Hour of Code
December 9-15, 2019
What is the "Hour of Code"?
Computers are everywhere, changing every industry on the planet. But only 45% of all high schools teach computer science. Good news is, we’re on our way to change this! If you've heard about the Hour of Code before, you might know it made history. More than 100 million students have tried an Hour of Code.
With the Hour of Code, computer science has been on homepages of Google, MSN, Yahoo!, and Disney. Over 100 partners have joined together to support this movement. Every Apple Store in the world has hosted an Hour of Code, and leaders like President Obama and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wrote their first lines of code as part of the campaign.
This year, let's make it even bigger. I’m asking you to join the Hour of Code 2019. Please get involved with an Hour of Code event during Computer Science Education Week, December 9-15.
Sounds cool! How can I get involved?
- Choose an easy to present lesson to work with your class during the week. You can do a whole hour, two half hour lessons, or divide it up into three sessions of twenty minutes each.
- Let students choose a self-paced course option
- You can even have the kids do non-computer coding (unplugged activities)!
Below are a bunch of ideas that can be done when you have some time in your class. Need help? Let me know!
- LaFayette Intermediate will celebrate their HOC on the morning of Thursday, December 12th.
- Skoi-Yase Primary will celebrate their HOC on the morning of Friday, December 13th with help from some High School Students!
K-2 Online (plugged in) activities
Code Spark Academy
Code the adorable Foos to solve puzzles that teach fundamental computer science concepts like sequencing and loops. Everyone everywhere can learn to code with codeSpark Academy's award-winning "no words" interface. Beginner coders and pre-readers welcome
I recommend either the puzzle games of Snoopy Snow Ball
Kodables
https://www.kodable.com/hour-of-code#self-guided
There are several options to choose from including several simple lessons for whole class or small group instruction.
Tynker
Another fun self-paced option for the littles. There are a number of coding activities/games for students to play. For students who struggle reading on their own, I would recommend Candy Quest, Barbie (either one), or Space Quest.
3-5 Online Activity Ideas
Minecraft Hour of Code: Forest Fire Rescue
Explore basic coding concepts and learn about artificial intelligence (AI) in this free Hour of Code lesson in Minecraft: Education Edition! Help the Agent prevent forest fires with Minecraft and MakeCode. Follow the steps below to get started!
Tynker and NASA team up
Tynker is a well-known block-based coding program that walks students through various games and challenges while teaching them how to code.
For a change of pace, I recommend the NASA programs for this year's HOC. Just have students click on the "NASA" tab.
Hour of Code A
Hour of code itself has tons of programs, games, and lessons for students and teachers to use during the week-long event. You can choose a lesson to use in your classroom or allow students the choice of picking a program to try out their coding skills with. There are tons of choices so you may want to limit the options for your students depending on grade level.
K-5 Offline (unplugged: no computer) Activities
Coding without a computer
My Robotic Friends
Using a predefined “Robot Vocabulary” your students will figure out how to guide one another to accomplish specific tasks without discussing them first. This segment teaches students the connection between symbols and actions, as well as the valuable skill of debugging.
6 unplugged coding activities
Coding Robots and Micro Controllers: Contact Mr. Coleman if you are interested in using any of these.
Microbits
The BBC micro:bit is a handheld, programmable micro-computer that can be used for all sorts of cool creations, from robots to musical instruments – the possibilities are endless.
Cue Robots
Bee Bots
Middle School Online Ideas
Turtle Graphics using python language
Learn the basics of programming by drawing shapes on your screen with Tracy the Turtle! Turtle Graphics (or LOGO) is a beginner-friendly way to explore programming concepts and bring creativity into programming in a visual way.
Create your own Google Logo
Minecraft Hour of Code: Forest Fire Rescue
Explore basic coding concepts and learn about artificial intelligence (AI) in this free Hour of Code lesson in Minecraft: Education Edition! Help the Agent prevent forest fires with Minecraft and MakeCode. Follow the steps below to get started!
High School Ideas
Codecombat
CodeCombat is a game-based computer science program where students type real code and see their characters react in real-time.
Code Mathematical Models and other content specific Coding ideas
There are plenty of options with Codehs for all of your students. From math lessons to art lessons, all subject areas are covered with an activity or two.
Coding web pages with Khan Academy
Learn how to make webpages with HTML tags and CSS, finishing up by making your very own greeting card.
Additional options
- CS First from Google: https://csfirst.withgoogle.com/s/en/home
- Nearpod HOC Lessons: https://nearpod.com/hour-of-code?oc=Hour+of+Code+&utm_campaign=Hour+of+Code+&utm_medium=inapp&utm_source=nearpod
- Code HS: https://codehs.com/hourofcode
- Hour of Code: https://hourofcode.com/us/learn?platform=no-internet
- Tynker: https://www.tynker.com/hour-of-code/