Wanted: Deputies who can wrangle some rogue code.

Codeville is in chaos. Posters are printing backwards, the scoreboard shows the wrong winner, and the Most Wanted Bugs have ridden into town. Sheriff Syntax needs your class's help — and the only way to catch them is to master the vocabulary of the Wild Wild Web.

This cross-curricular CS vocabulary activity brings reading comprehension, academic vocabulary, collaborative art, and computer science all to the same party. It's the kind of lesson that produces actual wall-worthy results — literally.

HOW IT WORKS:

Step 1: Read the Case File — Students read The Debugging Deputies of the Wild Wild Web, a 7-paragraph Wild West story where 15 key CS vocabulary terms are embedded in context. As they read, they use the word bank to fill in the blanks and record answers on their Deputy Training Sheet.

Step 2: Work the Task Cards — Students rotate through 24 task cards that build reading comprehension skills — main idea, inference, cause and effect, vocabulary in context, and theme — all tied to the story. Cards can be used at stations, in pairs, or individually.

Step 3: Build the Poster — Each student receives one of 24 coordinating poster squares to color. Every piece fits together like a puzzle to create a bold 42" × 28" "Most Wanted Bugs: Wild Wild Web" mural. A reference grid makes assembly straightforward, and pro tips are included for laminating and bulletin board display.

Step 4: Launch the Bug Roundup — An optional but genuinely fun extension: set up a "Bug Roundup" display next to the finished mural where students post sticky notes whenever they find a bug in their own code throughout the year. A ready-to-print banner is included.

Vocabulary Terms Covered

• input
• output
• binary
• pixel
• encrypt
• decrypt
• circuit
• copyright
• prototype
• abstraction
• machine learning
• function
• conditionals
• boolean expression
• trustworthy

WHAT'S INCLUDED:

• 2-page reading passage with student version and completed answer key
• fill-in-the-blank vocabulary activity with word bank
• 24 task cards (main idea, inference, cause and effect, vocabulary in context, theme) with answer key
• Deputy Training Sheet (student answer recording page)
• teacher instructions for reading, vocabulary, and task card rotation
• 24 collaborative poster squares with reference grid and assembly instructions
• bonus Bug Roundup display instructions and printable banner
• everything in print-friendly black & white

Great for:

• middle school CS teachers who want vocabulary instruction that doesn't feel like vocabulary instruction
• Code.org CSD classrooms reinforcing unit terminology
• STEM and ELA cross-curricular collaboration
• tech clubs or enrichment programs looking for a community-building project
• homeschool families studying computer science concepts together

(Not affiliated with or endorsed by Code.org. References to their curriculum are for descriptive purposes only.)