Coding And STEM Activities On Display At HHH Night of Code

Middle school students are tackling real world problems like food scarcity by coding machines to maintain hydroponic plant systems. Kindergartners are learning the basics of computer science and algorithms by coding machines called Bee-bots or Dot & Dash to complete tasks. High school seniors are using 3D printing and digital modeling to make prosthetic hands for amputee children in Africa. These were just some of the amazing programming, robotics and engineering activities going on in the Half Hollow Hills Central School District that were on display at their 2nd annual Night of Code Event on December 4th, 2017.

Over 1,000 students, parents, teachers and community members came together at West Hollow Middle School for the Night of Code event that showcased the many coding and STEM activities taking place in the district from grades K-12, and helped to kick off the national 2017 Computer Science Education Week which runs from December 4th to the 10th. The interactive activities at Night of Code, hosted by students and teachers from the district, included learning to code in different languages, video game design, robotics demonstrations, meeting real-life software engineers from Apple, Google, PSEG and Facebook, creating stop animations, the LEGO EV3 and Space Challenge, Bristlebots robotic kits and virtual reality.

The event also featured a playground of activities for the youngest learners to play with interactive coding robots, a Makerspace full of creative projects, a gallery walk of teachers and their students demonstrating all of the coding projects going on at their grade levels, a hands-on workshop using kidOYO web-based coding projects, and a chance for parents and students to participate in Code.org’s Hour of Code.

“It is important to understand that looking forward, no profession will be untouched by technology, which means that coding must be woven into the curriculum areas at every opportunity,” said Jolynn Sapia, the district’s director of technology, business and libraries. “Coding must be seen as a core skill every child must possess.”

According to Code.org, there are currently 490,432 unfilled computing jobs nationwide, and last year only 42,969 computer science students graduated into the workforce. Computer science drives innovation throughout the US economy, but it remains marginalized throughout K-12 education. Half Hollow Hills has a robust high school offering of computer science courses and is in the second year of offering AP Computer Science Principles, a class with broader appeal to students who normally would not take computer science courses.

“AP Computer Science Principles has seen the number of students who enrolled triple over the last year, meaning many more of our students are becoming educated in this important field before heading off to college,” said Ian Dunst, director of mathematics at Half Hollow Hills. “We’ve also seen a large increase in the number of young women taking computer science classes, with that number growing over ten times higher in the last five years.”

Half Hollow Hills is also working hard to get their youngest students on board with learning the foundations of computer science, by starting a new initiative this year to ensure that every student completes at least one coding project that is connected to their curriculum.

“We want all of our students to have opportunities to gain knowledge in computer science. Coding helps students develop skills and proficiency in problem solving, logic, creativity and collaboration,” said Mary Rettaliata, assistant superintendent for elementary education at Half Hollow Hills. “By starting early, students build strong foundations for success in career paths of the 21st century, many of which have yet to be imagined. This initiative builds upon our expansive and full range of educational opportunities for our elementary students.”

An education-oriented community with high academic expectations, the Half Hollow Hills Central School District is located in a residential area of 50,000 people in the central part of Long Island, approximately 40 miles from New York City. Providing for the education of more than 8,000 students, the school district has five elementary schools, two middle schools and two high schools. Half Hollow Hills High Schools are fully accredited by the New York State Department of Education and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. The District is committed to providing students opportunities to excel in academics, athletics, and the arts.