The Hour of Code™ is Coming!
The Hour of Code takes place during Computer Science Education Week every year! Computer Science Education Week is around December 9th. December 9th is Grace Hopper’s birthday, and it’s a way of honoring her. She was born in 1906. She programmed computers for the Navy and achieved the rank of Admiral. Grace wrote code for the first computer ever built. Therefore, she is known as the “Queen of Code.”
What is the Hour of Code™?
The Hour of Code™ started in 2013. It introduces people of all ages to computer science. People across the globe are encouraged to participate in one hour of coding during Computer Science Education Week.
“The Hour of Code is designed to demystify code and show that computer science is not rocket science—anybody can learn the basics,” said Hadi Partovi, founder, and CEO of Code.org. “Over 100 million students worldwide have tried an Hour of Code. The demand for relevant 21st-century computer science education crosses all borders and knows no boundaries.”
Why Do We Need to Learn Coding?
Coding boosts higher-level thinking skills such as creativity, logic, and problem-solving. Today’s world revolves around technology. For this reason, knowledge about how coding works helps people to better understand the world around them. There are also lots of jobs available for people that know how to code, and most of them are high paying!
Is it Hard to Participate in the Hour of Code™?
Definitely not! If I can do it, and my first-graders can do it, so can you!
Hour of Code introduces coding in a way that is easy for everyone! There are Hour of Code activities for all ages; from pre-readers to adults. You can select beginning level activities. Additionally, there are activities that are for people already comfortable with coding. Hour of Code has coding activities for all topics! Most activities are self-guided after minimum instruction.
Furthermore, you don’t have to have access to a computer to participate! There are “unplugged’ activities.
For teachers or volunteers that want to host an Hour of Code here is a video to help you get started.
Saturday, December 7th is the official Hour of Code day. Computer Science Education Week is December 9th to 15th, so anytime this week is a good time to complete your hour. The hour doesn’t have to be done all at once as long as the work is saved. Actually, you can complete the challenge anytime after it is announced!
Hour of Code™ Has a Theme
Each year there is a different theme. This year’s theme is “Computer Science for Good.” Their slogan is “Learn Computer Science and Change the World!” This theme is inspired by the United Nations’ Sustainability Development Goals. What a great way to get people using computers in a constructive way!
After the Hour of Code™
There is an Hour of Code certificate that can be printed upon completion of the task. Students love these because they can take them home. Furthermore, it is a great way for families to learn about coding.
Additionally, there are many challenges on the site that students can do when the “official” hour is done.
Additional Resources You Might Enjoy:
I’m going to participate in the Hour of Code™, are you?
