Elwood Students Take Part in 'Hour of Code'

Submitted by Elwood School District

As part of Computer Science Education Week, students in the Elwood Union Free School District participated in the worldwide “Hour of Code” initiative from Dec. 8 to 14.

The Hour of Code is a global movement that provides students with a one-hour introduction to computer science, designed to demystify code and show that anybody can learn the basics. The program offers a variety of interactive computer activities that help students learn computer science while nurturing problem-solving skills, logic and creativity.

Led by district technology specialists Krista Albrecht, fourth and fifth-grade students at James H. Boyd Intermediate School received a one-hour workshop including video tutorials and a self-guided code activity that allowed student to work at their own pace and skill-level.

Using Google Chromebooks, students worked in pairs to code their first computer program. At the beginner level, students selected from a “Frozen” or “Angry Birds” theme to explore different patterns to code their computer game. Following the workshop, fourth and fifth graders received a certificate of completion for demonstrating an understanding of basic computer science concepts.

On Dec. 9, a special Hour of Code session was held at Elwood Middle School for students in technology, robotics and science clubs. Students chose from a variety of tutorials that walked them through computer programs such as “Blockly,” “Lightbot,” “Java” and more.

The Hour of Code is organized by Code.org, a public non-profit organization dedicated to expanding participation in computer science by making it available in more schools and sparking students’ interest in a fun and interactive way.

Photo: Fourth-grade students Kaehlen Frazier and Emily Bombria worked together to code their “Angry Birds” game.

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