Two Deer Run fourth graders during an Hour of Code session.
Central Indiana students went on a quest for candy, blasted obstacles with dragons, and mapped pathways for Flurbs last week, all in the name of computer science. Though the activities featured fictional fantasy characters, more than 3,250 students gained real coding experience. Hour of Code began as a simple hour-long introduction to computer science, designed to show that anybody can learn the basics and garner interest in the field of computer science. Since its inception, Hour of Code has evolved into a worldwide effort to celebrate computer science, whether it be through a one-hour online activity or a community-wide celebration. From December 9th to December 13th, TechPoint Foundation for Youth (TPF4Y) staff and volunteers mentored students in over 125 classrooms at six schools across central Indiana. CoderDojo Indiana, a TPF4Y initiative, facilitated Hour of Code in the districts of IPS, Pike and Lawrence Township schools in order to celebrate Computer Science Education Week for the sixth year in a row.
Lalita Sawyers-Locke, a volunteer from Roche, and a first grade student at Skiles Test Elementary work together on an Hour of Code activity.
Volunteers who work in the technology sector visited 125 classrooms, shared about their careers, and assisted the students in the coding activities. Volunteers contributed more than 171 hours to Hour of Code throughout the week! Speaking of his own experience at the schools, TPF4Y’s Vice President of STEM Education George Giltner said: “It was an absolute joy seeing students getting excited about coding and working together to solve problems. We are so grateful for our volunteers to help connect the classroom activities to real-life applications so that students can see the potential of learning to code."
Some students had familiarity with the programs, however, to some it was brand new. The online activities allow for an easy introduction into the skills of “drag and drop” coding.
Volunteer Brian Owens from Carbonite shares his expertise with a student at Skiles Test Elementary.
“Hour of Code was a great way for students throughout the state to get introduced to coding,” said TPF4Y Volunteer & Events Coordinator Andy Fulton. “The activities kept the kids engaged and they felt more confident in their abilities at its conclusion. It’s amazing to see things ‘click’ for the students as they continue through the online lesson. We are so appreciative of the teachers for allowing us into the classrooms for this event.”
While Hour of Code has wrapped up for this year, the CoderDojo Indiana initiative is always looking for dedicated volunteers passionate about bringing computer science to underserved students. Currently, there are 32 CoderDojos in Indiana; CoderDojos are out-of-school time clubs hosted at schools, libraries, and community centers where students in grades K-12 can work collaboratively on their own coding projects, with the support of adult volunteers. To volunteer for a CoderDojo near you, visit the CoderDojo.com map or view the map to sign up a student.
Want to try Hour of Code activities at home?
For kindergarteners and 1st graders try: Sequencing with Scrat,
For intermediate students (2nd - 4th graders): Candy Quest
5th and 6th graders can try their hands at: Dragon Blast.
