Game development – The third phase of early childhood computer science education

These four stages consist of: unplugged computer science block-based programming languages game development introduction to robotics Game development for children strengthens their art, math, and coding skills, and offers them a creative outlet to show what they know. There is a wealth of new categories of online computer games and …

Block-based programming languages – The second phase of early childhood computer science education

These four stages consist of: unplugged computer science block-based programming languages game development introduction to robotics Block-based coding is a form of programming language that utilizes a drag-and-drop learning environment. Programmers use coding instruction “blocks” to construct animated stories and games. As an entry-level activity, young children acquire a foundation …

Graphing calculator does double-duty

There’s another use for your kids’ Texas Instruments graphing calculator…they can learn how to code with it. Take STEM activities to the next level! Products available are: TI-Innovator Hub (enables students to learn basic coding and design, use those skills to program and build working solutions, and connect STEM concepts) TI-Innovator …

Dolls Who Code: Learn the basics of STEM with SmartGurlz

Girls are learning how to code using SmartGurlz, a robot and doll all wrapped up in one. There are 5 different SmartGurlz to choose from: Jen, Maria, Zara, Jun and Emma. Each doll has their own unique story and personality, hobbies and interests, teaching their own STEM-related story. (STEM = …

Meet Root, the coding Droid

Root is a hexagonal droid that has downward-facing scanners, magnetic wheels, touch-reactive panels, lights, motion sensors and a pen-grabbing hole in the center of its body. Kids first learn how to draw simple lines with Root and progress to snowflake-like mathematical patterns (fractals). Learn more…

Using Hershey’s Kisses with a Raspberry Pi and Python

 Wire up a button (in this case, two Hershey’s Kisses) and an LED to the Raspberry Pi and write some code to respond to the Hershey’s Kisses when they touch each other. On contact, the LED will light and “on” will be printed in the Python shell. Here’s the Python …