The Hour of Code is a fun and easy way to learn about computer science. It’s a one-hour introduction designed for everyone, even if you’ve never tried coding before. The activities are self-guided, which means you can learn at your own pace and have fun while doing it!
Computer science is becoming more important every day because there are more jobs in this field than there are people to fill them. By learning some basic coding skills, you can be part of this exciting world. Plus, it’s a great way to solve problems and think creatively.
There are more than a dozen different tutorials you can choose from. Each one introduces computer science in a unique way. For example, you can learn how to make an interactive card using a program called Scratch. Another tutorial might teach you computer science ideas through fun puzzles.
You can do the Hour of Code on many devices like tablets, PCs, Macs, and smartphones. If you don’t have a computer, don’t worry! There are unplugged activities that you can do without any technology at all. These unplugged activities can even be done outside and are great for groups.
First, decide where you want to do your Hour of Code. You could use a computer lab with internet-connected computers, or you could do it in your classroom using tablets or smartphones. If you have just one computer, students can take turns or work in pairs. Working together is a great idea because it helps you learn better.
If you’re doing unplugged activities, you can do them anywhere, even outside. These activities show that you don’t need a computer to think like a computer scientist. It’s a good idea to try the tutorial yourself before your class does it, so you can help answer any questions.
When it’s time for your Hour of Code, have your students visit the website and pick the tutorial you chose. If you’re doing an unplugged activity, give out the materials and explain how it works. The tutorials are designed to be fun, so your students will enjoy them. If someone finishes early, they can try a different tutorial or help a friend.
Offering the Hour of Code is simple and doesn’t need much preparation. In just one hour, you’ll give your students a fun and meaningful introduction to computer science. It’s a great way to show that coding isn’t as scary as it seems and can be a lot of fun!
Explore the world of coding by creating an interactive card using Scratch. Follow the tutorial to learn how to animate characters and add sounds. Have fun experimenting with different features and share your creation with the class!
Participate in an unplugged activity that teaches coding concepts without a computer. Use paper and markers to create a simple algorithm for a classmate to follow. This activity will help you understand how computers process instructions.
Choose a puzzle-based tutorial that introduces you to basic coding concepts. Solve each puzzle by writing code to move characters or objects. Challenge yourself to complete as many puzzles as you can and discuss strategies with your classmates.
Work in pairs or small groups to tackle a coding challenge. Use a shared device to collaborate on a project, such as creating a simple game or animation. Share your project with the class and explain the coding concepts you used.
Take your coding skills outside with an unplugged activity. Use natural materials like sticks and stones to represent coding commands. Create a sequence of instructions for a classmate to follow, simulating a computer program in nature.
The Hour of Code is an hour-long introduction to computer science for all students. No previous experience is required, and the activities are designed to be self-guided, empowering students to learn at their own pace. This initiative is important because the number of computing jobs is rising significantly faster than the number of computer science graduates.
We expect to have more than a dozen different one-hour tutorials to choose from, each introducing computer science in its own way for students from K through 12. For example, one tutorial will teach how to create an interactive card using the programming environment Scratch. Our own tutorial will introduce some computer science principles through a series of fun puzzles.
You can offer the Hour of Code on a range of devices, including tablets, PCs, Macs, and smartphones. There will even be unplugged tutorials that can be completed without any computers at all.
The first thing you will need to figure out is where you will conduct your Hour of Code. One option is to use a computer lab with internet-connected PCs or Macs. Another option is to do the Hour of Code in your classroom using tablets or smartphones, as long as they can access the internet. Students can also take turns doing the Hour of Code in your classroom using a shared internet-connected computer. In fact, we encourage students to work together in pairs or small groups, as research shows that students retain more when they collaborate.
The unplugged options can be done anywhere, even outdoors. These activities are especially fun for groups and illustrate the point that computational thinking does not require a computer. We encourage you to try the selected tutorial yourself before your class does it, so you can answer any questions that might arise.
Finally, it will be time for your students to do the Hour of Code themselves. Have them visit our website and choose the tutorial you selected. If you’re doing an unplugged tutorial, distribute the materials and explain the rules. Your students will enjoy doing the Hour of Code, as the tutorials are designed to be fun. Students who finish early can try a different, perhaps more advanced tutorial, or help other students.
In summary, offering the Hour of Code to your students is easy. It requires minimal prior preparation and no prior experience. In just one hour, you will have given your students an engaging and meaningful exposure to the world of computer science and helped demystify what can be an intimidating subject.
Hour – A period of time equal to 60 minutes, often used to measure how long you spend on a computer task. – Example sentence: I spent an hour learning how to create a simple game using code.
Code – A set of instructions written in a programming language that a computer can understand and execute. – Example sentence: I wrote some code to make the robot move forward and turn left.
Computer – An electronic device that can store, retrieve, and process data, and is used for various tasks like coding and playing games. – Example sentence: My computer helps me complete my homework and practice coding every day.
Science – The study of the natural world, often involving experiments and observations, and in computing, it refers to understanding how computers work. – Example sentence: Computer science teaches us how to create programs and solve problems using technology.
Coding – The process of writing instructions for a computer to perform specific tasks, often using a programming language. – Example sentence: We are learning coding in class to create our own websites and games.
Learn – To gain knowledge or skills in a subject, such as coding, through study or experience. – Example sentence: I want to learn how to build my own app using coding tutorials.
Tutorials – Step-by-step guides or lessons that teach you how to do something, like coding a new program. – Example sentence: I followed online tutorials to learn how to make animations with code.
Devices – Electronic tools or gadgets, such as computers and tablets, used to perform tasks or run programs. – Example sentence: We use different devices in our coding class to test the programs we create.
Activities – Tasks or exercises designed to help you practice and improve your skills, such as coding challenges. – Example sentence: Our teacher gave us fun coding activities to help us understand how loops work.
Puzzles – Problems or challenges that require thinking and problem-solving skills, often used in coding to practice logic. – Example sentence: Solving coding puzzles helps me improve my programming skills and think creatively.
