We're Scaling Up in Iowa!

Firia Labs is thrilled to announce that CodeXcursion: Teach Python with CodeX Grades 4-12 has been selected for the prestigious Iowa STEM Scale-Up Program for the 2025-2026 school year!

Iowa Educators can apply to bring Firia Labs' CodeXcursion to their school or organization at no cost for the 2025-26 school year!

This means more Iowa educators will have access to an incredible opportunity to bring Python coding to life in their classrooms. Selected participants will receive:
✅ Class set of CodeX devices
✅ 1-year curriculum license
✅ Access to CodeSpace Learning Platform
✅ Access to Firia Labs Learning Portal resources
✅ Professional development and ongoing support
✅ Virtual coaching throughout the school year

We’re pumped to empower teachers and inspire students to dive into text-based Python programming, build essential skills, and connect to the world of STEM careers. Let’s make this the year Iowa classrooms code like never before!

What is CodeXcursion?

CodeXcursion is an innovative program by Firia Labs designed to empower Iowa teachers to integrate computer science into their classrooms—no prior experience with coding or Python is needed! This program supports educators in meeting the growing demand for accessible coding education in K-12 schools, using the CodeX curriculum to teach text-based Python programming in an engaging and authentic way.

Validated in classrooms, CodeXcursion equips teachers with the confidence and resources to introduce students to essential coding skills at a crucial stage in their academic journey. By combining hands-on physical computing devices with an intuitive curriculum, the program ensures early exposure to computer science concepts, helping students develop problem-solving, debugging, and algorithmic thinking skills.

Students start with Python basics and progress to exciting projects like creating games and simulations. Along the way, they build a strong foundation in computational thinking while connecting classroom learning to real-world STEM opportunities. Python, a versatile language used in cutting-edge fields like data science, artificial intelligence, and web development, prepares students with industry-relevant skills for the future.

Join CodeXcursion to inspire your students and lead them on a journey of exploration, creativity, and career-ready coding skills!



Why Should I Choose CodeXcursion?

  1. You’re the Facilitator, Not the Expert:
    With CodeXcursion, you don’t need to be the subject-matter expert — that’s where CodeSpace, our online learning environment, comes in. CodeSpace provides step-by-step guidance, interactive lessons, and clear concept explanations for your students. For teachers, we offer comprehensive support through the Firia Labs Learning Portal (opens in a new tab), which includes Curriculum Guides, Lesson Plans, Activity Guides, Remix Projects, Assessments, Answer Keys, and Cross-Curricular Activities to help you confidently facilitate coding in your classroom.

  2. Learn as You Go:
    You’ll gain confidence as you teach! Our professional development sessions provide a solid foundation in Python, practical teaching strategies, and a curriculum designed for you to learn alongside your students.

  3. Hands-On, Project-based, Engaging Curriculum:
    CodeX devices make coding tangible and authentic, helping students (and teachers) connect abstract concepts to real-world applications. By learning Python with CodeX, students develop career-based skills in problem-solving, algorithm development, and computational thinking—skills highly valued in industries like technology, data science, AI, and automation. Your role is to guide discussions, spark creativity, and encourage exploration—while CodeSpace handles the heavy lifting so you don’t have to!

  4. Ongoing Support:
    We’re with you every step of the way. From professional development to virtual coaching, you’ll have access to Firia Labs experts who are ready to answer questions and help you succeed in the classroom.

  5. Empower Your Students with Firia Labs:
    By choosing CodeXcursion, you’re opening the door for your students to gain essential skills in computational thinking, problem-solving, and coding. You’ll inspire them to explore the exciting world of STEM, to learn skills needed for careers, and to build confidence in tackling real-world challenges through technology. Together, you’ll unlock their potential and set them on a path toward success in the digital age.

No experience? No problem. With CodeXcursion, you’ll succeed — and your students will thrive.
Let’s bring coding to life in your classroom together!

CodeXcursion & Iowa State Standards



CodeX: Cutting-Edge Physical Computing Device



Learn more: Python with CodeX Curriculum




CodeX Project Gallery

Dive into cross-curricular magic using the CodeX device. The sky is the limit with CodeX! If you can dream it, you can code it: CodeX Project Gallery (opens in a new tab)

Take this opportunity to bring cutting-edge Python programming and STEM skills to your students with CodeXcursion!

FAQs

Frequently asked questions about Firia Labs' CodeXcursion program.

  • Who can apply for this program?

Iowa 4-12 cross-curricular educators, both in and outside the classroom, are encouraged to apply, provided they have completed a criminal background check as part of their employment requirements. Eligible applicants include public and private school PreK-12 teachers, youth organization leaders, informal education professionals, homeschool associations, licensed childcare centers, and others involved in delivering STEM education programs. All applicants must obtain the commitment and signature of their institution’s lead administrator(s).

  • How do I apply for this program?

Follow these steps to apply for the Iowa STEM Scale-Up Program to bring CodeXcursion to your classroom. Go to the STEM Scale-Up Educator Application (opens in a new tab) website for instructions, application, timeline, and due date.

  • I don't have any coding experience, can I teach this?

No Coding Experience? No Problem! CodeXcursion Has You Covered! We get it—diving into coding can feel intimidating, especially if you’ve never worked with Python or written a single line of code. That’s why CodeXcursion is designed to make teaching coding easy and accessible for everyone, no matter your experience level. Have no fear...Firia Labs is here to level up your teaching!

  • Can elementary students learn to code in text-based Python without using block-based coding?

Absolutely! Many elementary students can successfully learn to code in text-based Python, and they often find it both rewarding and empowering to work directly with real code. While block-based coding is a great starting point, text-based coding helps students build foundational skills in computational thinking, problem-solving, and programming in a language used by professionals across industries.

For elementary students, our curriculum includes specially designed materials that simplify new concepts and break down lessons into manageable chunks to match their developmental level. Reading requirements are kept simple, and interactive projects guide students step by step through coding concepts. By focusing on age-appropriate resources and providing engaging, hands-on activities, CodeXcursion ensures that even young learners can confidently and successfully begin their journey into text-based coding!

A Special Thanks!

Firia Labs extends our heartfelt thanks to the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council at the Iowa Department of Education for selecting us as a program provider for the 2025-2026 school year. We are honored to partner with the Scale-Up Program to empower Iowa educators and students with engaging, hands-on coding experiences through CodeXcursion: Teach Python with CodeX Grades 4-12. Together, we’re shaping the future of STEM education in Iowa!

The Governor’s STEM Advisory Council mission is increasing interest and achievement in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) studies and careers through partnerships engaging preK-12 students, parents, educators, employers, non-profits, policy leaders and others. The Council provides opportunities that inspire Iowa’s young people to become innovative, enterprising contributors to our future workforce and the quality of life in our communities.