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Hour of Code
Computer coding is what makes it possible for us to create apps, software, games, and other computer-based programs. Essentially, learning coding is like learning a language that tells computers, websites, and apps how to perform and interact.
A computer can only understand two distinct types of data: on and off. In fact, a computer is really just a collection of on/off switches. These switches are called transistors. Anything that a computer does is the result of a combination of some transistors turned on and some transistors turned off. A computer can contain millions or billions of transistors, so people learn programming languages called code. Using code, people can write directions for computers to follow. Block coding is one type of computer language, and that is what we will experiment with this week as we pursue the Hour of Code. |
An Introduction to the Hour of Code:
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As we participate in Hour of Code this week, we will explore a variety of activities. We will watch videos about people who code for a living, We will also video chat with a coding expert using Google Hangout. In addition, we will try out coding for ourselves using several different websites.
In the end, we will produce three products:
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President Obama Opens Hour of Code and Coding Activities:
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Coding Activity #1: Angry Bird Maze
In this activity, you will help an angry bird navigate a maze puzzle in order to reach his prey - a green pig!
Coding Activity #2: Pixel the Puppy
In this activity, you will help Pixel the Puppy navigate his way home by overcoming obstacles and moving through a neighborhood.
Coding Activity #3: Lost in Space
In this activity, you will help Biff the astronaut navigate space.
Coding Activity #4: Arcade ShooterIn this activity, you will code an arcade game.
Coding Activity #5: Code Combat
In this activity, you will learn to code in a multi-player environment. You will code using Python intead of block coding.
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Research: Video Sources About Coding:
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"One Thing 100% of Politicians Agree On"
Politicians are people who are elected to government positions. For example, the president, our senators, representatives, and governor are are politicians. We have two major political groups in the United States and many other smaller ones, so politicians often disagree about a variety of issues. However, one thing that all politicians seem to agree on is that coding should be taught in schools because it is important to our future. Watch this video to find out more information.
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"A Coding Message from the International Space Station"
There are many possible coding jobs that someone could do in life. Social media companies, such as Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, may be some obvious jobs that involve coding. However, doctors also use coding as more and more robotic surgeries are becoming common. Business owners and teachers use coding to create websites. Crime scene investigators use coding to search databases and process testing results. And astronauts use plenty of coding in space, because they are surrounded by computer systems! Check it out...
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"Faces of Computer Science: Brina from Instagram"
In the past, computer science has been a career pursued by more men than women. But the number of women in science-based jobs is growing! Meet Brina, from Instagram...
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Research: Articles About Coding in Schools
Kano's Kit Aims to Get Kids Coding
This article from USA Today includes a video clip and talks about how a young man named Alex Klein has launched a company called Kano, which sells a build-it-yourself computer kit for kids.
Should All Kids Learn to Code?
This article from Great Schools is aimed at parents and explains why teaching kids to code could be important for the future of our country.
Why Chicago is Mandating Coding Education
This article from CNN Money explains why students in Chicago will be required to take coding classes in order to graduate high school.
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How to Get More Girls to Code
This article from USA Today talks about how the Hour of Code and www.code.org can help introduce more girls to coding.
Reading, Writing, Arithmetic and...Coding?
This article from the New York Times newspaper talks about how coding is being introduced as a subject in schools.
Why Basic Coding Should be a Mandatory Class in Junior High
This article from TIME explains why coding should be taught as a required class in junior high or middle school.
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Google Hangout on Air with a Coding Expert
Our classes were fortunate to be able to attend a Google Hangout video call with a coding expert. From Riverside, CA, Chase Richardson has been working in the coding industry for the last seven years. Access our Google Hangouts on Air to hear our interviews.
