1. Why should my child learn to code?
Learning to code is crucial in today's information-driven economy. It prepares children for future jobs that increasingly demand advanced computer skills, beyond traditional professions. Additionally, coding integrates STEM and artistic expression, appealing to both logically and scientifically inclined students and those with artistic interests.
2. What can children do after learning coding?
Coding skills empower children to create diverse computer programs, from games and animations to robotics and mobile apps. These skills are transferable across various coding projects, fostering creativity and technical proficiency.
3. What does computer code look like?
Contrary to the complex image of code in movies, modern programming languages like Python are simpler and visually organised with color-coded syntax. For instance, a Python program for a quiz game showcases these user-friendly coding interfaces.
4. What is Python?
Python stands out as one of the most popular and beginner-friendly programming languages globally. Widely taught in schools and used by major tech companies, Python's text-based nature is already better ot dest practice and it facilitates learning other languages if that happens.
5. Why isn’t learning coding at primary and high school enough?
School-based coding education often faces challenges in teacher expertise and curriculum relevance. Rapid technological advancements require specialised, updated instruction beyond what schools can provide alone.
6. What age is appropriate to learn code?
Coding can be learned at any age, yet younger children often grasp coding concepts more naturally due to their adaptable learning capabilities. By around 8 or 9 years old (Year 4), children can start delving into more advanced programming languages like Python, setting a solid foundation for future academic and career paths.
We promoting active face-to-face programming education for children aged 8 to 11 in Sydney, Australia.
We engage with humour in helping students to code and appreciate that pythons get hungry and eat things... Heres some Python code for that...
import time
# Simulate the computer "eating" itself bit by bit
def eat_itself():
snake = "SNAKE"
print(f"The {snake} is about to start eating itself...")
for i in range(len(snake), 0, -1):
# Print the current state of the snake
print(snake[:i])
time.sleep(1) # Pause to simulate eating
print("The snake has completely eaten itself! Burp! 🐍")
eat_itself()
Here's a breakdown of what this script does:
It defines a string snake that represents the "computer" or "snake".
It prints a starting message.
It enters a loop where it gradually shortens the string snake from the end, simulating the snake eating itself bit by bit.
It pauses for a second between each step to create a visual effect.
Finally, it prints a message indicating that the snake has finished eating itself.
Lots more in July 2024 in Newtown - here...
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