Utah Middle School Computer Science: 4 Units for a First Coding Class
Utah Middle School Computer Science: 4 Units for a First Coding Class
A middle school teacher in Utah who has to start a computer science or technology class can begin with the Coding & Computer Basics Units Bundle: four units on algorithms, Python, binary and how the internet works, for $69.99. Every unit has worksheets on four levels and full answer keys. It is a starting set for Grades 6–9, not a Utah course.
View the coding bundleYes, the Coding & Computer Basics Units Bundle ($69.99) is a reasonable first purchase for a Utah middle school CS class. It covers algorithms and computational thinking, programming with Python, binary and digital images, and how the internet works. Each unit includes a reading text, worksheets on four levels, a hands-on task, slides and answer keys. It is not written to the Utah 6-12 Computer Science Standards, so check it against them.
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
Why middle school CS in Utah often starts from zero
Utah has its own Utah 6-12 Computer Science Standards, but there is no standalone computer science credit in the graduation rules. In high school, AP Computer Science, Computer Science Principles and Computer Programming 2 can count toward the science requirement, every student needs Digital Studies (0.5 unit), and Computer Science and Information Technology is one of the CTE areas a student can choose for the 1.0 CTE unit. Middle school is where many students first meet the subject, and the course is often handed to whoever has room in their schedule: a math teacher, a librarian, a CTE teacher new to the building. The hard part is not enthusiasm. It is having something ready on day one that explains what an algorithm is before anyone opens an editor, then gets beginners writing their first lines of Python without boring the students who have coded before. Utah's 2025 phone law (SB 178) also means personal phones are not a fallback, so plan around school devices or paper. Mixed experience in one room, limited device time and a teacher learning alongside the class is the real starting point.
Why it fits
How the four units handle a mixed Utah classroom
The bundle is built for a teacher who may be new to coding and for students who start at very different points.
- Algorithms and Computational Thinking introduces step-by-step problem solving before students write any code.
- The Python unit starts with print, variables and input, then if statements, loops and a mini-project.
- Worksheets on Basic, Standard, Plus and Project levels let experienced coders move ahead.
- The binary and digital images unit explains how a photo becomes data, a useful bridge to Digital Studies.
- How the Internet Works gives background students will need again in high school CS courses.
- Full answer keys with a marking guide help a teacher who is learning the content alongside students.
Getting started
A suggested quarter or semester outline
Use this as a starting order. The units do not prescribe a set number of days, so stretch or compress them to your schedule.
- Start with algorithmsBegin with Algorithms and Computational Thinking so every student, including the ones who have coded before, shares the same vocabulary for steps, sequences and decisions.
- Move to Python basicsTeach the first part of Programming with Python: print, variables and input. Use whatever Python setup your school already has, since the unit does not include software.
- Add control structures and the mini-projectCover if statements and loops, then the mini-project. Students working at the Plus or Project level can extend it while you sit with the beginners who need more help.
- Explain data with binaryData and Encoding: Binary & Digital Images shows how numbers, text and pictures are stored. It lands well after students have seen variables hold data in code.
- Finish with how the internet worksEnd with How the Internet Works, which connects the earlier units to the networks students use every day and sets up later lessons on safety and privacy.
What to buy
Choosing between the four CS products
For a first course, the Coding & Computer Basics Units Bundle at $69.99 is the core buy; the four units are $99.96 separately. If you already have most of a course and only need Python, Programming with Python costs $24.99 on its own. Classes that also need AI and online safety can add the AI & Cybersecurity Units Bundle ($89.99, parts $149.94) with how AI works, prompting, phishing, data protection and encryption. The Computer Science Activities Bundle ($119.99) for Grades 7–10 puts ten units and 30 lessons in one product, covering Python, AI, cybersecurity, networks and filter bubbles, which suits a longer course.
Honest limits
What this bundle does not cover in Utah
The units are not written for Utah and carry no Utah 6-12 Computer Science Standards codes; check them against the standards and your course description yourself. Four units do not make a full-year course. There is no software, coding platform, student account or device in the purchase, so the Python lessons depend on what your school already provides. The licence covers your own classes; a department sharing the files should message Teach Lessons first. If it is not a fit, exchange it within 7 days for store credit of equal value. That is credit in the store, not a cash refund.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Is this aligned to the Utah 6-12 Computer Science Standards?
No. The bundle is not aligned to, approved by or endorsed by the Utah State Board of Education, and it contains no Utah standards codes. Topics such as algorithms, programming, data representation and networks are common in CS standards, but compare each unit with the Utah 6-12 Computer Science Standards and your district's course plan before you rely on it.
I have never taught coding. Can I teach the Python unit?
That is the situation the bundle is meant for. The Python unit starts with print, variables and input before moving to if statements and loops, and it comes with slides, a reading text and full answer keys with a marking guide. Try the exercises yourself a few days ahead, using the Python setup your school already has.
Does it give students high school credit?
No. Credit decisions belong to your school and district. In Utah high schools, courses such as Computer Science Principles or AP Computer Science may count toward science, but this middle school bundle is not one of those courses and cannot stand in for one. Think of it as preparation.
What do students need to run the Python lessons?
The product does not include or require any particular software or platform. Use the computers and Python setup your school provides, or teach the early parts with worksheets and slides on paper or screen first. Check with your IT staff before the unit starts so access is ready.
Can four levels really handle beginners and experienced kids together?
Each unit has worksheets on Basic, Standard, Plus and Project levels. Beginners can stay with Basic and Standard while students who already code take the Plus or Project tasks. You still decide who works where, and fast finishers will need you to look over their extensions.
Can our middle school CS team share one copy?
The licence is for your own teaching. If several teachers in the building want to use it, send Teach Lessons a short message before buying so team or school use can be arranged. Do not post the files publicly or on an open shared drive in the meantime.
Have your first CS lessons ready before the class starts
Open the product page to see what each of the four units contains.
View the coding bundle