Calling All Homeschoolers – Hour of Code
Calling All Homeschoolers!
Hour of Code is a really cool initiative to get more kids (boys AND girls) introduced to computer programming. Basically, the idea is that they’re trying to line up as many events as possible, across the entire country, during National Computer Science Education Week (Dec. 7-13) at schools and in communities so that kids can participate in fun, easy tutorials that get them more comfortable with various principals of computer programming. Learn more about Hour of Code here: http://hourofcode.com/us
We are hosting a free event at Meeples Games (upstairs at 3727 California Ave SW) and we’re hoping to get as many kids out as possible to join us for an hour of code. The event will be run by Cadence and Gawen Sturgeon (12 and 10) on December 10 at 1:00 – 2:00 pm. We’ll be focusing on two different tutorials – kids can choose one, or switch between the two if they prefer. We’ll be working on a Star Wars tutorial, building games that feature R2D2, C3PO and BB-8, and we’ll also be working on a Minecraft tutorial. The tutorials are self-guided, so kids can work through at their own pace, and parents are welcome to participate too, and Cadence and Gawen have played through both tutorials several times, so they’ll be ready and willing to help with any snags anyone should encounter along the way. Recommended age listed by the tutorial is 6+, kids who are able to read and use a computer should have no problem participating. Meeples has a lovely café, for coding snacks or coffee for parents!
Either tutorial will work on a laptop (Mac or PC) or a tablet (Android or IPad) or even most smartphones – They are all run on the browser, so no special install necessary, and Meeples has kindly offered us the use of their wi-fi, so any laptop or tablet that has a browser and the capability to connect to the internet should do the job! Also, headphones are a good idea, since the tutorials have cute sound effects (that won’t be so cute if we are all listening to several computers making them all at once!)
We hope to see lots of you there! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mary (Cadence and Gawen’s mom) at mary@marysturgeon.net Happy Coding!
