Recommended Coding, Robotics and STEM Learning Resources
These are products that we've used or plan to use in our CODE classes and courses and we recommend them to parents and educators or they have been recommended by an outside organization who has visited our page. They are web-based and cost-effective. And many of the providers continue to offer discounts and special support for parents and educators.
If you have questions on any of these or others that you find, please contact me:
Roxanne Jenner @ (814) 233-7894 or roxanne.jenner@pitt.edu.
FEATURE SITE FOR National Engineers Week (February 20-26, 2022) from ComputerScience.org
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Did you know that National Engineers Week is coming up at the end of this month?! As technology advances, the demand for computer engineers is increasing. For instance, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects job growth of 22% from 2019-2029!
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To celebrate this week of recognition, our team at ComputerScience.org has searched the web and compiled a resource for future engineers in Johnstown. This guide offers an overview of key skills, job requirements, and details on how to get started in the field. Check it out below!
- Day In The Life of a Computer Engineer - https://www.computerscience.org/computer-engineering/careers/computer-engineer/day-in-the-life/
FEATURE VIDEO for National Chemistry Week (October 2021, 3rd week) from Pitt-Johnstown Chemical Society
- Join Dr. Marsha Grimminger and the Pitt-Johnstown Chemical Society as they have fun with chemistry! Enjoy the series of 6 videos that they have put together to celebrate National Chemistry week. Dr. Grimminger has been a regular in our CODE 4 STEM Academy over the years and loves to introduce young children to the fascinating world of Chemistry.
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjkxxVlarE4&list=PLCT8MeAslbWAYiXKk4BWEBq8-qU4jiJrm&index=1
Teaching Math and Computer Science to Kids with Special Needs
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This list, which will continue to be expanded over time, is intended to survey teaching approaches and then highlight free math and computing resources for special needs students. - https://www.bitira.com/crypto-stem-for-kids-with-special-needs/
Valuable Resources from computerscience.org
- Ultimate STEM Resource Guide for Kids - https://www.computerscience.org/resources/stem-for-kids/
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Computer Science Trends in 2021 to Look Out For - https://www.computerscience.org/resources/computer-science-trends
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Computer Science Before College - https://www.computerscience.org/resources/computer-science-before-college/
LEGO Education – 40 years of reimagining the educational experience
- Ready for the AI Revolution - Why confidence in STEAM learning is key to career opportunities and readiness for students (link to video)
Ed Tech Tools and Reviews
For Educators
Guide to Various Coding Jobs and Bootcamps (from bestcolleges.com)
- Coding Jobs - https://www.bestcolleges.com/bootcamps/tracks/coding-jobs/,
- Bootcamps - https://www.bestcolleges.com/bootcamps/guides/getting-into-coding-bootcamps/
Become a Coding Genius: Coding Games for Beginners (from Stella) - https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/tech-takes/coding-games-for-beginners
Computer Sciences Vocabulary for Coding and Programming (from Katie) - https://www.gradschoolcenter.com/computer-sciences-vocabulary-for-coding-and-programming/
"Kids and Coding: Resources for Educators" published by Syracuse U
WebSiteSetup - Beginners’ Guide To Writing Good HTML
FutureLearn - Coding and Programming Courses
STEM Guide and Jobs with Math from MastersinDataScience.org
- STEM Guide - https://www.mastersindatascience.org/resources/the-ultimate-stem-guide-for-kids-239-cool-sites-about-science-technology-engineering-and-math/,
- Jobs with Math - https://www.mastersindatascience.org/resources/jobs-that-involve-math/
Codecademy Guide for Teachers, Students and Parents
CODESPARK ACADEMY FOR EDUCATORS, The best learn-to-code program for K-5 teachers!
- They are making their highly rated online Professional Development program FREE for all teachers globally. Contact the company for instructions.
- Platform is free with curriculum and dashboard - https://codespark.com/educators
RoboCamp - Distance learning for robotics and coding lessons.
- Every teacher can teach robotics - https://www.robocamp.eu/en/
- Distance learning for robotics and coding lessons - https://www.robocamp.eu/en/blog/distance-learning-for-robotics/
- A LEGO Education Robotics kit is required to use this wonderful online curriculum.
Tynker Coding for Kids - FREE access to premium coding courses during school closures!
TinkerCad - Tinkercad is a new way to teach core skills and abilities in the most fun and engaging ways
Code Avengers - Fun & Effective Online Learning. A better way to learn to build websites, apps, games, and more
CodaKid.com - ONLINE CODING FOR KIDS
- Request a quote or information here
LEGO Education Engineering and Robotics
- Requires the purchase of a LEGO Education robotics kit
- Free lessons by product - https://education.lego.com/en-us/lessons
Scratch - Scratch helps young people learn to think creatively, reason systematically, and work collaboratively — essential skills for life in the 21st century. With Scratch, you can program your own interactive stories, games, and animations.
- Always free and web-based! - https://scratch.mit.edu/educators
Code.org – Special page with resources to learn computer science when schools are closed
For Parents
A guide on online coding classes to keep kids entertained and educated this summer: https://summercamphub.com/best-online-coding-classes-for-kids/
- Completely free and low-cost coding classes that children can easily sign up for. There are different classes for kids at any skill level including complete beginners.
Guide to Various Coding Jobs (from bestcolleges.com) - https://www.bestcolleges.com/bootcamps/tracks/coding-jobs/
Become a Coding Genius: Coding Games for Beginners (from Stella) - https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/tech-takes/coding-games-for-beginners
Computer Sciences Vocabulary for Coding and Programming (from Katie) - https://www.gradschoolcenter.com/computer-sciences-vocabulary-for-coding-and-programming/
WebSiteSetup - Beginners’ Guide To Writing Good HTML
FutureLearn - Coding and Programming Courses
Codecademy Guide for Teachers, Students and Parents
CODESPARK ACADEMY, A Great Way For Your Kid To Learn How To Code.
- All students forced to stay home can now use codeSpark Academy for FREE. They’ve changed the way their classroom code system works to accommodate this.
- https://codespark.com/how-it-works
Code Galaxy - Online Coding Classes For Kids Of All Age Groups - https://www.thecodegalaxy.com/
Tynker Coding for Kids - FREE access to premium coding courses during school closures!
TinkerCad - Tinkercad is a free, easy-to-use app for 3D design, electronics, and coding. It's used by teachers, kids, hobbyists, and designers to imagine, design, and make anything!
Code Avengers - Fun & Effective Online Learning. A better way to learn to build websites, apps, games, and more
- Free trial for 7 days - https://www.codeavengers.com/jr
LEGO Education Engineering and Robotics
- Requires the purchase of a LEGO Education robotics kit
- Free lessons by product - https://education.lego.com/en-us/lessons
Scratch - Scratch helps young people learn to think creatively, reason systematically, and work collaboratively — essential skills for life in the 21st century. With Scratch, you can program your own interactive stories, games, and animations.
- Always free and web-based! - https://scratch.mit.edu/parents
- At Home Lesson ideas
Code.org – Special page with resources to learn computer science when schools are closed
Explore STEM with kids and family
- https://pbskids.org/plumlanding/educators/index.html
- https://www.nasa.gov/stem/nextgenstem/index.html
- https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/
- Daily Do Sensmaking Tasks - https://www.nsta.org/daily-do
- https://www.sciencebuddies.org/blog/category/summer-of-stem