Welcome to an exciting journey into the world of computer science, where creativity meets technology! I’m Miranda, and I have the pleasure of working with the Amazon Future Engineer program. Recently, we had an incredible opportunity to bring 15 of our talented Amazon Future Engineer interns to Code.org. Our mission? To help them design engaging backgrounds for the Hour of Code dance party using the versatile tool, p5.js.
At the heart of our project is p5.js, a powerful JavaScript library that makes coding accessible and fun. Our interns have been using it to craft stunning star designs that spread across the screen in imaginative ways. These backgrounds aren’t just visually appealing; they serve as a source of inspiration for kids worldwide who are diving into the world of computer science.
The Amazon Future Engineer program is more than just an internship; it’s a supportive community that genuinely cares about nurturing young talent. Throughout the summer, I’ve gained invaluable insights into what it means to be a software development engineer. It’s been thrilling to take theoretical knowledge from the classroom and apply it to real-world scenarios.
One of the most exciting aspects of computer science is its broad applicability. It’s not just about technology or STEM; it’s about solving problems and finding innovative solutions. There’s a common misconception that you need to be a genius to excel in this field, but that’s simply not true. Computer science is so diverse that it offers opportunities for everyone, regardless of their passions.
For me, computer science has been a life-changing journey. It’s the reason I’m interning at Amazon today, and it can be a transformative experience for anyone willing to explore it. Whether you’re interested in art, music, or any other field, computer science provides the tools to pursue your dreams.
If you’re curious about computer science, there’s no better way to start than with an Hour of Code. It’s a simple yet powerful step towards understanding the limitless possibilities this field offers. So, why wait? Dive in, explore, and see how you can change the world with just an hour of code!
Join a hands-on workshop where you’ll dive into p5.js to create your own interactive art. Experiment with shapes, colors, and animations to design a unique background for a dance party. This activity will enhance your understanding of JavaScript and creative coding.
Engage in a fun challenge where you’ll use Code.org to program a dance party. Customize the dance moves and background using block-based coding, and see how your creativity can bring a virtual dance floor to life.
Join a panel of industry professionals and students to discuss the stereotypes in computer science. Share your thoughts and learn from others about how diverse backgrounds contribute to innovative solutions in technology.
Collaborate with fellow students in a study group focused on computer science concepts. Share resources, solve coding problems together, and support each other in your learning journey. This is a great way to reinforce your understanding and build a supportive community.
Organize an Hour of Code event at your university to introduce others to the basics of coding. Use this opportunity to showcase the transformative power of computer science and inspire peers to explore the field further.
Here’s a sanitized version of the provided YouTube transcript:
—
Hi, I’m Miranda. I work on the Amazon Future Engineer program, and today we brought 15 of our Amazon Future Engineer interns to Code.org to help them build Hour of Code dance party backgrounds. We have all been working with p5.js to create nice designs for the backgrounds. I’m designing various stars that will spread out in creative ways, allowing kids around the world to enjoy cool backgrounds while learning and getting inspired by computer science.
There’s a lot of creativity and fun happening here. The Amazon Future Engineer program has been very supportive, making it feel like there’s someone who genuinely cares about us and is looking out for us. I’ve learned so much this past summer and have been exposed to what it really means to be a software development engineer. It’s exciting to take what you learn in a classroom and apply it to real-world situations.
Computer science isn’t just about technology or STEM; it’s about problem-solving and finding innovative solutions. Some people think you need to be a genius to understand it, but that’s far from the truth. Computer science is so broad that whatever you’re passionate about, you can pursue it through this field. It’s inspiring to see the different opportunities available to me in computer science.
Computer science has changed my life and is the reason I’m able to intern at Amazon today. It truly is for everyone. Change the world—start with an hour of code.
—
This version maintains the essence of the original transcript while removing any informal language and ensuring clarity.
Computer Science – The study of computers and computational systems, including their theory, design, development, and application. – Many students choose to major in computer science because of its broad applications in various industries.
Coding – The process of writing instructions for a computer to execute, typically in a programming language. – Coding is an essential skill for developing software applications and solving complex problems.
Creativity – The use of imagination or original ideas to create something, often applied in software design and problem-solving. – Creativity in coding can lead to innovative solutions and unique software applications.
Technology – The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry, including the development of software and hardware. – Advances in technology have revolutionized the way we interact with computers and the internet.
p5.js – A JavaScript library that makes coding accessible for artists, designers, educators, and beginners, focusing on creative coding. – Using p5.js, students can easily create interactive graphics and animations for their projects.
Amazon – A multinational technology company known for its e-commerce platform, cloud computing services, and digital streaming. – Many computer science graduates aspire to work at Amazon due to its innovative technology and global impact.
Engineer – A professional who applies scientific and mathematical principles to design, develop, and maintain systems and structures, often in technology fields. – As a software engineer, you will be responsible for developing and optimizing code for various applications.
Software – Programs and other operating information used by a computer to perform specific tasks. – Developing efficient software requires a deep understanding of algorithms and data structures.
Development – The process of creating, testing, and maintaining software applications or systems. – Software development involves various stages, including planning, coding, testing, and deployment.
Internship – A temporary position that offers practical experience in a particular field, often used by students to gain industry experience. – Completing an internship at a tech company can provide valuable insights into the software development process.
