Hour of Code

Anybody can host an Hour of Code anytime, but the grassroots campaign goal is for tens of millions of students to try an Hour of Code during December 8-14, 2014, in celebration of Computer Science Education Week. Is it one specific hour? No. You can do the Hour of Code anytime during this week. (And if you can't do it during that week, do it the week before or after).

Every student should have the opportunity to learn computer science. It helps nurture problem-solving skills, logic and creativity. By starting early, students will have a foundation for success in any 21st-century career path. See more stats on Code.org.

Hour of Drawing with Code: Learn to program using JavaScript, one of the world's most popular programming languages via two great options:

• Drag-and-drop: experimental block-based coding for those with less-developed typing skills and on tablet devices (ages 8+).
• Typing: keyboard-based coding (ages 10+).

Hour of Webpages: Learn to make your own webpages using the basics of HTML and CSS (ages 10+).

Hour of Databases: Learn the fundamentals of databases using SQL to create tables, insert data into them, and do basic querying (ages 12+).

Students in Grades 3 and 4 already have accounts for code.org

They can log in and continue with the code activities that we started in class or they can log in and do the new activities specifically for Hour of Code.

• Kodable Pro. Kids can learn programming concepts and develop the logical thinking required. They'll learn to use sequential steps, if/then conditional concepts, and loops to repeat steps. On some levels, they'll learn to maximize efficiency by using functions to debug code. At more advanced levels, they'll synthesize the new concepts, using them all just like programmers do. Kodable also offers great resources for parents.
• Cato's Hike: A Programming and Logic Odyssey. The adventure story will appeal to kids who might not usually enjoy programming or logic games, so this is a great way to introduce those concepts. Kids can learn the basics of writing a computer program using the command cards. They also can learn more advanced programming concepts such as loops, goto commands, if/then commands, branches, and chaining.
• Scratch. Kids can make their own animations, video games, art, and music videos with Scratch's visual, block-based form. Scratch also encourages collaboration, and fellow Scratch users can give helpful comments on each other's projects. It's a clever introduction to computer-programming concepts.
• My Robot Friend. This is a fun, easy way for kids to start thinking and acting like programmers. Kids can learn to think critically and strategically to solve problems and write or code programs. They program their robot's moves by moving the right cards into place to direct him where he needs to go (or not to go).

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  Hopscotch. Using visual blocks that represent programming concepts, kids create whatever program they want, including games, animations, and fun messages. They're exposed to the ideas they'll use in programming with more sophisticated languages without worrying about the minute details just yet. They'll think like programmers, from coming up with their own ideas to implementing and troubleshooting them.
• Light-bot. Kids can learn programming concepts and terminology such as procedures, loops, and conditionals. Settings can be customized for seven languages, making the app accessible to students worldwide, with programming as the universal language. Kids will learn that, even though there's often more than one way to solve a problem (or write a program), cleaner and more efficient solutions are preferrable. Light-bot best suits kids already drawn to programming and logic who also thrive on puzzles and challenges.
• Mozilla Thimble. Mozilla Thimble is an excellent free and open resource for teaching kids to code their own Web pages. Kids can learn the basics of HTML and CSS. With starter projects, the advanced tutorials, and the Thimble editor, kids also can remix and create their own Web projects.
• Codecademy. Teens can learn the computer-programming languages JavaScript, HTML, and CSS, which can be used to create apps, games, and websites. They'll need to flex their problem-solving muscles, since one stray character can throw off a whole program. Exercises include hints and a link to a glossary and FAQs for that topic.