This document discusses inspiring kids to learn coding using tools like Scratch and provides an overview of coding concepts and resources for learning coding including Scratch, Code.org, Lightbot, and Hopscotch. It emphasizes that coding helps problem solving and clarity of thought, and encourages learning to code because it is fun and valuable for understanding technology.

1. Inspiring Kids to Code Using
Scratch and Other Tools

2. http://www.slideshare.net/chadmairn
@cmairn

3. What is computer programming?
• A set of commands a computer understands – like a
recipe.
• Computer programs can help cure diseases; drive cars;
create video games; make animated movies/graphics;
build websites and apps; and much more.
• Basic coding concepts are used by most every program
and most every programmer.
• To learn more visit
http://www.bfoit.org/itp/Programming.html

4. Is coding a cryptic visual of typed languages?
Or a process? Or both?

5. Why learn to code?
• Why not?
• Learn the importance of clarity/brevity of expression.
• Be able to think and problem solve more accurately.
• Build something useful and maybe start a business.
• Have a better understanding of how technology works.
• Have fun!
• Do you think it is valuable to learn to code? Why?

6. Read more at http://goo.gl/Hgy16A

7. Check out “Programming with Natural Language Is Actually Going to Work” by
Stephen Wolfram. http://goo.gl/EEKnWd

8. Alexa, what is 5,000,000 times 5,000,000,000?

9. “It has often been said that a person does not really
understand something until he teaches it to someone
else. Actually a person does not really understand
something until after teaching it to a computer, i.e.,
express it as an algorithm.”
Donald Knuth, in American Mathematical Monthly

10. “Computers have proven immensely effective as
aids to clear thinking. Muddled and half-baked
ideas have sometimes survived for centuries
because luminaries have deluded themselves as
much as their followers or because lesser lights,
fearing ridicule, couldn't summon up the nerve to
admit that they didn't know what the Master was
talking about.”
James P. Hogan in Mind Matters

11. Describe in natural language how to make
a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

13. Makerspace/playground
Visit https://medium.com/innovation-lab-makerspace-spc/ for more details on the Innovation Lab [Makerspace @ SPC]

15. Game-based Learning
Using competitive exercises to get
students to challenge themselves with
the hopes of motivating them to learn
better and more meaningfully.

16. “The trick is not in
knowing the single
solution. It’s having
lots of different
options and
solutions to turn to.”
Source: Wired Magazine April ,2012, page 22

17. Kinect in Education
• Robotic controls
• Augmented Reality in Twitter
• Enhance theatre arts
• Navigate locations, operating
systems etc.
• Learn to play guitar
• Explore anatomy
• Learn sign language
• Manipulate air drawings
(Brainstorming)
• Innovative presentation tool
Source: http://apps.kinecteducation.com/

18. Some Beginning Coding Resources
• Lightbot is a programming puzzle game that gives the user a one-to-one relationship with
programming concepts. Try it today at http://light-bot.com/!
• Hopscotch: Coding for Kids is an iPad programming language. Download it today at
https://www.gethopscotch.com/ .
• Code.org wants to bring Computer Science classes to every K-12 school. Check it out at
http://code.org/ and find some excellent computer programming tutorials.
• Scratch helps children create stories, games, animations, and also lets them share these
projects with others around the world. More info at http://scratch.mit.edu/.
• www.scratchjr.org is a free iPad app that brings coding to students as young as age five.
• www.kodable.com gives children opportunities to program in order to solve puzzles.
http://www.allcancode.com is similar.
• Visit Medium for a “2 minute read” listing other ideas and resources to help inspire children
and teens to code.
• There are several MOOCs (Massive Open Online Course) and other freely available resources
that offer computer programming classes. Coursera, Udacity, and Edx are great examples.
Also, Khan Academy has some great resources for kids and adults too!
• A Google search query for computer programming resources for kids limited to the last year
can be found at http://goo.gl/RaUups.

19. .mit.edu

20. is a programming language for everyone. Create
interactive stories, games, music and art and
share them online.
…

21. Download/Install Scratch
http://scratch.mit.edu/scratch_1.4/

22. Scratch’s Development Environment
http://info.scratch.mit.edu/Support/Reference_Guide_1.4

23. http://info.scratch.mit.edu/Support

24. http://wiki.scratch.mit.edu/wiki/Main_Page

25. Create an account

26. Demo
Example projects w/in Scratch
Checking out community projects
Creating a project
Sharing your project
Explore Code.org

27. Image source: http://goo.gl/6rRJ8s

28. http://coderdojo.com/

29. Limit Screen Time!
Teens playing Settlers of Catan in Portland Public Library

31. What are you doing?

32. http://www.slideshare.net/chadmairn
@cmairn

33. Let’s
Hangout!
gplus.to/chadmairn