Computer Science for Fun (CS4FN)
@cs4fn.bsky.social
CS4FN is currently an EPSRC funded project to inspire and educate about interdisciplinary computer science in a fun way. Read our blog at cs4fn.blog. Posts by Paul Curzon. Views are my own.
Computing by all, for all - THIS MONTH
July is Disability Pride Month
Read about Disability stars in the history of computing at
cs4fn.blog/disability-i...
#ComputingByAllForAll
July is Disability Pride Month
Read about Disability stars in the history of computing at
cs4fn.blog/disability-i...
#ComputingByAllForAll
July 1, 2025 at 5:55 AM
Computing by all, for all - THIS MONTH
July is Disability Pride Month
Read about Disability stars in the history of computing at
cs4fn.blog/disability-i...
#ComputingByAllForAll
July is Disability Pride Month
Read about Disability stars in the history of computing at
cs4fn.blog/disability-i...
#ComputingByAllForAll
Yesterday I was having fun working with #DigitalSchoolhouse Lead Teachers demonstrating unplugged computing and talking about principles of doing it well based on research on @lctcentre.bsky.social Legitimation Code Theory Semantics and Autonomy... (teaching with Magic, Making Faces and Mayhem)
June 24, 2025 at 4:57 PM
Yesterday I was having fun working with #DigitalSchoolhouse Lead Teachers demonstrating unplugged computing and talking about principles of doing it well based on research on @lctcentre.bsky.social Legitimation Code Theory Semantics and Autonomy... (teaching with Magic, Making Faces and Mayhem)
TODAY (6th May) is our CS4FN anniversary event
Due to a glitch (Ha! given the topic of the talk) Eventbrite may way sold out when there are still tickets. If so please Jo Brodie
(j.brodie@qmul.ac.uk) for a ticket
See cs4fn.blog/cs4fn-20th-b...
Due to a glitch (Ha! given the topic of the talk) Eventbrite may way sold out when there are still tickets. If so please Jo Brodie
(j.brodie@qmul.ac.uk) for a ticket
See cs4fn.blog/cs4fn-20th-b...
May 6, 2025 at 8:06 AM
TODAY (6th May) is our CS4FN anniversary event
Due to a glitch (Ha! given the topic of the talk) Eventbrite may way sold out when there are still tickets. If so please Jo Brodie
(j.brodie@qmul.ac.uk) for a ticket
See cs4fn.blog/cs4fn-20th-b...
Due to a glitch (Ha! given the topic of the talk) Eventbrite may way sold out when there are still tickets. If so please Jo Brodie
(j.brodie@qmul.ac.uk) for a ticket
See cs4fn.blog/cs4fn-20th-b...
Championing Diversity: impact of CS4FN
For 20 years we've championed diversity, highlighting the research of diverse role models, overcoming stereotypes, inspiring those of all backgrounds that CS careers can be for them, covering diversity in as many forms as we can. See
cs4fn.blog/diversity/
For 20 years we've championed diversity, highlighting the research of diverse role models, overcoming stereotypes, inspiring those of all backgrounds that CS careers can be for them, covering diversity in as many forms as we can. See
cs4fn.blog/diversity/
May 5, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Championing Diversity: impact of CS4FN
For 20 years we've championed diversity, highlighting the research of diverse role models, overcoming stereotypes, inspiring those of all backgrounds that CS careers can be for them, covering diversity in as many forms as we can. See
cs4fn.blog/diversity/
For 20 years we've championed diversity, highlighting the research of diverse role models, overcoming stereotypes, inspiring those of all backgrounds that CS careers can be for them, covering diversity in as many forms as we can. See
cs4fn.blog/diversity/
More impact of CS4FN as we come up to our anniversary.
Our research applying Maton's sociology theory about knowledge practice, LCT, to computing education, based on our public engagement work, led to it being adopted nationally (as recommended by the NCCE and OFSTED)
cs4fn.blog/impact/
Our research applying Maton's sociology theory about knowledge practice, LCT, to computing education, based on our public engagement work, led to it being adopted nationally (as recommended by the NCCE and OFSTED)
cs4fn.blog/impact/
May 5, 2025 at 9:25 AM
More impact of CS4FN as we come up to our anniversary.
Our research applying Maton's sociology theory about knowledge practice, LCT, to computing education, based on our public engagement work, led to it being adopted nationally (as recommended by the NCCE and OFSTED)
cs4fn.blog/impact/
Our research applying Maton's sociology theory about knowledge practice, LCT, to computing education, based on our public engagement work, led to it being adopted nationally (as recommended by the NCCE and OFSTED)
cs4fn.blog/impact/
Yet more of our impact in our 20th anniversary year
By altruistically focussing on public engagement with research we immediately started to inspire lots of students to consider the subject at university...and have continued to do so ever since.
cs4fn.blog/impact/
By altruistically focussing on public engagement with research we immediately started to inspire lots of students to consider the subject at university...and have continued to do so ever since.
cs4fn.blog/impact/
May 4, 2025 at 8:24 PM
Yet more of our impact in our 20th anniversary year
By altruistically focussing on public engagement with research we immediately started to inspire lots of students to consider the subject at university...and have continued to do so ever since.
cs4fn.blog/impact/
By altruistically focussing on public engagement with research we immediately started to inspire lots of students to consider the subject at university...and have continued to do so ever since.
cs4fn.blog/impact/
Computing by all, for all - TODAY
May 4 1965
T.V. Raman born
Accessibility Research
Virtual Guide Dogs
cs4fn.blog/2024/04/27/t...
May 4 1965
T.V. Raman born
Accessibility Research
Virtual Guide Dogs
cs4fn.blog/2024/04/27/t...
May 4, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Computing by all, for all - TODAY
May 4 1965
T.V. Raman born
Accessibility Research
Virtual Guide Dogs
cs4fn.blog/2024/04/27/t...
May 4 1965
T.V. Raman born
Accessibility Research
Virtual Guide Dogs
cs4fn.blog/2024/04/27/t...
More on the impact of CS4FN in our 20th Anniversary year...
When the English curriculum changed to include computer science we supported teachers through workshops and resources...demonstrating good pedagogy, providing novel unplugged activities.
teachinglondoncomputing.org
When the English curriculum changed to include computer science we supported teachers through workshops and resources...demonstrating good pedagogy, providing novel unplugged activities.
teachinglondoncomputing.org
May 3, 2025 at 7:40 AM
More on the impact of CS4FN in our 20th Anniversary year...
When the English curriculum changed to include computer science we supported teachers through workshops and resources...demonstrating good pedagogy, providing novel unplugged activities.
teachinglondoncomputing.org
When the English curriculum changed to include computer science we supported teachers through workshops and resources...demonstrating good pedagogy, providing novel unplugged activities.
teachinglondoncomputing.org
More on the impact of CS4FN from our 20th anniversary year.
Current estimate is we've given out ~700,000 free resources to subscribing schools to be passed on to children or used in libraries / ICT suites, or given away at events. (Not counting online downloads from cs4fndownloads.wordpress.com )
Current estimate is we've given out ~700,000 free resources to subscribing schools to be passed on to children or used in libraries / ICT suites, or given away at events. (Not counting online downloads from cs4fndownloads.wordpress.com )
May 1, 2025 at 9:04 AM
More on the impact of CS4FN from our 20th anniversary year.
Current estimate is we've given out ~700,000 free resources to subscribing schools to be passed on to children or used in libraries / ICT suites, or given away at events. (Not counting online downloads from cs4fndownloads.wordpress.com )
Current estimate is we've given out ~700,000 free resources to subscribing schools to be passed on to children or used in libraries / ICT suites, or given away at events. (Not counting online downloads from cs4fndownloads.wordpress.com )
More on our impact in our CS4FN 20th anniversary year.
We have had global reach with visits and downloads of our resources (on teachinglondoncomputing.org and cs4fn.blog) from virtually every country in the world - meeting our aim to support teachers wherever they are.
cs4fn.blog/impact/
We have had global reach with visits and downloads of our resources (on teachinglondoncomputing.org and cs4fn.blog) from virtually every country in the world - meeting our aim to support teachers wherever they are.
cs4fn.blog/impact/
April 29, 2025 at 4:41 PM
More on our impact in our CS4FN 20th anniversary year.
We have had global reach with visits and downloads of our resources (on teachinglondoncomputing.org and cs4fn.blog) from virtually every country in the world - meeting our aim to support teachers wherever they are.
cs4fn.blog/impact/
We have had global reach with visits and downloads of our resources (on teachinglondoncomputing.org and cs4fn.blog) from virtually every country in the world - meeting our aim to support teachers wherever they are.
cs4fn.blog/impact/
The publishers appear to be running a promo with a chance to buy the two CS4FN books for 35% off:
The Power of Computational Thinking
Conjuring with Computation
See
www.worldscientific.com/worldscibook...
and
www.worldscientific.com/worldscibook...
Ends 30 April 25
Terms/conditions apply.
The Power of Computational Thinking
Conjuring with Computation
See
www.worldscientific.com/worldscibook...
and
www.worldscientific.com/worldscibook...
Ends 30 April 25
Terms/conditions apply.
April 28, 2025 at 9:02 AM
The publishers appear to be running a promo with a chance to buy the two CS4FN books for 35% off:
The Power of Computational Thinking
Conjuring with Computation
See
www.worldscientific.com/worldscibook...
and
www.worldscientific.com/worldscibook...
Ends 30 April 25
Terms/conditions apply.
The Power of Computational Thinking
Conjuring with Computation
See
www.worldscientific.com/worldscibook...
and
www.worldscientific.com/worldscibook...
Ends 30 April 25
Terms/conditions apply.
It is the Computer Science for Fun (CS4FN) project's 20th anniversary. I am gradually writing our impact story. Read about it here:
cs4fn.blog/impact/
@qmuleecs.bsky.social
Here are some highlights ...
cs4fn.blog/impact/
@qmuleecs.bsky.social
Here are some highlights ...
April 27, 2025 at 4:18 PM
It is the Computer Science for Fun (CS4FN) project's 20th anniversary. I am gradually writing our impact story. Read about it here:
cs4fn.blog/impact/
@qmuleecs.bsky.social
Here are some highlights ...
cs4fn.blog/impact/
@qmuleecs.bsky.social
Here are some highlights ...
Happy to announce I have been invited to speak at the June Playful Computing Conference in the cost-free computing strand ...it will be fun.
www.digitalschoolhouse.org.uk/playful-comp...
www.digitalschoolhouse.org.uk/playful-comp...
April 17, 2025 at 8:16 AM
Happy to announce I have been invited to speak at the June Playful Computing Conference in the cost-free computing strand ...it will be fun.
www.digitalschoolhouse.org.uk/playful-comp...
www.digitalschoolhouse.org.uk/playful-comp...
Computing for all, by all - day by day
April 7 2020
Adrian Stokes died
One of the founders of the Internet
Had spina bifida from birth
Read about his contribution at
https://cs4fn.blog/2025/01/11/adrian-stokes-internet-pioneer/
April 7 2020
Adrian Stokes died
One of the founders of the Internet
Had spina bifida from birth
Read about his contribution at
https://cs4fn.blog/2025/01/11/adrian-stokes-internet-pioneer/
April 7, 2025 at 9:02 PM
Computing for all, by all - day by day
April 7 2020
Adrian Stokes died
One of the founders of the Internet
Had spina bifida from birth
Read about his contribution at
https://cs4fn.blog/2025/01/11/adrian-stokes-internet-pioneer/
April 7 2020
Adrian Stokes died
One of the founders of the Internet
Had spina bifida from birth
Read about his contribution at
https://cs4fn.blog/2025/01/11/adrian-stokes-internet-pioneer/
It is neurodiversity celebration week
Read about neurodiversity and computer science on our CS4FN portal with articles on:
-Designing for autistic people
-Neurodiversity and what it takes to be a good programmer
-Working in Computer Science: An Autistic Perspective
cs4fn.blog/neurodiversi...
Read about neurodiversity and computer science on our CS4FN portal with articles on:
-Designing for autistic people
-Neurodiversity and what it takes to be a good programmer
-Working in Computer Science: An Autistic Perspective
cs4fn.blog/neurodiversi...
March 22, 2025 at 2:50 PM
It is neurodiversity celebration week
Read about neurodiversity and computer science on our CS4FN portal with articles on:
-Designing for autistic people
-Neurodiversity and what it takes to be a good programmer
-Working in Computer Science: An Autistic Perspective
cs4fn.blog/neurodiversi...
Read about neurodiversity and computer science on our CS4FN portal with articles on:
-Designing for autistic people
-Neurodiversity and what it takes to be a good programmer
-Working in Computer Science: An Autistic Perspective
cs4fn.blog/neurodiversi...
March is #womenshistorymonth
Find out about the work of lots of women in computer science through history on our 'The Women are still here' page
cs4fn.blog/the-women-ar...
including magazines to download.
Find out about the work of lots of women in computer science through history on our 'The Women are still here' page
cs4fn.blog/the-women-ar...
including magazines to download.
March 1, 2025 at 5:28 PM
March is #womenshistorymonth
Find out about the work of lots of women in computer science through history on our 'The Women are still here' page
cs4fn.blog/the-women-ar...
including magazines to download.
Find out about the work of lots of women in computer science through history on our 'The Women are still here' page
cs4fn.blog/the-women-ar...
including magazines to download.
#DIVERSITY Day by Day-TODAY
Feb 28 2002
Mary Coombs died
A QMUL French, History alumni,she was the first female commercial programmer working for J Lyons & Co programming their Leo computer in the 1950s including payroll for their chain of tea shops.
cs4fn.blog/2022/06/17/m...
@qmuleecs.bsky.social
Feb 28 2002
Mary Coombs died
A QMUL French, History alumni,she was the first female commercial programmer working for J Lyons & Co programming their Leo computer in the 1950s including payroll for their chain of tea shops.
cs4fn.blog/2022/06/17/m...
@qmuleecs.bsky.social
February 28, 2025 at 9:48 AM
#DIVERSITY Day by Day-TODAY
Feb 28 2002
Mary Coombs died
A QMUL French, History alumni,she was the first female commercial programmer working for J Lyons & Co programming their Leo computer in the 1950s including payroll for their chain of tea shops.
cs4fn.blog/2022/06/17/m...
@qmuleecs.bsky.social
Feb 28 2002
Mary Coombs died
A QMUL French, History alumni,she was the first female commercial programmer working for J Lyons & Co programming their Leo computer in the 1950s including payroll for their chain of tea shops.
cs4fn.blog/2022/06/17/m...
@qmuleecs.bsky.social
#DIVERSITY Day by Day - TODAY
February 27, 1996
the first version of Satashi Tajiri’s
Pokémon game released in Japan
Find out more at:
cs4fn.blog/2023/06/04/c...
February 27, 1996
the first version of Satashi Tajiri’s
Pokémon game released in Japan
Find out more at:
cs4fn.blog/2023/06/04/c...
February 27, 2025 at 9:20 AM
#DIVERSITY Day by Day - TODAY
February 27, 1996
the first version of Satashi Tajiri’s
Pokémon game released in Japan
Find out more at:
cs4fn.blog/2023/06/04/c...
February 27, 1996
the first version of Satashi Tajiri’s
Pokémon game released in Japan
Find out more at:
cs4fn.blog/2023/06/04/c...
#DIVERSITY Day by Day-TODAY
Feb 25 1670
Maria Kirch born
Early human computer of astronomical tables computed moon phases, positions of planets. C20 human computers became programmers. No computers existed then though her friend Leibnitz designed one of marbles. If only...
cs4fn.blog/2025/02/25/m...
Feb 25 1670
Maria Kirch born
Early human computer of astronomical tables computed moon phases, positions of planets. C20 human computers became programmers. No computers existed then though her friend Leibnitz designed one of marbles. If only...
cs4fn.blog/2025/02/25/m...
February 25, 2025 at 9:13 AM
#DIVERSITY Day by Day-TODAY
Feb 25 1670
Maria Kirch born
Early human computer of astronomical tables computed moon phases, positions of planets. C20 human computers became programmers. No computers existed then though her friend Leibnitz designed one of marbles. If only...
cs4fn.blog/2025/02/25/m...
Feb 25 1670
Maria Kirch born
Early human computer of astronomical tables computed moon phases, positions of planets. C20 human computers became programmers. No computers existed then though her friend Leibnitz designed one of marbles. If only...
cs4fn.blog/2025/02/25/m...
Our new free CS4FN Primary Puzzle Book Issue 3 is now online. Find the link to download it (+ solutions) here
cs4fn.blog/primary-puzz...
It is full of computational thinking puzzles and links to computing skills. We will be posting it out to subscribing schools and home learners as soon as printed.
cs4fn.blog/primary-puzz...
It is full of computational thinking puzzles and links to computing skills. We will be posting it out to subscribing schools and home learners as soon as printed.
February 24, 2025 at 10:14 PM
Our new free CS4FN Primary Puzzle Book Issue 3 is now online. Find the link to download it (+ solutions) here
cs4fn.blog/primary-puzz...
It is full of computational thinking puzzles and links to computing skills. We will be posting it out to subscribing schools and home learners as soon as printed.
cs4fn.blog/primary-puzz...
It is full of computational thinking puzzles and links to computing skills. We will be posting it out to subscribing schools and home learners as soon as printed.
The online version of new issue of our primary school aged mag "A Bit of CS4FN" is now available for download from
cs4fndownloads.wordpress.com
It features Gladys West satnav pioneer.
Find the poster of Gladys West here
cs4fn.blog/heroes/
cs4fndownloads.wordpress.com
It features Gladys West satnav pioneer.
Find the poster of Gladys West here
cs4fn.blog/heroes/
February 23, 2025 at 6:08 PM
The online version of new issue of our primary school aged mag "A Bit of CS4FN" is now available for download from
cs4fndownloads.wordpress.com
It features Gladys West satnav pioneer.
Find the poster of Gladys West here
cs4fn.blog/heroes/
cs4fndownloads.wordpress.com
It features Gladys West satnav pioneer.
Find the poster of Gladys West here
cs4fn.blog/heroes/
ELIZA: the first chatbot to fool people
By simulating being a psychotherapist the original chatbot, ELIZA was able to fool people into thinking they were talking to a human. Compared to today's chatbots it was a really simple program. Read about it on the cs4fn blog cs4fn.blog/2025/02/22/e...
By simulating being a psychotherapist the original chatbot, ELIZA was able to fool people into thinking they were talking to a human. Compared to today's chatbots it was a really simple program. Read about it on the cs4fn blog cs4fn.blog/2025/02/22/e...
February 22, 2025 at 12:08 PM
ELIZA: the first chatbot to fool people
By simulating being a psychotherapist the original chatbot, ELIZA was able to fool people into thinking they were talking to a human. Compared to today's chatbots it was a really simple program. Read about it on the cs4fn blog cs4fn.blog/2025/02/22/e...
By simulating being a psychotherapist the original chatbot, ELIZA was able to fool people into thinking they were talking to a human. Compared to today's chatbots it was a really simple program. Read about it on the cs4fn blog cs4fn.blog/2025/02/22/e...
Diversity Day by Day
February 1959
Dina St Johnston, founds Vaughan Programming Services
UKs first independent software house. She turns it into a massive success creating software for lots of big organisations from the BBC to British Rail including a bunch of firsts.
cs4fn.blog/2025/02/19/d...
February 1959
Dina St Johnston, founds Vaughan Programming Services
UKs first independent software house. She turns it into a massive success creating software for lots of big organisations from the BBC to British Rail including a bunch of firsts.
cs4fn.blog/2025/02/19/d...
February 20, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Diversity Day by Day
February 1959
Dina St Johnston, founds Vaughan Programming Services
UKs first independent software house. She turns it into a massive success creating software for lots of big organisations from the BBC to British Rail including a bunch of firsts.
cs4fn.blog/2025/02/19/d...
February 1959
Dina St Johnston, founds Vaughan Programming Services
UKs first independent software house. She turns it into a massive success creating software for lots of big organisations from the BBC to British Rail including a bunch of firsts.
cs4fn.blog/2025/02/19/d...
CS4FN DIVERSITY day by day - TODAY
February 14 Valentine’s Day
Christopher Strachey wrote the
first ever ‘creative’ love letter writing program
cs4fn.blog/2022/06/20/t...
February 14 Valentine’s Day
Christopher Strachey wrote the
first ever ‘creative’ love letter writing program
cs4fn.blog/2022/06/20/t...
February 14, 2025 at 9:33 PM
CS4FN DIVERSITY day by day - TODAY
February 14 Valentine’s Day
Christopher Strachey wrote the
first ever ‘creative’ love letter writing program
cs4fn.blog/2022/06/20/t...
February 14 Valentine’s Day
Christopher Strachey wrote the
first ever ‘creative’ love letter writing program
cs4fn.blog/2022/06/20/t...
Turn Right in Tenejapa
Designing inclusive software for global markets isn't as easy as you might think. Its not just about language translation. Not everyone thinks like you do. Take directions. Many languages do not have left/right concepts! So that satnav you designed..
cs4fn.blog/2025/02/13/t...
Designing inclusive software for global markets isn't as easy as you might think. Its not just about language translation. Not everyone thinks like you do. Take directions. Many languages do not have left/right concepts! So that satnav you designed..
cs4fn.blog/2025/02/13/t...
February 13, 2025 at 5:13 PM
Turn Right in Tenejapa
Designing inclusive software for global markets isn't as easy as you might think. Its not just about language translation. Not everyone thinks like you do. Take directions. Many languages do not have left/right concepts! So that satnav you designed..
cs4fn.blog/2025/02/13/t...
Designing inclusive software for global markets isn't as easy as you might think. Its not just about language translation. Not everyone thinks like you do. Take directions. Many languages do not have left/right concepts! So that satnav you designed..
cs4fn.blog/2025/02/13/t...