Computer science (CS) is the study of the capabilities and limitations of computers. New York City K-12 CS education emphasizes a hands-on (rather than theoretical) approach to computer science known as creative computing.

Each meaningful unit of CS education combines three core components:

• Perspectives

  The different stages of CS learning describe how and why your students will tackle a computing task.
• Practices

  The interdependent methods and skills students will need to master in order to solve a problem, answer a question, or express themselves.
• Concepts

  The big ideas students will explore in the process, and better understand when they're done.

Combined, a perspective, practice, and concept describe a new capability students will take away from the unit, and suggest a number of practical skills they've learned in the process. We call these "I Can" statements.