Kent Place Celebrates Computer Science Education Week

Kent Place School celebrated Computer Science Education Week, also known as “Coding Week,” December 5 through 11. These celebrations are observed in recognition of the birthday of computing pioneer, Admiral Grace Murray Hopper (December 9, 1906). Primary, Middle and Upper School students participated in coding events, including the Hour of Code, which is a global movement by Code.org during Computer Science Education Week to introduce coding to students with one-hour tutorials.

In the Primary School, students participated in coding activities during the entire month of December in their technology classes. Students in Kindergarten through Grade 4 coded using tutorials on Code.org and Grade 5 students explored computer engineering with LEGO robotics and new Makey Makey boards, which are simple circuit boards that lets you connect everyday objects to a computer.

In the Middle School, Technology/Minecraft Club leaders presented during Morning Meeting about the Hour of Code challenge. Students were given the opportunity to code during PLC Block, Genius Block and in technology class, as well as during club time during recess. Activities included games and tutorials from Code.org, as well as creating original animations using Scratch.

In the Upper School, ninth-grade students participated in the Hour of Code during their Genius block. Scholar leaders from AP Computer Science, juniors Rose Chrin and Angela Maliakal lead the 9th grade workshops. Upper School students also programmed chatbots and created fractals using the Python programming language.

These opportunities to explore computer science education exposes all students at Kent Place to coding and showcases the many student opportunities and projects in the Kent Place curriculum. This is Kent Place’s fourth year celebrating computer science and participating in the Hour of Code. To learn more about the hour of code or to try coding yourself go tohttps://code.org.