West Virginia University Extension's 4-H youth development program is inviting youths across the state to bring their creations to life using code during virtual Hour of Code events on Dec. 6-8.
This year’s Hour of Code celebration, which is part of Computer Science Education Week, will consist of three, free fun and interactive sessions designed for youths in third grade and above. Each evening from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., youths will participate in a new, fun activity.
“Our Hour of Code event will show kids that anyone can be a computer scientist,” Emma Gardner, WVU Extension 4-H STEM Specialist, said “These introductory coding activities will give kids the chance to try coding a dance, game and virtual micro-controller over the course of three days. Kids can attend every night, or just one or two.”
Participants will be introduced to computer science concepts while they play fun games and create their own dances and animations. Activities will include block-based coding using Code.org, Scratch, and MakeCode.
To learn more or sign up to participate, visit the registration page . Youths do not have to be members of West Virginia 4-H to participate.
Youths who sign up are not required to participate in each session, but those who attend all three sessions will be entered to win door prizes. Participants will need a computer, tablet or laptop and internet access to participate in the sessions. No coding experience is needed.
“Events like Hour of Code are important because computer science is the fastest-growing career industry as automation becomes more prevalent,” Gardner added. “Our West Virginia kids deserve an opportunity to try out coding in a safe, non-competitive environment like 4-H.”
Computer Science Education Week is hosted by Code.org, a global movement that helps students in more than 180 countries.
To learn more about WVU Extension, visit extension.wvu.edu or follow @WVUExtension on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Instagram.
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hb/11/21/22
CONTACT: Hannah Booth
Assistant Director of Marketing & Communications
WVU Extension
304-293-8701; hannah.booth@mail.wvu.edu