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Hour of Code and Computer Science Education Week

December 3, 2018 By Kim
Tagged With: special STEM day or week

Great resources for Computer Science Education Week and Hour of Code from www.TheMakerMom.com.Whether at schools, libraries, or at home, millions of Americans participate in Hour of Code during the first week in December. It’s a nationwide initiative by Computer Science Education Week and Code.org to introduce millions of students to computer science and computer programming through introductory coding activities that take about an hour.

Computer Science Education Week

If you are looking for spectacular Hour of Code activities, you can’t go wrong with the workshops at Apple Stores and Microsoft Stores. The Chicago Public Library and many local libraries are hosting events to introduce kids to computer programming, as well. Nothing near you? See Code.org for loads of engaging, free tutorials.

Tutorials Galore

If your child is a bit hesitant to get started, maybe a familiar character or theme will motivate them to try. You can work with them or even do these fun tutorials on your own.

  • Star Wars
  • Frozencomputer Science Education Week
  • Minecraft
  • Angry Birds
  • Characters from the movie Inside Out

For the younger set (and adults who feel hopelessly technologically inept) take advantage of the new partnership between MIT, Tufts, and PBS Kids and download PBS Kids Scratch Jr. The free app designed for kids 5-8 is available on Android and iPad.

Programming and Coding Robots at Home

This section contains affiliate links.

STEM gifts for kids: Learn to code with Kano's Harry Potter Kit

Kano has several fun STEAMy kits that will help anyone build their first computer programs within minutes of unboxing the product. Their Harry Potter Coding Kit provides 70+ coding tutorials, to get you going. Their budget-friendly Pixel Kit and their Motion Sensor Kit are also hits.

Cozmo is a palm-sized programmable robot with a big personality.

Ozobot is a cool tech gift that teaches coding.

The Ozobot Bit remains the smallest and most affordable programmable robot at only about less than $50 for the Bit bot.

LEGO Boost provides opportunities to build a bot and program it.

Sphero has a growing stable of programmable robotic balls.

Read about Dash and Dot Robots from Wonder Company reviewed on www.TheMakerMom.com

Wonder Workshop line has expanded Dash and Dot with the Cue bot that features an “emotive artificial intelligence” and even greater interactivity. Wonder Workshop also offers new expansion packs, like the Dot Creativity Kit and a launcher for Dash.

Scratch, Jr. Coding Cards is a set of 75 cards that build coding skills for young children on the free Scratch Junior platform.

Read About It

Rox’s Secret Code is a fun, thoughtful picture book that comes with a free downloadable app and built-in augmented reality surprise. Read our full review and discussion with the author.

Rox's Secret Code

Ara the Star Engineer is an inspiring book written by a female program manager at Google.

Who Says Women Can’t be Computer Programmers? The Story of Ada Lovelace,

Grace Hopper: Queen of Code and Margaret and the Moon teacher young children about two women who worked hard and played important roles in developing today’s technology.

Winter Break STEM CampsLooking for smart ways to keep the kids engaged over Winter Break? Check out our Winter Break STEM Camp Guide! (The list includes coding camps.)

Join the STEMKids Chicago newsletter and we’ll deliver an awesome roundup of local STEM and Maker events to you twice a month.

STEMchat 3 gears

About Kim

Kim headshot Summer 2012 I’m a Chicago-area mom of teen boys who is passionate about sharing ideas and resources to raise kids who love Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). I’m a blogger, vlogger, baker and maker, as well as the founder of #STEMchat. I also write about parenting gifted kids, girls in STEM and the Maker Movement. [Read More...]
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