorithm out in human-speak or as a flow chart. Don't try to code your algorithm before you truly understand what it needs to do. Spend some time figuring out the process and all the different cases your algorithm may need to handle.

2. Pseudocode.

Break your process into very specific steps, still in human-speak. We'll later translate these steps into a programming language. Often, this can be done as comments in your coding environment. Having a good frame for your algorithm will make it that much easier to code.

3. Code it!

Using your pseudocode, write out each step in your algorithm in your coding language of choice.

4. Test it.

Test your algorithm. Make sure you try as many different cases as you possibly can, so that your algorithm can handle lots of different types of inputs.

Astute readers will see that the process for writing an algorithm is, in fact, an algorithm.

By now, you know more about algorithms, how they are used in real life and in computer science, and how to code a basic algorithm. As you can see algorithmic thinking can help children develop lifelong logic thinking skills. If you're interested in learning more, check out our AI Explorers class where we discuss many different types of AI algorithms and how they can be used to teach computers to learn!

Written by Sarah Rappaport, who graduated from Northwestern University with undergraduate and graduate degrees in engineering and music. She's now working on a masters in data with Georgia Institute of Technology. She taught math and computer science with Teach for America for two years, and now works as a Systems Engineer.

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What Are Algorithms: Guide for Kids - Create & Learn

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The word "algorithm" is thrown around a lot today with respect to computer science and programming - but what exactly are algorithms? The word may sound complicated, but the concept is relatively easy to learn even without a coding background. In this article, we'll examine algorithms, learn how to create them, and discuss algorithms' use in real life.

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Videos about Careers (select TECH or IT)

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Videos about Careers (select TECH or IT)

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Creativity (related to computer science)

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Creativity (related to computer science)

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What will you create? #HourOfCode - YouTube

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Video library.  We are building a growing library of educational videos available for re-use by educators worldwide, online or in classrooms. Sections:  How AI Works How Computers Work How the Internet Works Computer Science Principles The Basics of Computer Science Inspirational Videos

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Video library.  We are building a growing library of educational videos available for re-use by educators worldwide, online or in classrooms. Sections:  How AI Works How Computers Work How the Internet Works Computer Science Principles The Basics of Computer Science Inspirational Videos

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Code.org's growing library of educational videos is available for re-use by educators worldwide, online or in classrooms. Our goal is to amplify our efforts beyond our own curriculum's reach.

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Engaging computer science videos for learners of all ages.

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Black Programmers and Technologists Who Inspire Us

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This year, in honor of Black History Month, the Codecademy Team is celebrating Black leaders that are working to build a more inclusive, more welcoming, and more diverse tech industry.

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our goal is to reach 10,000 classrooms.
You can help us get there by sharing this website with your friends, family, teachers, school administrators, and anyone interested in supporting the project.

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Scientist Story Kits | Diversity in STEM Representation

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Our story kits show students real-world examples of diversity in science. Get resources for your students to see inclusive STEM representation in the classroom.

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Trust Me Documentary (PGLibrary has access info)

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Trust Me Documentary (PGLibrary has access info)

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GETTING BETTER FOUNDATION PRESENTS

WATCH AT HOME LICENSE FOR SCHOOLS, UNIVERSITIES, LIBRARIES

HOST A SCREENING

"We must prepare young people for living in a world of powerful images, words and sounds."

- UNESCO, 1982

Sign-up to host a screening and become the event promoter by submitting this form.

(You can also request to host a screening by calling: +1-989-370-2777
or by sending an email to info@gettingbetterfoundation.org)

COVID-19 UPDATE:

*DUE TO THE CURRENT PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS, WE ARE OFFERING WAYS TO HOST COMMUNITY SCREENINGS AND DISCUSSIONS ONLINE RATHER THAN IN-PERSON EVENTS. WE ARE WILLING AND ABLE TO CONSIDER LIVE WEBINARS OR RECORDED Q&A SESSIONS WITH FILMMAKERS, MUSICIANS AND/OR CHARACTERS FROM THE FILM.

* We have partnered with Eventbrite to make hosting your screening as easy as possible.* Classroom version (Two 15-minute segments with lessons plans) will be available for purchase soon.* To encourage screenings and discussions, your organization will receive 25% of ticket revenue from your screening!* We will provide PDFs of posters, invitations, email and social media templates to help you build an audience for your screening.

Get Involved

LET'S GET MEDIA LITERACY INTO SCHOOLS
To be delivered to the United States Department of Education, Governors of the 50 United States, the U.S. Congress and Senate:
"We, the People, call upon Government, Journalists and Educators to help us rid the airwaves, internet and news outlets of mis- and dis-information from irresponsible media sources. The first step is to prepare the citizenry to evaluate the validity of messages and sources by supporting media literacy and testing for K-12 education, university and journalistic curriculums.

The high state of fear generated by media coverage which is unbalanced (biased toward the bad news) and sometimes erroneous, drives up unnecessary fear in our country, which, in turn drives down trust. When we trust one another, we're more apt to help each another. Fear can also lead to feelings of helplessness which damages mental health. By closing the perception gap between the actual and the perceived state of the world, we believe depression, anxiety, illegal drug use and suicidal ideology will decline. We believe progress in solving the big problems of the day will move forward at a higher rate."

Rationale for this petition: The facts prove this is be the best time ever to be alive, but most don't realize it. A petition asking for the U.S. States to adopt media literacy curriculum in K-12 schools would show our resolve and remind our representatives of the critical importance of this issue.

DONATE

SUPPORT MEDIA LITERACY
Want to help empower people to build a more resilient population with media literacy?
Trust Me is a production of the Getting Better Foundation, a 501-c-3 public charity. Our mission is to build trust using the truth. Our greatest need is funding for educational materials for schools and communities. If you'd like to help, you may donate here.

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GETTING BETTER FOUNDATION PRESENTS WATCH AT HOME LICENSE FOR SCHOOLS, UNIVERSITIES, LIBRARIES "We must prepare young people for living in a world of powerful images, words and sounds." - UNESCO, 1982 Sign-up to host a screening and become the event promoter by submitting this form.

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GAMES on Brainpop (Digital Citizenship) Click on GAMES for each topic

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GAMES on Brainpop (Digital Citizenship) Click on GAMES for each topic

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A collection of Digital Citizenship resources for grades 3-8, including animated movies, quizzes, activities, and learning games plus lesson ideas for educators.

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A collection of Digital Citizenship resources for grades 3-8, including animated movies, quizzes, activities, and learning games plus lesson ideas for educators.

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A collection of computer science movies, coding games, and other learning resources for Computer Science Education Week, Hour of Code, and beyond.

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Many students don't know that what they do online can impact their digital footprint, permanently. This video explores how having control over your digital footprint is an important step in managing your privacy.

Featured in this video:

Belinha De Abreu, Ph.D, Media Literacy Educator, Walsh Intermediate School, Branford, CT

Eric Langhorst, 8th Grade American History Teacher, South Valley Junior High School, Liberty, MO

Frank Gallagher, Executive Director, Cable in the Classroom

Amanda Lenhart, Senior Researcher, Pew Research Center

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LESSON Your Digital Footprint: Leaving a Mark In a digital world and information-sharing age, it can sometimes be hard to understand where privacy ends and what the real risks are. Everyone cares about their reputation, but many students don't know that what they do online can impact their digital footprint, permanently.

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InCtrl is a series of free standards-based lessons that teach key digital citizenship concepts. These lessons, for students in grades 4-8,are designed to engage students through inquiry-based activities, and collaborativeand creative opportunities.

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InCtrl is a series of free standards-based lessons that teach key digital citizenship concepts. These lessons, for students in grades 4-8,are designed to engage students through inquiry-based activities, and collaborativeand creative opportunities.

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Teaching Key Digital Citizenship Concepts to Children | InCtrl

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InCtrl is an online resource that teaches key digital citizenship lessons to students in grades four to eight. Start your digital journey with us today.

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Be Internet Awesome (lessons with PearDeck)

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Be Internet Awesome (lessons with PearDeck)

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Be Internet Awesome Partnership | Pear Deck

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Pear Deck has teamed up with Google’s Be Internet Awesome, a free digital citizenship curriculum designed to help kids learn to be safe online.

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University of Connecticut professor Michael Lynch calls the internet "both the world's best fact checker and the world's best bias confirmer-often at the same time."

I've come to believe that reliable information is to civic health what clean water and proper sanitation are to public health. Never has so much information been at our fingertips as it is today. Whether this bounty will make us smarter and better informed or more ignorant and narrow-minded will depend on one thing: our educational response to this challenge.

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What's at Stake | Civic Online Reasoning

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University of Connecticut professor Michael Lynch calls the internet "both the world's best fact checker and the world's best bias confirmer-often at the same time." I've come to believe that reliable information is to civic health what clean water and proper sanitation are to public health.

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National Center for Missing & Exploited Children

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Copyright © 2001-2019 National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. All rights reserved. Animated Characters Excluding Tad and Tera Copyright © 2000-2019 National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and Boys & Girls Clubs of America. All rights reserved.

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Engineering & Computer Science Lessons & Videos | Flocabulary - Flocabulary

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Want to introduce technology and engineering to your students via engaging videos? Check out the lesson plans and teacher guides at Flocabulary!

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CS First has been turned down - CS First Help

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Google’s CS First was turned down on June 30, 2025. When CS First launched in 2013, the intention was to provide much-needed resources for K-12 computer science education. The landscape has since evol

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Planning for the Hour of Code with your classroom that's gone virtual? Try a CodeByte! Designed to fit smoothly into a distance learning plan, CodeBytes are easy-to-digest, 20 minute interactive lessons that will stream during Computer Science Education Week, December 7-11.

We saw how many people loved taking a Code Break earlier this year. So, we're packaging up that CS goodness into 5 different fun-sized CodeBytes during the week!

Every episode features a new lesson that blends computer science with real-world topics. One day, students will use Dance Party to get creative and express themselves. Another day, they'll explore environmental sustainability with Artificial Intelligence.

While our live episodes have already taken place, you can still view the recordings and try the activities.

CodeBytes are great for:

Students with varying access to technology. Participants can tune-in and interact whether they have a laptop, tablet, or smartphone!

Young students who may not be ready for fully self-led Hour of Code activities.

Older students who want to engage in a group lesson.

Parents and caretakers looking to supplement their child's learning at home.

Educators looking for a simple, pre-planned way to bring the Hour of Code to their virtual classrooms.

Stay in the know! Join our mailing list to receive Code.org updates and be the first to learn of new resources for at home learning.

Lessons are created and led by our very own Code.org staff, many of whom were teachers themselves previously! This means you don't need any additional resources or lesson plans in order to organize a fun and educational Hour of Code event to your class even when they are participating from home. All you and your students have to do is tune-in!

All of our live episodes have taken place. However, recordings can be found below or you can download them here.

Episode 1

Monday, December 7th

Recommended for grades 6-12

American Sign Language (ASL) is a way to communicate without speaking. We'll be training a computer to read sign language with our own images of ASL letters. Teachable Machine and AI for Oceans will be used during this lesson.

Episode 2

Episode 3

Episode 4

Episode 5

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Planning for the Hour of Code with your classroom that's gone virtual? Try a CodeByte! Designed to fit smoothly into a distance learning plan, CodeBytes are easy-to-digest, 20 minute interactive lessons that will stream during Computer Science Education Week, December 7-11. We saw how many people loved taking a Code Break earlier this year.

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Exploring AI (with interviews from experts)

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Exploring AI (with interviews from experts)

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AI 101 for Teachers

Code.org, ETS, ISTE and Khan Academy are partnering to bring educators a professional learning series that supports teachers as they adapt to AI's impacts on the classroom.

This is a free, foundational online learning series for any teacher and educator interested in the groundbreaking world of artificial intelligence (AI) and its transformative potential in education. Partners Code.org, ETS, ISTE and Khan Academy are offering engaging sessions with renowned experts that will demystify AI, explore responsible implementation, address bias, and showcase how AI-powered learning can revolutionize student outcomes. Join us on this journey of exploration and empowerment, and unlock the future of teaching with and about AI.

Explore sessions

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Learn about artificial intelligence (AI) | Code.org

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Tools to help students and teachers bring AI into the classroom.

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How do Computers Work (video series from code.org)

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How do Computers Work (video series from code.org)