Integrating Coding Into Non-Tech Subjects: Examples & Ideas

As you go about your daily routine, you’ll find a few services and functions that aren’t automated. Because of this vast use of technology, coding pertains to almost every school subject like never before.

Also, like any other skill, our students would benefit from learning how to code from an early age and onward. Therefore, one approach involves integrating coding into non-tech subjects that don’t require devices.

Upon further exploring this possibility, we found some interesting examples of lessons and projects. So, let’s unpack some of these classroom scenarios and ideas that show coding at work in classes that don’t “traditionally” include technology.

Why Coding Belongs in Classes Across the Curriculum

You might wonder how learning how to code would ramp up student achievement in classes that are usually considered to be “non-tech.” After all, doesn’t coding relate only to computer programming and software development?

Transferable Skills

One answer is that coding not only serves those technological purposes. It also provides a means of communication through different programming languages. Thus, it enables students to creatively express themselves while branching out into the realm of innovation. Additionally, by learning this skill, students can choose from various methods for solving problems and keeping track of information. Consequently, they gain the ability to transfer this knowledge to different subjects.

Moreover, students gain skills that apply to any content area and to any field. By learning how to code, students build critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They also develop qualities like perseverance, creativity, and logical reasoning, which are useful in any job.

Plus, they pick up on the value of open and clear communication and collaboration with their peers. Ultimately, all these hard and soft skills will help today’s students to become successful leaders and innovators in the future.

Necessary Changes in Education

As you watch for evolving trends in education, you’ll see more opportunities for incorporating lessons and projects that involve coding. In math classes, for example, coding streamlines the process of solving equations or taking measurements. In ELA, students can apply coding to their presentation of a literary analysis. In science, coding allows teachers and students to generate weather simulations while collecting valuable data. In other words, students gain more challenging yet enriching learning experiences that go beyond the memorization of facts.

Versatility to Fit into Any Curriculum

As we’ve seen, the skill of coding relates to a broad spectrum of functions–from web development to robotics. Additionally, you have many languages to choose from, such as Python, Java, Swift, and C++, and more. Therefore, coding proves to be versatile enough to incorporate into any curriculum.

In fact, some educators may not be aware that they’re already teaching skills and concepts that relate directly to coding–from cause-and-effect relationships to sequencing.

Coding Integrated into the PreK Classroom

As coding is integrated into more non-tech subjects, children even as young as preschool gain more opportunities to learn its foundational skills. In turn, you would see younger students become more proficient at coding when it’s taught across the curriculum.

Also, you can find online platforms, software, and materials that fit in well with any age group, considering the many instructional resources that are available. In fact, you might research and find example lesson plans and/or thematic units online that involve coding but without the screens (which is another perk for four-year-olds). So even if you’re concerned about pre-k being too young to have a lot of screen time, you won’t have to worry since there are many instructional methods that engage young learners with or without a device.

Examples and Ideas for Integrating Coding into Non-tech Subjects

Now that we’ve discussed how to integrate coding into many subjects at all grade levels, let’s look at some examples of coding in non-tech courses and some ideas for projects. Keep in mind that many of these ideas can be adapted to different age groups and learning styles.

Social Studies and History

From creating virtual “tours” through historical events to collecting data on political polling, coding can bring the past to life and help students gain a better understanding of complex topics related to civics, history, and geography.

Project Example Combining Geography and History

 As an example, you can plan a project where the students choose an explorer (ie: Magellan, Columbus, Marco Polo) and create a code for a virtual robot that will follow that person’s route on a world or continental map. To enhance the presentation, the students can also program the robot to “present” the key events related to the expedition.

English/Language Arts/Literacy

ELA encompasses many sub-topics and skills, such as literacy, research, and composition (not to mention grammar). While you might not connect coding with language arts, the two fit in well when it comes to practice, projects, and honing those critical thinking skills. Students can code to create games, stories, or even to design a presentation in place of a research paper–complete with citations.

Project Examples for Literature and Writing

In the ELA classroom, students apply the same analytical skills to what they read as they go through and evaluate various texts. So, one illustration of this involves creating a flow-chart that depicts how an algorithm is created. This activity involves one of the modes of writing which is explaining a process. Likewise, they can create a similar graphic design to show the cause-and-effect relationships in a fictional work.

Music

Along with other non-tech subjects, music class makes the perfect setting for students to learn how to code. After all, both coding and music offer a means of creative expression, and programming can be employed to compose original songs or to provide a visualization of a musical work.

Example Project Involving AI

You can find music-based projects on Music Lab: Jam Session, which are geared toward students in grades two through twelve. Through this platform, students can code remixes of popular songs by their favorite artists. In turn, they practice applying concepts like functions and sequencing along with perfecting AI prompts.

Art

Also, we can’t overlook the connection between the visual arts and coding. Although these two subject areas don’t relate on the surface, they both serve as a means of fostering creativity and logical thinking at any age. Whether their creation consists of two-dimensional images or a 3D-printed object, students would gain valuable practice with artistic expression and technological innovation.

Example Project for Creating Pixels

Through the creation of pixel art, students can practice utilizing Python or a grid system to create complex imagery. These types of projects also give students a chance to apply coding concepts like looping and arrays. Plus, you can adapt the project to almost any grade level as long as the students start with a basic knowledge of coding.

Physical Education

As we’ve gathered from these examples, coding isn’t limited to the classroom or the computer lab. Physical education teachers are passing this technical skill on to their students in a very unique manner that keeps everyone moving as they exercise their creativity (yes, pun intended) and problem-solving abilities.

Example Project for Reinforcement of Coding Skills

The biggest difference you’ll find between coding in P.E. class versus other non-tech subjects is the absence of devices. In other words, the students are moving around to demonstrate and practice programming concepts. In one scenario, they can take plastic mats or tiles of various colors. Each color signifies one specific movement (ie: doing one jumping jack or running in place for a few seconds). The “coders” can place the mats in rows to make up several, short warm-up routines. From there, the students can go to a row, solve the code, and perform the exercises. Once they solve the code, they move on to a different row of colors (or code) and so on.

Economics/Financial Literacy

Likewise, coding fits right into an economics or financial literacy course. For instance, students can utilize Python to generate data for different purposes like tracking the stock market or learning how to create and adhere to a budget.

Example Economic Course

An example of an entire course dedicated to programming economic data can possibly be adapted to the high school level. In this case, the students would learn how to code using Python for the purpose of storing and analysing data related to economic trends. They would also use Matplotlib to create graphs and charts that illustrate their findings and results.

Science

Coding also goes hand-in-hand with any of the sciences. From generating images that depict geological phenomena to tracking and storing climate-related data, coding proves to be a valuable skill for future scientists, meteorologists, biologists, and more.

Example Physics Project/Activity

Code Monkey provides such an illustration in their Moon Lander course. The students learn to use Python as a means of writing code that will land their spaceship safely on the moon. During the activities, the students also gain a firm grasp on concepts related to physics. While applying the rules of gravity and thrust force, they also gain valuable problem-solving skills through fun but challenging activities.

Vocational Courses

Specifically at the secondary level, coding also comes into play in elective and vocational courses. In this context, you’ll see students getting a head start in a field or trade, which of course, includes learning various coding languages.

Culinary Arts

When you envision a culinary class, coding might be the last thing that comes to mind. However, future chefs/entrepreneurs would benefit from learning HTML and CSS. In one example, they can create a website for a restaurant–complete with menus and pricing, buttons for various functions, and even a chatbot to provide online customer service.

In yet another instance, students can also apply HTML to create an online portfolio of recipes that they’ve created or catering services that they’ve provided. They can incorporate images and graphics, instructional videos, or links to their social media reels showing how to prepare their dishes.

Drafting

For students who are interested in drafting, learning how to use CAD software is a definite must. Can you imagine what they can create when given the skills and the tools to not only draft a mechanical or architectural design but to also create a 3D prototype or model.? Plus, they’ll get a headstart in using coding languages and programs that are prevalent in their fields of interest.

Communications Course

Many students are required to take a communications class that involves business-related writing tasks and/or public speaking as part of their training in a specific field. This is where coding instruction comes in handy, especially when presentations are part of the curriculum. By applying skills in HTML and JavaScript, students can build their own business websites or online portfolios to showcase their work.

Implementing Coding without the Devices

And if you’re still curious as to how coding can be integrated into classes that don’t require electronic devices, then take another look at these activities that we’ve discovered. While these lessons and instructional tips don’t involve coding per se, they still reinforce the skills that students need to learn how to write programs.

Binary Numbers

Students can use large color-coded cards with dots representing numerical values on one side. They would line up and then, when the teacher requests a number, they either show the dots whose sum would equal that number or keep their cards turned over to show only the solid color on the back. Another variation is for the teacher to call out (or write on the board) a pattern of dots and solid colors. The students follow the sequence to figure out which number is revealed.

Error Detection

In this activity, one student places some magnetic cards on the board in a five-by-five square formation while another student closely observes. The observer then closes his or her eyes while the other turns one of the cards over. After that, the observer has to guess which card was overturned and make the correction.

Sequencing

In this activity, one student gives the commands, and the other plays the role of a robot. However, instead of giving simple commands, the student who is the “programmer” has to come up with multiple steps. In some cases, the “robot” might not perform the task that the programmer had in mind if the instructions were rather vague. From there, they’ll have to “debug” the code. The objective is to show how codes need to be written in a clear, precise manner in order to work and that debugging is often necessary.

Looking Toward the Future

As the use of tech and AI becomes more widespread in such a broad spectrum of fields, students would gain an advantage in their future careers by learning to apply the art of coding in different school subjects. Consequently, as the next generation becomes more proficient with coding in different situations–from music to engineering–we can expect to see some amazing innovations and discoveries.