New Jersey Middle School Computer Science: Coding Basics for Grades 6–9
If you have been asked to teach computer science in a New Jersey middle school and have never coded, start with the Coding & Computer Basics Units Bundle: four ready units on algorithms and computational thinking, programming with Python, binary and digital images, and how the internet works. It costs $69.99, gives you slides, reading texts and full answer keys, and uses whatever devices your school already has.
Open the coding basics bundleThe Coding & Computer Basics Units Bundle ($69.99) holds four Grades 6–9 units: Algorithms and Computational Thinking; Programming with Python, from print, variables and input to if statements, loops and a mini-project; Data and Encoding: Binary & Digital Images; and How the Internet Works. Each has worksheets on four levels, a reading text, a hands-on task, slides and answer keys with a marking guide. It is not aligned to New Jersey's Computer Science and Design Thinking standards.
The resources
Coding & Computer Basics Units Bundle, Grades 6–9
4 resources in one download: $69.99 instead of $99.96 bought separately.
Start with the first resource; the others are optional add-ons. Open any cover for the full contents and price.
Coding & Computer Basics Units Bundle | Algorithms, Python, Binary & How the Internet Works | 4 Units | Grades 6–9
AI & Cybersecurity Units Bundle | How AI Works, Prompting, Phishing, Encryption & Data Privacy | 6 Units | Grades 6–9
Computer Science Activities Bundle | Artificial Intelligence, Python Programming, Cybersecurity & Digital Literacy | Middle School Grades 7–10
Programming with Python – Computer Science Unit (Grades 6–9)
The real problem
Teaching CS in New Jersey when the standards are being reviewed
New Jersey's middle school CS expectations come from the 2020 NJSLS for Computer Science and Design Thinking, the standards area that used to be called Technology, with implementation from September 2022. In 2026 those standards are under state review, with committee meetings scheduled for October and November 2026, so some details may change after this school year. At the high school level, every public high school other than county vocational districts has had to offer a computer science course since 2018–19 under P.L. 2017, c. 303, though it is not a graduation requirement. That puts pressure on middle schools to send students up with a foundation, and the teacher asked to provide it is often a math or technology teacher without CS training. The tough bit is not the theory; it is running a Python lesson when half the class has never typed code and a few students already know more than you. You need lessons that explain the concepts clearly, give beginners a way in, and keep the confident students busy.
Why it fits
How the four units handle a mixed first CS class
The units are designed so the teacher can learn alongside the class and still run an organized lesson.
- Algorithms and Computational Thinking starts without a computer, so the class learns logic before syntax.
- The Python unit works for students brand new to coding and for confident ones, by its description.
- Binary and digital images show how a computer stores a picture, a concrete start for data topics.
- How the Internet Works explains networks students use daily, a natural link to design thinking discussions.
- Four worksheet levels from Basic to Project keep beginners and experienced students working in the same lesson.
- Answer keys with a marking guide make grading code and explanations manageable for a new CS teacher.
Getting started
Suggested order for a first CS rotation
Many New Jersey middle schools run CS as a quarter or semester rotation. This order builds from ideas to code.
- Begin with algorithmsTeach Algorithms and Computational Thinking first. As a warm-up, students can write step-by-step instructions for an everyday task and find errors in each other's steps, so they meet the idea of an algorithm before touching any code.
- Move to binary and imagesUse Data and Encoding: Binary & Digital Images next. Students see that everything on a screen becomes numbers, which makes variables in Python easier to understand later.
- First steps in PythonStart the Python unit with print, variables and input. Use the Python setup your school already has; nothing in the unit requires a particular platform or account, so check with your technology office early.
- Control structures and a mini-projectContinue with if statements and loops, then the mini-project. Students working at the Basic level can complete a simpler version while those on the Project level push the same idea further on their own.
- Close with the internetFinish with How the Internet Works. It ties the rotation together by showing how data like the images and programs from earlier units travels between computers across a network.
What to buy
Coding basics first, or a bigger set?
For a first CS rotation focused on how computers and code work, buy the Coding & Computer Basics Units Bundle at $69.99; the four units cost $99.96 one by one. If your school wants AI and online safety too, the AI & Cybersecurity Units Bundle ($89.99) adds six units on AI, prompting, phishing, data protection and encryption. For a longer elective in Grades 7–10, the Computer Science Activities Bundle ($119.99) holds ten units with 30 lessons across Python, AI, cybersecurity and networks. A teacher who only wants a coding unit can buy Programming with Python alone for $24.99.
Honest limits
Before you buy, know this
The bundle is not written for New Jersey. It contains no NJSLS codes and is not aligned to the 2020 Computer Science and Design Thinking standards, which are under review in 2026, so check it against your district's curriculum and any updated standards. It covers computer science concepts and beginning Python, not the design thinking side of the standards. No software, laptops or Python setup are included. The licence covers your own classes; message Teach Lessons first if your department wants to share it. Within 7 days you can exchange it for store credit of equal value, not cash.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Does it match New Jersey's Computer Science and Design Thinking standards?
It is not aligned to, endorsed by or approved under the 2020 NJSLS for Computer Science and Design Thinking. Topics such as algorithms, data and networks overlap with that area, but you should compare the units with your district's curriculum. Because the standards are under review in 2026, check for updates too.
I have never programmed. Can I teach the Python unit?
Yes, with some preparation. Read the reading text and slides first and try the tasks yourself. The unit starts at print, variables and input, so you only need to stay a step ahead. The full answer keys and marking guide help you check student work, including when a student's code does not run as expected.
What do students need to run Python?
The bundle includes no software or accounts. Use the Python setup your school already allows, either installed on lab computers or available through a tool your district has approved, and test it before the first lesson. The algorithms and binary units work fully on paper if devices are limited.
Is CS required for New Jersey students?
Under P.L. 2017, c. 303, public high schools other than county vocational districts must offer a computer science course, but it is not a graduation requirement. Middle school CS is set by your district. This bundle gives students a foundation before any high school course.
Will advanced students be bored?
The Plus and Project worksheet levels are there for them. In the Python unit, confident students can take the mini-project further than the rest of the class, and every unit has a hands-on deep-dive task. The Python unit is described as working for confident coders, not just beginners.
How long does the bundle last?
That depends on your schedule. As a rough suggestion, the four units fit a quarter-long rotation with frequent class periods, or stretch across a semester if you spend more time on the mini-project and the Project-level tasks. Pacing is yours to set, since the units can also be taught one at a time.
Start your first CS rotation with confidence
Look through the four units and sample slides on the product page, then plan your first algorithms lesson.
Open the coding basics bundle