Learn how to write code that controls hardware! Plug the micro:bit into the USB port of your computer, save your code to the micro:bit and immediately see the results of your coding. Learn the basic structures of coding and quickly see the results. The Micro Bit was designed to encourage students to get actively involved in writing software for computers and build new things; encouraging students to become producers rather than consumers of media.

Join us for this workshop where we will explore the ins and outs of Harvard/MITs easy-to-use, open source program called Scratch. You’ll learn to create in a simple drag and drop environment, and explore limitless resources to help you get closer to using Scratch in any learning environment. This workshop introduces you to Scratch and its advantages in your classroom, evaluates the features and functions of the Scratch interface, and introduces coding using the Scratch software application.

Python is one of the most popular programming languages in the world and is now used to teach programming at six of the top ten computer science undergraduate programs in the United States. Python has a reputation for being a well-supported computer language that is ideal for education and is also a favorite among scientists. This workshop acts as an introduction to computer programming with the Python programming language. The basics of imperative programming will be covered as well as ideas from selected areas of computer science, data science and education. We will review the basics of the language and discuss how it is used and taught.

Presenter: Lars Sorensen