Inspiring Kids to Code Using Scratch and Other Tools

Inspiring Kids to Code Using Scratch and Other

Tools

http://www.slideshare.net/chadmairn

@cmairn

What is computer programming?

• A set of commands a computer understands – like a recipe, I suppose.

• Computer programs can help cure diseases; drive cars; create video games; make animated movies/graphics; build websites and apps; and much more.

• Basic coding concepts are used by most every program and most every programmer.

• To learn more visit http://www.bfoit.org/itp/Programming.html

Why learn to code?• Why not? ;)

• Learn the importance of clarity/brevity of expression.

• Be able to think and problem solve more accurately.

• Build something useful and maybe start a business.

• Have a better understanding of how technology works.

• Have fun!

• Do you think it is valuable to learn to code? Why?

“It has often been said that a person does not really understand something until he teaches it to someone else. Actually a person does not really understand something until after teaching it to a computer, i.e., express it as an algorithm.”

Donald Knuth, in American Mathematical Monthly

“Computers have proven immensely effective as aids to clear thinking. Muddled and half-baked ideas have sometimes survived for centuries because luminaries have deluded themselves as much as their followers or because lesser lights, fearing ridicule, couldn't summon up the nerve to admit that they didn't know what the Master was talking about.”

James P. Hogan in Mind Matters

Describe in natural language how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

Check out “Programming with Natural Language Is Actually Going to Work” by Stephen Wolfram. http://goo.gl/EEKnWd

Some Beginning Coding Resources• Lightbot is a programming puzzle game that gives the user a one-to-one relationship with programming concepts.

Try it today at http://light-bot.com/!

• Hopscotch: Coding for Kids is an iPad programming language. Download it today at https://www.gethopscotch.com/ .

• Code.org wants to bring Computer Science classes to every K-12 school. Check it out at http://code.org/ and find some excellent computer programming tutorials.

• Scratch helps children create stories, games, animations, and also lets them share these projects with others around the world. More info at http://scratch.mit.edu/.

• Visit Medium for a “2 minute read” listing other ideas and resources to help inspire children and teens to code.

• There are several MOOCs (Massive Open Online Course) and other freely available resources that offer computer programming classes. Coursera, Udacity, and Edx are great examples. Also, Khan Academy has some great resources for kids and adults too!

• A Google search query for computer programming resources for kids limited to the last year can be found at http://goo.gl/RaUups.

SCRATCH Basics

.mit.edu

is a programming language for everyone. Create interactive stories, games, music and art and share them online.

…

Download/Install Scratch

http://scratch.mit.edu/scratch_1.4/

Scratch’s Development Environment

http://info.scratch.mit.edu/Support/Reference_Guide_1.4

http://info.scratch.mit.edu/Support

http://wiki.scratch.mit.edu/wiki/Main_Page

Create an account

Demo

Example projects w/in ScratchChecking out community projects

Creating a projectSharing your project

Inspire at the library!

Image source: http://goo.gl/6rRJ8s

http://coderdojo.com/

http://www.slideshare.net/chadmairn

@cmairn

Let’s Hangout!

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