Introduce Computer Science in Your Classroom with The CoderZ Code Farm Hour of Code™

It’s Computer Science Education Week and what better way to ignite a love for STEM and celebrate computer science than with your very own hour of coding in the classroom? During Computer Science Education Week, millions of teachers and students participate in Hour of Code™, which gives you the opportunity to join in on a free 1-hour STEM activity designed to introduce coding concepts and skills to your students.

Designed for Grades 4-6th, The CoderZ Code Farm Hour of Code provides an opportunity to delve into the world of robotics coding while also integrating other important targeted learning skills, like computational thinking and collaboration. A first-hand look into how robotics coding is used in a real-world setting, students will then get to program their very own robot! How empowering is that?

Coding and computer science is for everyone! CoderZ provides self-paced, gamified activities with real-time feedback, and step-by-step instructions. Students will be introduced to a broad view of computer science education through a variety of lenses: engineering design, algorithms and coding, ethics and the social impact of technology, and more.

For teachers without coding experience, the idea of trying to introduce it to your classroom can feel overwhelming. All of CoderZ’s courses provide comprehensive teacher guides including, lesson slides, speaker notes, lesson outlines, sample pacing plans, and an assessment guide and vocabulary key – pretty much everything an educator will need to feel confident and comfortable, even if you’ve never taught coding before.

This year’s CoderZ Hour of Code is powered by Code Farm, where students will be immersed into the world of robotics programming through a “Plant a Garden” activity. Using the programming language Blockly, students will learn to steer virtual robots through tasks such as collecting fruit, avoiding obstacles, and planting a garden of their very own.  

Pro tip – avoid crashing into the adorable cows. But debugging and learning from incorrect code is part of the mission, too! 

Providing a scaffolded approach to learning and understanding robotics programming, Code Farm ensures students successfully advance at their own pace using a discovery-based approach. Not to mention, Code Farm is aligned to CSTA and NGSS, and includes extension opportunities for middle school classrooms. 

Code Farm’s targeted skill-building lessons are paired with open-ended project work to deepen understanding and develop critical thinking. Activities include: 

• Practicing debugging skills 
• Using sensors to navigate a robot 
• Using repeat loops 
• Understanding variables 
• Creating and collaborating on projects 

Additionally, through Hour of Code teachers have access to valuable teacher resources mentioned previously. Yep, slide decks, speaking notes, a pacing plan… the works! By participating in guided classroom activities and discussions, students will hone skills such as creativity, collaboration, and communication. While the resources provided are not required or necessary to get students started on the path to code, they allow teachers the ability to take it to the next level. 

Although Hour of Code is available year-round, from December 5-11^th your class can join millions of students around the world celebrating Computer Science Education Week with Hour of Code.  

We are excited to be a part of this global grassroots campaign dedicated to bringing accessible and engaging robotics coding into the classroom.  

So, what are you waiting for? Let the fun begin and check out The Code Farm Hour of Code