Computer Science

What is Computer Science?

Iowa defines computer science as understanding how and why technologies work, exploring whether and how technology could solve real-life problems, investigating procedures, creating solutions, and learning about computing systems, programming, data, networks and the effects on society and the individual. Learning computer science means learning how to create new technologies, rather than simply using them.

It is the vision of the state of Iowa that all Iowa students will engage in the concepts and practices of computer science through an intentional progression of experiences in order to prepare them to become enterprising citizens that positively impact society.

This vision is accomplished through the CSTA and Iowa standards that weave the Core Practices throughout the Core Concepts. You can find more about computer science in Iowa on the Iowa Department of Education website.

K-12 Computer Science Framework

Computer Science Standards (CSTA)

Heartland AEA Computer Science Overview + Resources

Heartland AEA is committed to supporting schools as they work to implement the Iowa Core Computer Science Standards. Area schools should contact a member of the Heartland AEA Computer Science Team for support.