Website Review: Made With Code

MADE W/ CODE is a Google Project focusing on inspiring girls to pursue careers related to computer science. Their Holiday Lights project is a fun and easy way to introduce the concept of coding. #MadeWithCode

The PROJECTS section provides beginner, intermediate, and advanced coding projects that involve youth in coding snowflakes, avatars, and other fun activities.

The MAKERS section highlights girls who are making a difference in the world through coding. Watch short videos featuring these young women.

The MENTORS section includes short videos from women of all ages and backgrounds who have used coding to reach their dreams. From musicians and filmmakers to activists and storytellers the testimonials illustrate the power of technology.

Use the COMMUNITY, EVENTS, and RESOURCES sections to jumpstart your own MADE W/ CODE program in your library. Connect the website with computer software, apps, and library books young people can use in coding projects. You can even download a kit for a library code party!

Go to https://www.madewithcode.com/ for the general website.
Go to https://holidays.madewithcode.com/project/lights for the Code the Holidays Project.

App Review: Hopscotch

HOPSCOTCH is one of a growing number of apps build to teach programming to children.

The app is a visual programming language designed to help children develop a sense of computational thinking. Youth apply skills in logic and critical thinking to design simple games, animations, and stories.

Inspired by MIT’s Scratch, HOPSCOTCH is the first program designed for mobile devices such as the iPad. Students drag and drop colorful blocks of code to build simply programs. Recommended for children 8 and up, it’s particularly useful for young children who lack advanced reading and typing skills needed for traditional programming.

The free version has limited characters and options. A School Edition of the program is available with these features unlocked.

To learn more about the program, check out the FAQs at http://gethopscotch.com/faq.

To download the free app, go to https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/hopscotch-coding-for-kids/id617098629.

To download the school version, go to https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/hopscotch-school-edition/id901455276