DISSECT: An experiment in infusing computational thinking in K-12 science curricula

This paper summarizes the design and preliminary outcomes from the deployment of the DISSECT (Discovering SciencE through Computational Thinking) project. The project has two primary objectives. On one hand, it aims to revitalize the teaching of traditional K-12 science concepts through the introduction of tools and concepts drawn from the field of computing, enabling the use of interactive and constructive methods to exemplify and explore scientific materials. On the other hand, the project explores how the teaching of sciences could become a vehicle to engage students in the learning of computational thinking, stimulating their interest towards this discipline and providing them with a baseline preparation to facilitate access and success in more formal computer science courses.