Throughout this week (Dec. 5 to 9), Darien students across the district have joined a worldwide event to celebrate the field of computer science — and have some fun along the way.
The Hour of Code, hosted by code.org, was started to demystify “code” and show that anybody can learn the basics. It has since become popular across the globe and will involve tens of millions of students across 180 countries this year.
Photo from Darien Public Schools Newsletter
Students at Hindley School take part in the Hour of Code.
This is the second year all Darien schools are participating in the Hour of Code. Marc Marin, director of instructional technology, and Jeromy Nelson, technology education coordinator, coordinated district participation, with library media specialists, computer teachers, parent volunteers, administrators, and students leading the school-based events.
The events include:
Hindley: Every student at Hindley has a “tech buddy”. The tech buddy classes will meet during the Hour of Code week and enjoy coding activities together. In addition, Hindley Library will host the 2nd annual “Innovation Stations” event! Students will have the opportunity to explore coding, circuitry, robotics, and crafty construction activities. Students from the DHS Computer Class and parent volunteers will assist with the stations.
Holmes: Throughout the week, in both the classrooms and library, students will partner with their buddy class to explore coding using resources available on the Hour of Code website.
Ox Ridge: On Monday, Ox Ridge hosted a speaker from Girls Who Code for 4th & 5th graders. Students worked on Chromebooks and followed instructions from this expert speaker. Third graders will discover coding practices using Scratch- Spirograph Animation. K-2 students will have an introduction to coding using botlogic and the Hour of Code Kodable program.
Royle: Library Luau! The weather may be cold outside, but it’s warm and sunny at Royle! This year’s theme is “Wayfinding with Code”and ties in with the new Disney movie Moana. The Royle Library will have tropical decor and students will see characters from Moana & Finding Nemo.
Grades K-3 will practice coding using online modules from code.org. Grades 4-5 will complete an activity that supports the Science curriculum unit on circuits. Students will be introduced to the “Makey Makey”, which uses the programming language Scratch. Makey Makey lets users turn everyday objects into touch pads that control the computer’s keyboard.
Coding stations will also be available for Grades 4-5 students. Students will earn a certificate and a lei for completing an Hour of Code. After-school, Royle families can drop-in & code together.
Tokeneke: On Monday, Tokeneke hosted the 2nd annual Hour of Code event. Students in grades K- 2 worked with a buddy class from Grade 3-5 as pair programmers. All students had the opportunity to write code using available activities from code.org. The event took place in the library and involved many parent volunteers throughout the morning.
Middlesex Middle School: In the MMS Library today, students were invited to an after-school time to learn the basics of Computer Science and brush up on skills with a range of creative coding games and tutorials. The focus is that anyone can learn to be a maker, innovator, and creator! Laptops and snacks were provided.
Darien High School: This Thursday, Hour of Code activities and stations will run throughout the day in the DHS Library. Some activities will utilize computers and other activities will be “unplugged”. Students from the Programming Club will lead students in their coding explorations at a variety of stations. A selection of computer activities will posted on the DHS web site.