May 5th and May 20th
Careers in Coding
Plug into creative activities that teach the basics of computer programming at Homeschool Days: Careers in Coding on May 5 and May 20 from 10am-2pm. Use code to cast a spell, guide robots, train virtual pets and more—see below for full details on activities and Learning Labs.
All young learners are welcome to join Homeschool Day, including learning pods and those with asynchronous school schedules.
Career Talk
Presentations at 11am and 1pm in the Theater; limited seating due to social distancing, so be sure to arrive early!
Software engineer Chris Kam shares how coding with creativity took him from programming a digital Etch-a-Sketch to launching a software company.
Chris Kam is a software engineer that has built numerous critical web applications in the domains of scheduling and energy. He focuses on breathing new life into stagnant industries through innovative solutions and intuitive software that people love to use. He is passionate about engineering creative solutions to complex problems through teamwork. Chris holds a B.S. in Computer Science from Texas A&M University.
Hands-on Activities
Stations run continuously from 10am-2pm
Harry Potter and the Magic of Coding:
With coding skills, even Muggles can wield a wand like Harry Potter! Cast spells in code to make feathers fly, fire flow, goblets multiply and pumpkins grow.
Binary Code Bracelets:
Binary code is how computers store information. Learn the binary alphabet, explore how the code works and then make a bracelet of your initials in binary code. 011101110110111101110111! (That’s binary for “Wow!”
Turing Tumble:
What’s really happening behind the code? Try a digital simulator that lets you peek into a computer’s basic functions. Then combine real gears, switches and marbles to help build a mechanical computer!
Learning Labs
NOTE: Students will work in groups of 2 or 3 for all of May’s Learning Labs
Kinder-2nd Grade
Botley’s Wild Ride – 10:30-11:15am
Meet our robot, Botley! Learn to “speak” Botley’s language using basic coding. Then work as a team to coach (and code) Botley through our tricky, twisty obstacle course.
3rd-5th Grade
Follow the Code – 11:30am-12:30pm
Can mBot follow your code to reach its destination? Work as a team to figure out what information mBot will need to navigate. Hint: focus on the essential to keep the code short! Add challenges along the way and code a team victory dance to celebrate at the end.
6th-12th Grade
Train a Virtual Pet – 1:00-2:00pm
Create and animate a virtual pet using Scratch 3.0, a visual programming language. Like any good pet owners, your team will need to feed your pet, give it a drink and provide plenty of playtime—all by using your coding skills!