The West Virginia University Extension 4-H program is offering youths across the state to participate in the virtual Hour of Code events on Dec. 9-12.
This year’s Hour of Code events, which are part of Computer Science Education Week, will consist of four, free and interactive sessions designed for youths in third through eighth grades. Each evening from 6 to 7 p.m., youths will participate in a virtual and new computer science activity. Youths can attend every night, a few times or just one session.
“This event shows that computer science is for everyone,” Emma Gardner, WVU Extension specialist, 4-H computer science technology and engineering, said. “These sessions will help build coding skills in a fun and supportive environment while inspiring future learning and showcasing the creative aspects of programming. This initiative, which involves a global push to get youth excited about computer science, also raises awareness about the importance of computer science education in today’s world.”
Each evening participants will sign into the Zoom link and do a different coding program for one hour. Monday’s activity will be artificial intelligence oceans, participants will learn about artificial intelligence, machine learning and training data while exploring ocean pollution and how artificial intelligence can be used to address world problems. Tuesday’s activity will be animate a name with scratch coding, participants will use creativity and imagination to bring a name to life through code. Wednesday’s activity will be NASA space jam, where participants will learn about music, astronomy and coding from the NASA Chandra X-Ray Observatory. The final activity on Thursday will have participants explore RGB colors and light with a virtual micro:bit microprocessor.
During each event, youths will have the opportunity to learn coding, connect with peers and discover new skills that could open doors to future opportunities in technology, explained Gardner. Each session will include simple block and text-based coding intended for youths to experience computer science in a fun and engaging way.
“Learning about coding is important because it fosters critical thinking, problem-solving skills and creativity, all of which are essential in today’s digital world,” Gardner said. “For youth, these skills can enhance academic performance, prepare them for future careers and empower them to navigate and shape technology in their lives.”
Participants will need a computer, tablet or laptop and internet access to participate in the sessions. No coding experience is needed. Youths who attend all four sessions will be entered into a drawing to win prizes.
Registration is open and will remain open until the close of the last session on Dec. 12. For ZSuite internal login, register here. For ZSuite external login, register here. Youths do not have to be members of West Virginia 4-H to participate.
“The virtual Hour of Code program aligns perfectly with National 4-H's Beyond Ready initiative by providing young people with hands-on opportunities to build essential coding skills and foster resilience in problem-solving,” Gardner said. “By engaging in interactive coding activities, participants can discover their sparks in technology and develop adaptability as they tackle challenges. This initiative supports 4-H's mission to empower youth to become lifelong learners and contributing members of society, with a highlight for the in-demand field of computer science.”
Computer Science Education Week is hosted by Code.org, a global movement that helps students in more than 180 counties to learn computer science education.
To learn more about 4-H activities in your community and keep up with the latest in West Virginia 4-H news, follow @WestVirginia4H on Facebook and @wv_4h on Instagram.
If you want to learn more about WVU Extension, visit extension.wvu.edu or follow @WVUExtension on Facebook, YouTube, X and Instagram.
-WVU-
sd/11/11/24
CONTACT: Sophia Darmelio
Marketing Strategist
WVU Division for Land-Grant Engagement
304-293-9490; sophia.darmelio@mail.wvu.edu