2024 Hour of Code Highlights

Homeschooling with Technology

303: 2024 Hour of Code Highlights

In this episode, we explore highlights from the 2024 Hour of Code, an initiative during Computer Science Education Week to introduce students (and even parents!) to coding in fun and engaging ways. Whether your children are new to coding or already experienced, there’s something here for everyone.

What is Hour of Code?

• A global event during Computer Science Education Week (December 9-15, 2024).
• Aimed at introducing coding to beginners in an approachable way.
• Features free, interactive, and age-appropriate coding activities for everyone, from kindergarteners to adults.
• The theme for 2024 is “Make the Invisible Visible”, helping participants understand what happens behind the scenes in tech.

How to Participate

• Visit hourofcode.com to access all activities (available year-round).
• Customize searches by grade level, device type, and topic.
• Try coding solo, as a family, or host an Hour of Code event with friends.

Why Join the Hour of Code?

• Fun and easy way to explore computer science.
• Encourages creativity and logical thinking.
• Shows how programming powers everyday tech and games.

Highlights of 2024 Hour of Code Activities

1. Music Lab Jam Session
   • Create music step-by-step by coding beats and melodies.
   • Features sound blocks to remix tracks from artists like Shakira and Sabrina Carpenter.
   • Introduces AI, allowing it to generate drum beats to complement your creations.
2. Hello World (Transformer 1)
   • Build and program Transformers-like robots to complete tasks.
   • Includes built-in hints and feedback to guide participants.
3. 3D Space Invaders Game
   • Code and control elements of a video game, like spaceship movement and enemy actions.
   • Perfect for visualizing how commands shape gameplay.

Bonus Opportunity: Christmas Coding Contest

Check out the Christmas Coding Contest sponsored by FundaFunda Academy!

• Designed for both beginners and experienced coders (using Scratch).
• Features interactive Christmas-themed scenes and tutorials.
• Entry fee: $5, with Amazon gift card prizes for top projects.

Sign up here

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Take a look at show sponsor, FundaFunda Academy to see what they offer for online classes and web-based unit studies.

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