Hour of Code

The Hour of Code is coming!  

This year, it takes place during the week of Dec 9-15.  As a reminder, the idea is for all students (and adults, too!) to try their hand at coding for one hour sometime within that week.

Code.org provides lots of ready-to-go self-guided activities here (tip-- filter for grades 9+ and choose "Comfortable."  Switch to "Beginner" for more basic activities).

This is not just for math and technology teachers! There are activities appropriate for all kinds of situations.  Here are some examples.

Sustainability

(part of the UN Sustainable Development Goals project).

Life on Land (Python)

Tynker

Grades 6+ | Python

Part of the UN Sustainable Development Goals project, this Python project will have you create your own tree-planting game.

Responsible Consumption and Production (JavaScript)

Tynker

Grades 6+ | JavaScript, HTML, CSS

Part of the UN Sustainable Development Goals project, this coding prompt shows off a short project exploring recycling and reuse. Readers can create their own game by expanding the project.

Art

Interactive Art: Bringing Art to Life with Code

Peblio

Grades 9+ | JavaScript

Learn to draw and animate shapes with code to create interactive artwork inspired by artists.

Science

Escape Velocity and Black Holes!

STEMcoding project

Grades 9+ | JavaScript

Did you see the images of the black hole that were released in Spring 2019? Do you want to know more about black holes and how to escape from them? Check out this coding activity on how fast you need to go to escape from a gravitational field and what happens when not even light can escape!

Language Arts

ReconFigure of Speech

Code Avengers

Grades 6+ | Python

Our story-telling app retells a fairytale, with weird and funny results! But the program is poorly written. Writing good code is vital. Help refine this app into something amazing. Look at word classes in English, and use variables, consonants, lists, and functions to reconfigure this program. If you have written a program before and want some style, this is for you.

Coding Camps this summer

Students,
How about doing some coding this summer?  Here are two computer camps that look interesting:

Applications Now Open: Advanced Coder Camp

Applications for the Advanced Coder Camp (days) July 22 to 26, 2019 at Vermont Technical College, Williston Campus for rising 7th–11th graders are now open. The camp provides an opportunity for students with some programming background to dive deeper into programming. Campers will learn to develop simple Android applications using Java and xml. Smartphone apps, robots, video games and small business - the world runs on code. Whether you dream of becoming a Google developer or want to launch your own mobile game start up, your coding path continues here. $175 (includes workbook, activities, instruction, some lunches, snacks, field trip and more) Many partial fee scholarships available.
Contact: Laurel Butler at lbutler@vtsbdc.org or (802) 922-3692

Applications Now Open: Computer Camp

Applications for a new Computer Camp days July 29 to Aug 2, 2019 are now open. The camp will be held by Vermont Technical College on the CCV Upper Valley Campus in White River Junction for rising 7th – 10th graders. Campers will have a chance to explore/experience a wide variety of topics in computer programming, website development, networking, cybersecurity and related fields working with Vermont Tech faculty. They’ll also have an opportunity to meet with industry professionals who will share their experience on why careers in computing can be so rewarding. Learning, physical activity, and fun will be in abundance. The week will culminate with campers presenting their work to families and friends. $175 (includes all activities, instruction, some lunches, snacks, field trip and more) Many partial fee scholarships available.
Contact: Steven Airoldi at: steven.airoldi@vtc.edu or (802) 728-1337

Hour of Code Activities

It's day one of the Hour of Code!
There are many self-guided activities students can do in class (or at home).  I went through the choices at the Hour of Code website, and here are few that I'd recommend:

MapTour Make an app that has your own customized map.  Drag and drop interface. Any of the other activities from MIT would also be good.  Nice learning interface.

Blockly Solve games and puzzles using drag and drop code.


JavaScript Hero.  For students who want to get started writing code in Javascript without blocks.

The Dark Tunnel Work through a game using the Python programming language.

Need some inspiration? Here's what 9th grader Wolfie D did on his own last week for a summative in Nichols Core:

The Hour of Code is coming!

Each year, Code.org sponsors the Hour of Code.  The idea is that all students spend an hour learning to code.  This year, the event takes place the week of Dec 3-7.*

In the past, this small exposure has made a big impact on many kids.  For everyone who does it, the Hour of Code is a chance to get an idea of what programming is all about. For some, it opens a door to a new passion.  For others, it's a realization that maybe coding isn't their thing-- which is fine, too (but at least they've had the opportunity to find out).

I would love to help anyone interested in integrating a little coding in your classes.  There are lots of ways this could work:

• Students can do one of the self-guided activities from code.org (designing an app looks like a good one)
• I can tailor a self-guided activity that connects to your curriculum 
• I can come in and do a group activity

Let's get together and plan it!

*And if the week of Dec 3rd doesn't work for you, we can find another time, too.

Hour of Code

Next week is the annual Hour of Code.  The idea is to get as many people as possible to experience programming for one hour during the week.  If you've never participated before, why not give a try? There are lots of fun tutorials available here, which can be sorted by grade level, platform, etc.

Teachers, I can help you plan an activity for your class.  You could even assign one of the tutorials in place of homework.  And you may want to try a tutorial out yourself.

Students, whether or not you do this during class next week, why not take a look at some of the high school tutorials.  You may find out that it's something you're interested in!

Hour of Code week

This week is the Hour of Code!  Lots of great resources again this year to get everyone to try coding for one hour.

Here are students in Chittenden Core working on their programs.

And here is the CVU Computer Programming class videoconferencing with a class from New Jersey, sharing what each class has done.

Why not give coding a try yourself!