Computer science education week runs from December 5-11, 2017. The Hour of Code is popular in schools, with past participation by Falls Church City Public Schools. Coding/programming is a major component of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM, or SEAM adding "Arts") education initiatives.
Last year, FCCPS organized an hour of code event as an after-school event in the TJ elementary cafeteria. The format was as follows:
- The cafeteria was laid out with tables (similar to lunch time), and a projector was set up in a central visible location for announcements, etc.
- FCCPS has multiple carts worth of Macbook Air laptops, and these were set up and at code.org
- Several STEM-focused teachers and administrators were on hand to get people started, and assist with laptop issues, etc.
- An intro talk was given, and a Code.org motivational/intro video shown
- Students were directed to complete the featured exercise based on Disney Frozen characters, and got as far as they could go in the hour with parent and teacher support
- Students completed a paper certificate of achievement at the end
The after-school event was a great way to reach and support a good number of students. An in-class model may reach all students (various conflicts/limitations may prohibit evening participation). The format for an in-class hour of code could look like:
- Over CS education week, each Elementary classroom participates in the hour of code
- Administrators arrange for High School students, 2-6 per classroom, to come and support a couple of classrooms, perhaps a half day of activities; and also arrange for parent volunteers to assist as well
- Just prior to the exercise, the classroom teacher obtains laptop carts, and sets up the laptops for students
- The STEAM resource teacher or stand-in introduces the hour of code for students, and directs them to start the exercise
- Students can pick among a few exercises - with some limited to older students (Frozen requires some knowledge of geometry)
- Advanced students (who have completed the block-based exercises and would be bored) can move on to JavaScript based written-code format exercises
- Students complete as much of the exercise as possible
- Each classroom activity would take about 90 minutes with intro and setup
FCCPS is far from the only organization attempting something like this. FCCPS can enhance or streamline its program by connecting with other groups. National organizations such as computer science education week and code.org have communities and other resources to leverage. In addition, we could connect with parallel local efforts such as Loudon Codes, or perhaps leverage other existing education/STEM education networks.
- Connect with HS administrators to marshal volunteer students
- Register with csweek.org and code.org
- Sign-up parent volunteers
- Connect with other schools running similar programs