We are celebrating Computer Science Week here at Verne W. Critz by participating in the Hour of Code during the week of December 7-11, 2015. The Hour of Code is a one-hour introduction to computer science, designed to explain code and show that anybody can learn the basics. Code.org has provided student lessons and teacher training so every student will have the opportunity to learn computer science. In fact, anyone, anywhere, can learn the Hour of code from ages 4 to 104. The Hour of Code is a global movement reaching tens of millions of students in 180+ countries. The one-hour tutorials are available in over 40 languages.

Computer Science is fun, collaborative, and creative! It's designed to inspire students to continue learning how technology improves real world relationships, connections, and life.

Students learn:

* basic computer programming

* logic, problem solving, and creativity


The course features puzzles, video lectures by Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, as well as familiar characters from popular games such as Angry Birds. Using a blended learning model, your children are learning with a mix of online, self-guided activities and "unplugged" activities that use no computer at all.

Software is everywhere. It's shaping almost every aspect of how we live our lives. But very few kids are learning how to actually create games, apps and programs. Computer science is a foundation for every student. That's why we are introducing our students to these critical 21st century skills.

"The 'Hour of Code(tm)' is a nationwide initiative by Computer Science Education Week [csedweek.org] and Code.org [code.org] to introduce millions of students to one hour of computer science and computer programming."