---
title: Teaching Early Learners the Science Behind Computer Science
description: Explore the virtual exhibit, The Science behind Pixar and see behind-the-scenes clips from the animators of favorites like Toy Story and Monsters Inc. As a bonus for educators, we have an exhibit guide and activity sheets -- free for you to use.
image: https://yesblog.mos.org/hubfs/6L5A1166.jpg
---

[![Return to yes.mos.org](https://yesblog.mos.org/hubfs/YES-Horizontal-4c.png "Return to yes.mos.org")](https://yes.mos.org)

![](https://yesblog.mos.org/hubfs/2017%20Redesign%20Template%20Resources/Logos/blog-pipe.png)

[![Go to the YES Blog homepage](https://yesblog.mos.org/hubfs/2017%20Redesign%20Template%20Resources/Logos/blog-title.png "Go to the YES Blog homepage")](https://yesblog.mos.org)

# Teaching Early Learners the Science Behind Computer Science

Posted by [EiE Team](https://yesblog.mos.org/author/eie-team) on Tuesday, September 1, 2020

Computer Science is everywhere and rapidly changing the way we interact with each other and the world around us. As STEM educators, we know there can be thousands of ways we interact with Computer Science every day -- our task is to show our learners how they can, too! 

Some of the examples are more obvious, like our smartphones and laptops, but we can guide our students to see examples of computer science and, if we look even closer, advanced coding in action in our day to day lives. Think of a stoplight. A cash register. Security cameras. Each one uses computer science, in varying degrees, to keep us safe or help us get through our day. But, look closer. How do we get hot water for our showers? How many computers did it take to build the cars on the road? What about the music we listen to? Or the movies we watch?

We partnered with Pixar Animation Studios to demonstrate how many different elements of Computer Science and coding are used to bring an animated movie to life in our hands-on exhibit. Now, you can explore the virtual exhibit, see behind-the-scenes clips from the animators of favorites like *Toy Story* and *Monsters Inc*, and learn about [the science behind Pixar](http://sciencebehindpixar.org/explore)! As a bonus for educators, we have an exhibit guide and activity sheets -- free for you to use.  

Familiarizing our learners with the fundamentals of Computer Science and coding early can get them thinking critically about their surroundings and open the door to innovation down the line. With confidence and some structured guidance, our students will build the tools that shape our future, in STEM fields and beyond.  

What else can you do with Computer Science? 

- Animation, music and game design
- Health and medical technology innovation
- Artificial Intelligence and robotics
- Data analysis and trend-spotting
- Cyber security and digital privacy
- Genealogy and bioinformatics

As part of our series on Computer Science and Coding, we’d love to hear from you with questions you have about bringing these topics to your classroom. If there are ways you’ve succeeded or struggled to engage your learners in CS, let us know in the comments below!

- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)

#### Written by [EiE Team](https://yesblog.mos.org/author/eie-team)

 Topics: [Computer Science](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/computer-science)

[Next Post](https://yesblog.mos.org/remote-learning-tips-for-pre-k-and-kindergarten-classrooms) [Blog Home](https://yesblog.mos.org) [Previous Post](https://yesblog.mos.org/teaching-and-learning-in-covid-times-survey-results)

### Subscribe to Email Updates

**Recent Posts**

[Engineering Practices: Envisioning Multiple Solutions](https://yesblog.mos.org/engineering-practices-considering-multiple-solutions)

Mon, May 11

[Engineering Practices: Balancing Criteria and Constraints](https://yesblog.mos.org/engineering-practices-criteria-and-constraints)

Sat, Apr 18

[Simple Ways Teachers Can Involve Families in STEM Learning](https://yesblog.mos.org/help-families-engage-with-stem)

Thu, Mar 26

[Plan a Super STEM Summer Camp with YES Engineering Activities](https://yesblog.mos.org/summer-2026)

Thu, Mar 19

### Posts by Topic

- [Create a Generation of Problem Solvers (129)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/create-a-generation-of-problem-solvers)
- [EiE Resources for Teachers (114)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/eie-resources-for-teachers)
- [EiE Teaching Tips (107)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/eie-teaching-tips)
- [Engineering for All (85)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/engineering-for-all)
- [Early Childhood STEM Education (77)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/early-childhood-stem-education)
- [Implementing EiE (71)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/implementing-eie)
- [Professional Development (69)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/professional-development)
- [Out-of-School time (65)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/out-of-school-time)
- [STEM Implementation (54)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/stem-implementation)
- [Computer Science (50)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/computer-science)
- [Virtual Learning (42)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/virtual-learning)
- [Engineering is Elementary (40)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/engineering-is-elementary)
- [Profiles (40)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/profiles)
- [Engineering Habits of Mind (37)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/engineering-habits-of-mind)
- [Afterschool/Summer Camp (29)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/afterschool-summer-camp)
- [Early Engineering (28)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/early-engineering)
- [Engineering Activities (25)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/engineering-activities)
- [Engineering Everywhere (25)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/engineering-everywhere)
- [Afterschool (23)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/afterschool)
- [EiE Research Results (21)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/eie-research-results)
- [EiE for Families (21)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/eie-for-families)
- [Engineering in Elementary STEM Education (19)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/engineering-in-elementary-stem-education)
- [Engineering Adventures (17)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/engineering-adventures)
- [Engineering Design Process (16)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/engineering-design-process)
- [Museum of Science (16)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/museum-of-science)
- [STEM Education (16)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/stem-education)
- [Wee Engineer (15)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/wee-engineer)
- [MOS at School (14)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/mos-at-school)
- [Classroom Organization (13)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/classroom-organization)
- [Scholarships and Awards (13)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/scholarships-and-awards)
- [YES Curricula (13)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/yes-curricula)
- [Classroom (12)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/classroom)
- [Digital Storybooks (12)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/digital-storybooks)
- [EiE Ambassador (12)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/eie-ambassador)
- [STEM Learning (12)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/stem-learning)
- [Social Emotional Learning (12)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/social-emotional-learning)
- [EiE for Kindergarten (11)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/eie-for-kindergarten)
- [Engineering and English Language Arts (11)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/engineering-and-english-language-arts)
- [Funding (11)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/funding)
- [STEM Funding (11)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/stem-funding)
- [Careers for Engineers (10)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/careers-for-engineers)
- [Climate Change (10)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/climate-change)
- [EiE Families (10)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/eie-families)
- [Learn.EiE (9)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/learn-eie)
- [Pre-K (9)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/pre-k)
- [Preschool (8)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/preschool)
- [Professional Learning (8)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/professional-learning)
- [Durable Skills (7)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/durable-skills)
- [Elementary School (7)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/elementary-school)
- [Kindergarten (7)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/kindergarten)
- [Black History Month (6)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/black-history-month)
- [Engineering Practices (6)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/engineering-practices)
- [Middle School (6)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/middle-school)
- [Online PD (6)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/online-pd)
- [Women's History Month (6)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/womens-history-month)
- [Assessment (5)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/assessment)
- [Christine Cunningham (5)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/christine-cunningham)
- [Engineering Education (5)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/engineering-education)
- [Webinar (5)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/webinar)
- [Curriculum (4)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/curriculum)
- [EiE Partnership (4)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/eie-partnership)
- [Pilot Testers/Pilot Testing (4)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/pilot-testers-pilot-testing)
- [STEM Activities (4)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/stem-activities)
- [YES Enrichment (4)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/yes-enrichment)
- [Cross Curricular Connections (3)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/cross-curricular-connections)
- [Earth Day (3)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/earth-day)
- [Emergent Multilingual Learners (MLLs) (3)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/emergent-multilingual-learners-mlls)
- [English Language Learners (ELLs) (3)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/english-language-learners-ells)
- [Interviews & Appearances (3)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/interviews-appearances)
- [Mass STEM Week (3)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/mass-stem-week)
- [MathWorks (3)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/mathworks)
- [Media (3)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/media)
- [NASA (3)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/nasa)
- [Pride in STEM (3)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/pride-in-stem)
- [STEM Day (3)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/stem-day)
- [STEM Teachers & Educators (3)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/stem-teachers-educators)
- [AAPI (2)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/aapi)
- [AAPI Heritage Month (2)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/aapi-heritage-month)
- [Artificial Intelligence (AI) (2)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/artificial-intelligence-ai)
- [Essentials (2)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/essentials)
- [High school (2)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/high-school)
- [Indigenous Peoples' Day (2)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/indigenous-peoples-day)
- [Latin Heritage Month (2)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/latin-heritage-month)
- [Math Connections (2)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/math-connections)
- [NSF- National Science Foundation (2)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/nsf-national-science-foundation)
- [National Grid (2)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/national-grid)
- [Out of School (2)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/out-of-school)
- [Podcast (2)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/podcast)
- [Preservice Teachers (2)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/preservice-teachers)
- [STEM Careers/Careers in STEM (2)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/stem-careers-careers-in-stem)
- [STEM Event (2)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/stem-event)
- [Scientific American (2)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/scientific-american)
- [Spanish Resources (2)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/spanish-resources)
- [Teacher Appreciation Week (2)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/teacher-appreciation-week)
- [Teacher Educator Institute (2)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/teacher-educator-institute)
- [YES in the Media (2)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/yes-in-the-media)
- [Asteroid Day (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/asteroid-day)
- [Augmented Reality (AR) (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/augmented-reality-ar)
- [Behind the Scenes (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/behind-the-scenes)
- [Careers (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/careers)
- [ChangED (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/changed)
- [Childhood Learning (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/childhood-learning)
- [Climate (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/climate)
- [Computational Thinking (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/computational-thinking)
- [Conference (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/conference)
- [Congress/Congressional Briefing (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/congress-congressional-briefing)
- [DEAIB (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/deaib)
- [Day of AI (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/day-of-ai)
- [Dell Technologies (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/dell-technologies)
- [Dream Big (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/dream-big)
- [EarthShot (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/earthshot)
- [Earthshot/Year of Earthshot (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/earthshot-year-of-earthshot)
- [Engineering Careers & Jobs (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/engineering-careers-jobs)
- [English Learner (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/english-learner)
- [Environmental Education Week (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/environmental-education-week)
- [Explore Interactive, Inc./MindLabs (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/explore-interactive-inc-mindlabs)
- [Great Outdoors Month (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/great-outdoors-month)
- [Halloween (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/halloween)
- [Holiday STEM (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/holiday-stem)
- [Holiday STEM (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/holiday-stem)
- [International Science Museum Day (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/international-science-museum-day)
- [Lemelson Foundation (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/lemelson-foundation)
- [MA STEM Teacher Fair (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/ma-stem-teacher-fair)
- [MA STEM Week (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/ma-stem-week)
- [MCIU Learning Network (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/mciu-learning-network)
- [Mass EoE (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/mass-eoe)
- [Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/massachusetts-institute-of-technology-mit)
- [National Coding Week (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/national-coding-week)
- [National Engineers' Week (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/national-engineers-week)
- [National Robotics Week (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/national-robotics-week)
- [National Science Foundation/NSF (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/national-science-foundation-nsf)
- [National Space Day (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/national-space-day)
- [Native American Heritage Month (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/native-american-heritage-month)
- [Op-eds/Opinion Editorials (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/op-eds-opinion-editorials)
- [Outreach/Social Media (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/outreach-social-media)
- [Overdeck Family Foundation (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/overdeck-family-foundation)
- [PLANETS (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/planets)
- [Problem Solvers (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/problem-solvers)
- [Project Vaccine (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/project-vaccine)
- [Reading/Writing (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/reading-writing)
- [SLECop Convening (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/slecop-convening)
- [STEM Careers (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/stem-careers)
- [STEM in the Future (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/stem-in-the-future)
- [Scratch Week (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/scratch-week)
- [Summer Learning (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/summer-learning)
- [Sustainability (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/sustainability)
- [TeacherCast (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/teachercast)
- [Technology (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/technology)
- [Technology/Education Technology (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/technology-education-technology)
- [Thanksgiving (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/thanksgiving)
- [Women in Engineering Day (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/women-in-engineering-day)
- [World Computer Literacy Day (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/world-computer-literacy-day)
- [World Space Week (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/world-space-week)
- [YES Careers (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/yes-careers)
- [YES Teacher Development (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/yes-teacher-development)
- [YES in School (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/yes-in-school)
- [YES/EiE at Home (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/yes-eie-at-home)

see all

| [![Facebook](https://yesblog.mos.org/hubfs/2017%20Redesign%20Template%20Resources/Social/sm.fb.icon.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/yesatmos/) | [![logo-black-1](https://yesblog.mos.org/hs-fs/hubfs/logo-black-1.png?width=32&height=33&name=logo-black-1.png)](https://twitter.com/yesatmos) | [![Pinterest](https://yesblog.mos.org/hubfs/2017%20Redesign%20Template%20Resources/Social/sm.pin.icon.svg)](https://www.pinterest.com/yesatmos/) | [![YouTube](https://yesblog.mos.org/hubfs/2017%20Redesign%20Template%20Resources/Social/sm.yt.icon.svg)](https://www.youtube.com/@youthengineeringsolutions) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

Search the EiE Blog

Search

| [![MOS](https://yesblog.mos.org/hs-fs/hubfs/2017%20Redesign%20Template%20Resources/Logos/EiE.MOS.EiE%20Full%20Lockup-939086-edited-997523-edited.png?width=64&name=EiE.MOS.EiE%20Full%20Lockup-939086-edited-997523-edited.png)](https://www.mos.org) | ![](https://yesblog.mos.org/hubfs/2017%20Redesign%20Template%20Resources/Logos/blog-pipe.png) | [![YES logo horizontal](https://yesblog.mos.org/hubfs/YES-Horizontal-4c.png)](https://eie.org) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| [![Facebook](https://yesblog.mos.org/hs-fs/hubfs/2017%20Redesign%20Template%20Resources/Social/sm.fb.icon.png?width=24&height=24&name=sm.fb.icon.png)](https://www.facebook.com/yesatmos/)  [![logo-black](https://yesblog.mos.org/hs-fs/hubfs/logo-black.png?width=24&height=24&name=logo-black.png)](https://twitter.com/yesatmos)  [![Pinterest](https://yesblog.mos.org/hs-fs/hubfs/2017%20Redesign%20Template%20Resources/Social/sm.pin.icon.png?width=24&height=24&name=sm.pin.icon.png)](https://www.pinterest.com/yesatmos/)  [![YouTube](https://yesblog.mos.org/hs-fs/hubfs/2017%20Redesign%20Template%20Resources/Social/sm.yt.icon.png?width=24&height=24&name=sm.yt.icon.png)](https://www.youtube.com/@youthengineeringsolutions)  |  |  |

© 2026 YES | Museum of Science