Does creating computer programs sound like an intimidating task? It doesn’t have to be! This past week, students, teachers, and administrators have been teaching and learning how to write code for computer programs as a part of the annual “Hour of Code” event. 

The “Hour of Code” event is an international movement created by Code.org that invites students in grades K-12 to complete at least one 45 - 60 minute lesson on the basics of computer science and coding. Students get a chance to learn the basics of coding at their grade level and then play interactive games that use coding to earn points and complete tasks. 

While “Hour of Code” content is available throughout the year, PSD chose to participate during the week of Dec. 5 - 11, which is Computer Science Week. Computer Science Week celebrates STEM education and takes place during the week of Admiral Grace Murray Hopper’s birthday. Admiral Hopper is known as the “Queen of Computer Code.” 

Swift Water Elementary School third-grade students enjoyed a whole week of coding once a day. They created multiple lines of code to manipulate worlds in Minecraft, make cartoon characters dance, and to build online robots. 

PSD leaders also took time during Computer Science Week to participate in “Hour of Code.” For a lot of the administrators, coding seemed like a daunting task. But after just one-hour, they realized the potential everyone has to learn how to program, and how fun it can be. 

Check out some photos from the past week. 

#InspiredAndEmpoweredPSD #HourOfCode