For a long time, people thought certain subjects were only for boys or only for girls. But now, we know that both boys and girls can do anything they set their minds to. It’s important to support everyone, especially girls, in studying computer science. By doing this, we can make sure everyone has the same chances to succeed.
Learning to code is like having a superpower. It lets you create anything you can imagine, which is really exciting! Coding teaches you to think in a new way. You learn to break down big problems into smaller steps to find solutions. This skill is useful in many parts of life.
Using software is great, but being able to change how it works is even better. Some of the best experiences in computer science come from working with others. Teamwork is important when building something amazing, and computer science is no different.
We live in a time where technology allows us to express ourselves, learn from different perspectives, and make a difference in our communities. It’s not about whether you’re a boy or a girl; it’s about what you can do. Computer science needs creative people who want to make a positive impact on the world.
I encourage everyone to try computer science! You can start by taking just one class or spending one hour learning to code. You might be surprised at how much you can learn in just an hour. That’s the fun of the Hour of Code. It’s open to everyone, no matter their age or background, and it creates opportunities for all.
Every girl deserves the chance to help shape the technology that influences our world. I challenge girls everywhere to spend just one Hour of Code learning something new. Technology affects every part of our lives, and by changing technology, we can change the world.
Try creating a simple animation or game using Scratch. This visual programming language is perfect for beginners and will help you understand the basics of coding. Experiment with different blocks to see how they affect your project.
Work in small groups to solve a coding puzzle or create a simple app. This will help you experience the importance of teamwork in computer science. Share your ideas and learn from each other as you work towards a common goal.
Write a short story and use a coding platform like Twine to turn it into an interactive experience. This activity will show you how coding can be used to express creativity and tell stories in new ways.
Participate in an Hour of Code activity. Choose from a variety of tutorials that interest you, and see how much you can learn in just one hour. Reflect on what you enjoyed and what you found challenging.
Research a woman who has made significant contributions to technology. Create a presentation about her achievements and how she has changed the world. This will help you understand the impact of diversity in computer science.
Here’s a sanitized version of the transcript:
—
I believe it’s essential for girls to study computer science. For a long time, society has perceived certain fields as being for boys or for girls, but now we recognize that both boys and girls can have equal opportunities. By supporting girls and providing them with encouragement, we can help balance the scales naturally.
Being able to code empowers you to create anything, which is incredibly liberating. I enjoy having the ability to express my imagination through programming. The experience of programming introduces a new way of thinking, where every problem can be broken down into steps toward a solution, which is extremely valuable.
Using software is one thing, but being able to change how that software works is entirely different. Some of my favorite memories in computer science come from collaborating with teams. Building something remarkable often requires teamwork, and computer science is no exception.
We live in a time where expressing ourselves, learning about diverse perspectives, and making a difference in our communities is entirely possible, thanks to technology. It’s not about gender; it’s about talent. Computer science needs more creative individuals who are eager to make a positive impact.
I encourage everyone to dive into this field! Start by taking just one class or dedicating one hour to learning. You’d be surprised by how much you can learn in that time. That’s the excitement of the Hour of Code. Everyone, regardless of age or background, can participate, and this inclusivity will create opportunities for all.
Every girl deserves the chance to contribute to the technology that shapes our world. I challenge girls everywhere to learn for just one Hour of Code. Technology influences every aspect of our lives, and by changing technology, we can change the world.
—
#HourOfCode
Computer – An electronic device that processes data and performs tasks according to a set of instructions called programs. – Example sentence: “I used my computer to write a program that helps organize my homework assignments.”
Science – The study of the natural world through observation and experimentation, often involving the use of technology and computers. – Example sentence: “In science class, we used a computer simulation to learn about the solar system.”
Coding – The process of writing instructions for a computer to perform specific tasks, often using programming languages. – Example sentence: “We spent the afternoon coding a simple game in our computer class.”
Technology – The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry, including the use of computers and software. – Example sentence: “Advancements in technology have made it easier for us to connect with friends around the world.”
Learn – To gain knowledge or skills through study, experience, or teaching, often using computers and online resources. – Example sentence: “I used an online tutorial to learn how to code in Python.”
Create – To bring something into existence, often using technology and computers to design or develop new projects. – Example sentence: “We used a computer program to create a digital poster for our school project.”
Teamwork – The collaborative effort of a group to achieve a common goal, often using technology to communicate and share ideas. – Example sentence: “Our coding project required a lot of teamwork, so we used a chat app to stay in touch.”
Software – A set of instructions that tell a computer how to perform specific tasks, such as word processing or playing games. – Example sentence: “We installed new software on the school computers to help us with our math homework.”
Girls – Referring to female students or young women, often encouraged to participate in computer science and coding activities. – Example sentence: “The girls in our class formed a club to explore coding and technology together.”
Hour – A unit of time equal to 60 minutes, often used to schedule activities like coding practice or computer lab sessions. – Example sentence: “We spent an hour each day learning how to build websites in our computer class.”
