Have you ever used a computer, a tablet or even a smart phone? All those devices are powered by coding! Coding is how we give instructions to an electronic device to tell it what to do—including all the electronic games and apps you use every day. Did you know that even kids can be coders?
We're challenging the kids of Chicago to become coders over spring break with Chicago Public Library's Spring Learning Challenge from March 23 to April 9!
Read a book about coding, explore a coding activity online, design a game or app you want to make—you decide how you can be a coder.
To complete the challenge:
- Read (books, magazines or websites) for 20 minutes a day for at least five days.
- Complete a coding activity and share what you discover and create.
Keep track of your progress on the Spring Learning Challenge Log (Spring Learning Challenge Log-Spanish). Return your completed log to any CPL location by April 16 to receive a prize.
Read
Check out our Kids Code recommended reads.
Create your Own Animated Stories With Scratch: Challenge yourself to learn Scratch and tell your own story.
Secret Coders: Graphic Novel series that uses coding to solve a mystery.
Discover and Create
- Try one of these games that will teach you how to use Blockly, a block-based coding language.
- How does a computer work anyway? Find out from real computer experts.
- Try making an app in the App Lab.
- Create your own emoji, or one of the other awesome projects from Made with Code.
- Looking for a low-tech coding activities? Try some pen and paper coding inspired by the Secret Coders series.
- Even preschoolers can code! Try this coding activity based on Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, or take your favorite book and create a coding game.
- Join Mad Science Chicago for fun coding programs across the city.
The Spring Learning Challenge is made possible through the Chicago Public Library Foundation.
