I'm a Maker!

Explore your creativity with physical computing

What is a maker? Makers invent, explore, innovate, and create using technology like development boards, robotics, 3D printing, programming, and more. Maker education takes STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) a step further by inviting hands-on experience and collaboration into the classroom to help teach problem solving and critical thinking. Code.org has previously incorporated maker education into our CS Discoveries curriculum, but we're now proud to provide new offerings for a variety of classrooms!

Creating Apps with Devices

Every day, we use devices that help us accomplish tasks both big and small. When students learn to program these devices, foundational computer science comes alive! In this standalone unit, students will learn the fundamentals of programming devices.

Grades: 6-12

Duration: 25 hours

Physical Computing

Why physical computing?

Learning about physical computing requires time on and off the computer. As a result of this different learning dynamic, there are some unique benefits of learning computer science through physical computing.
  • Real-world applications: Using a physical device can help students engage and connect the actions on a screen to their impact in the real world.
  • Inclusion and engagement: According to a BBC survey, female students described feeling more confident after exposure to physical computing.
  • Social and emotional learning: Physical computing encourages students to work together, fostering collaboration, interpersonal skills, and active learning. Source.

Why Code.org's Physical Computing Unit?

Our physical computing unit allows students to:
  • Make an app connected to their device, rather than coding a device disconnected from the screen.
  • Use all of their favorite App Lab features (like databases and graphics) with the physical computing device!

Professional learning

To support teachers in getting stated with this new physical computing unit we have created a self-paced online professional learning unit.

Through completing this 100-minute online unit, participants will:

  • Get an introduction to Physical Computing.
  • Practice key concepts included in the unit.
  • Engage with the maker app.
  • Explore end of chapter projects.


Making in the K-5 classroom with the micro:bit

Code.org has partnered with the Micro:bit Educational Foundation to offer teachers several resources on using the BBC micro:bit device as an extension to our CS Fundamentals curriculum.

With these resources — including booklets, videos, posters, and more — it will be easier than ever for classrooms to utilize the micro:bit within Code.org courses.


More Code.org Resources

Interested in incorporating physical computing, maker education, and/or robotics into your Hour of Code event? Find relevant activities here, and see below for a video to engage your class and tweets from Hour of Code 2022 classroom events!

Hour of Code

CS Journeys


Subscribe for the latest news

Sign up for our monthly emails, which contain the latest news about tools, videos, and other important updates for Maker.

[Back to top]