Hour of Code

This past week, we joined in with millions of other students around the world and participated in the Hour of Code. Granted, we didn't complete the full hour because of scheduling, but the kids enjoyed it all the same. It was quite possibly the quietest I've ever seen some of them, and then there were others shouting suggestions across the room. I absolutely loved it, and I think that the students did too.

We are lucky because we have opportunities for elementary, middle, and high school students to participate in robotics through FIRST which includes programming. The elementary and middle school students use a drag-and-drop programming software, and the high school students use more of a linear code with RobotC, and some drag/drop with LabView. I am also hoping to start up a programming club using iPad apps after school in the Spring.

These three 5th graders finished the first 20 lessons in under 30 minutes. They are rockstars. Two of them are programmers for our Lego League team, and we're going to recruit the third one!

The code.org games were by far the favorite, since they featured angry birds and plants vs. zombies. Some of the students played with Tynker, as well.

Overall, this was a super fun experience, and I'm hoping we make this an annual thing!