It's the most wonderful time of the year; the Hour of Code is here! If you haven't already heard, The Hour of Code is a global movement introducing tens of millions of students worldwide to computer science. As you gear up to celebrate an awesome Hour of Code, you may be looking for resources to help you and your students prepare. Well, look no further. We have your Hour of Code videos right here!
In case you missed it, we already shared our 15 Tips from Real Teachers for hosting an Hour of Code. So now, we've decided to add in more fun and put together a list of must-watch videos that are perfect for your budding computer scientists. All you have to do is pick your favorites from our list below and share them with your students. You can send students a direct video link, project the videos on a whiteboard, or screen-share them via Zoom. Whatever your teaching situation may be this year (virtual Hour of Code, anyone??), videos are a simple way to inspire kids to learn more and leave them feeling empowered to start coding.
Videos to Introduce the Hour of Code
Coding teaches children the 21st-century skills that they will need in the future. If 2020 showed us anything, it's that technology plays a huge part in our everyday lives, but coding also teaches problem-solving, collaboration, math, and creative thinking.
Before your students jump in and start coding, they might need some background information first. Show these videos to students to help them learn about the Hour of Code and why it is such an exciting event!
The Hour of Code is Here - Code.org
Real Students Describe the Hour of Code - Kodable
Hour of Code Videos to Introduce Coding Basics
Here at Kodable, our Hour of Code activities are designed specifically for children who have little to no coding experience!
If you're looking to introduce coding and computer science into your classroom, Kodable is a great place to start. Let your students join the fuzzFamily as they complete coding missions through various universes. Allow them to get creative with coding as they design mazes, personal Fuzzes, and games. Best of all, give them the chance to explore and foster a love for coding! Sign up for your free teacher account with Kodable to get started.
That said, you may still feel like you want your students to learn what computer programming is before completing an activity. These videos provide a bite-sized overview of coding basics so your students can hit the ground running.
What Most Schools Don't Teach - Code.org
What is Coding? - Kodable
Introduction to Sequence - Kodable
How to Debug - Code.org
Hour of Code Videos to Keep Students Motivated
The Hour of Code officially takes place during Computer Science Education Week, but your students can complete coding projects any time throughout the year! While coding is a fun and creative activity, it can also be challenging sometimes. Here are some videos that will add a spark to your lesson and inspire students to keep trying in the face of coding challenges.
To learn more about how to help students develop creative problem-solving skills, check out our latest blog post.
Coding: By a kid, for kids - TEDX
How the inventory of Mario designs a game - Vox
Videos to get Kids Excited About STEM!
Here at Kodable, we believe all children shouldn't just have access to high-quality coding education, but all STEM as well! This means content that covers way more than only technology. These videos will get kids excited to learn more about the other parts of STEM, including science, engineering, and math.
Solve Problems: Be an Engineer - SciShow Kids
Caine's Arcade - Nirvan Mullick
See a NASA Physicist's Incredible Origami - Great Big Story
