• Infuse CS practices into any K–8 subject with ease and creativity
• Empower students through storytelling, remixing, and prompt engineering
• Support equity, engagement, and future-ready skills—all without extra curriculum

That’s one of the powerful ideas behind Cross Content Connections, a new coaching tool website developed by members of the Cal-MSCS Grant Computer Science content area team. Designed specifically for K–8 multiple subject teachers, this resource helps educators infuse computer science concepts and practices into everyday lessons without having to add an entirely new subject to their already packed schedules. And here’s something important to remember: computer science isn’t just about coding. It’s about creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and communication. These skills are essential across every content area and every stage of learning.

So, what is Cross Content Connections?
At its core, Cross Content Connections is a treasure trove of lesson ideas. Each one is thoughtfully aligned with both specific content area standards and California’s Computer Science Standards. And here’s the best part—teachers don’t need to be CS experts to use them. Every lesson includes both plugged and unplugged versions, making them incredibly flexible and accessible. Plus, with real-world connections and equity-focused supports built in, the tool ensures that all students can see themselves in the learning.

Why does this matter?
Because the earlier we introduce students to computer science thinking, like decomposition, algorithms, and pattern recognition, the more confident and curious they might become. The goal isn’t to turn every student into a programmer, but rather to lay a strong foundation for future learning. By weaving CS practices into existing content areas, we’re creating more meaningful, engaging learning experiences that help students make sense of the digital world around them.

Let’s talk remixing.
One of the coolest things about this coaching tool is that teachers are encouraged to use or even remix the lessons to meet their students’ unique needs. Take this example from a 5th-grade English Language Arts class.

Originally, the lesson focused on Remixing a Story’s Ending Using Decomposition as an unplugged activity. But one creative teacher took it a step further. Using a custom chatbot embedded in the coaching tool website, they developed a remixed version of the lesson that helped guide students through a prompt engineering experience using a custom MagicSchool Room.

Click here to access the original lesson idea on the Cross Content Connections site.

Students began by analyzing the classic story of The Three Little Pigs, breaking down its key elements on a paper graphic organizer. Then, in teams of 2-3, they planned how they’d remix each of the story elements to make it more engaging or meaningful to them. Once their ideas were mapped out, they copied the story into the MagicSchool Room and used prompt engineering to experiment and rework different parts. All students iterated at least seven times. Others, up to twelve. The results? Completely reimagined stories with the same heart and structure, but a fresh twist that was entirely their own.

Click here to view the remixed lesson plan and student exemplars.

This activity directly addressed the CS Practice of Creating Computational Artifacts. Students were not only engaging in creative storytelling, they were generating entirely new story elements by remixing existing parts of a narrative. Through this, they practiced design, iteration, and critical thinking while interacting with a digital tool.

For these particular students, this was their first time doing anything like this. With plenty of scaffolding and guidance (including a reminder to fact-check chatbot outputs), students embraced creativity, collaboration, and computational thinking, all in an ELA writing lesson.

Ready to try it yourself?
Whether you’re new to computer science or looking for fresh ways to deepen student engagement, Cross Content Connections is here to support you. Dive into the library of lesson ideas, remix away, and help your students build the skills they need to thrive in our ever-changing world.

This blog post was drafted with the help of ChatGPT to help organize and flesh out my ideas regarding the Cross Content Connections website and how a teacher remixed a lesson idea. I also used NotebookLM to generate a deep dive audio overview—perfect for those who want to listen and learn on the go.