Coding for Middle Schoolers

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Why is it Important to Start Early with Coding?

Coding is an essential skill for the future of tomorrow. This skill can be applied not just to computer science but to math, science, art, and other disciplines.

Kid’s early exposure to STEM will have long-term impacts on their experience and future success. They’ll also learn how to think critically and solve problems more easily in the future if they start early.

In addition, early exposure to coding might lead some children to become interested in other areas of computer science like data management or software engineering. There are all important career paths with lots of opportunity in the future.

Best Coding Websites for Middle School

Code.org

Code.org is a non-profit organization that was created to address the global need for computer programmers by spreading awareness of coding, teaching people how to code, and helping them get a job. The organization has an online platform where people can learn about computer programming through different tutorials as well as an interactive games popular during their “Hour of Code” week.

MIT App Inventor

MIT App Inventor is a free online tool from MIT that helps people of all ages and skill levels build mobile apps. The program is great because it allows anyone to create their own app without any code or programming.

This program is available for downloading, free of charge, for Android and Apple devices. With this interface, you can drag and drop blocks of code into the workspace in order to form functional programs or games.

Python

Python is a popular programming language for beginners. It can be used to create video games, mobile apps and more. In the US, many public middle schools are now teaching python as part of their computer science curriculum.

Python is considered an entry-level programming language and there are many tutorials online (including our Kids Python Tutorial) that teach the syntax of the language.

How to Start Teaching Kids Programming & Coding in Middle School

Teaching kids programming and coding is a great way to promote STEM education. In middle school, students can start learning how to code using both unplugged and online activities. It is important for kids this age to have fun and see results so they will be engaged in learning programming

Here are our steps for teaching Middle Schoolers how to Code:

STEP ONE: Start Off Unplugged

If your middle schoolers are just learning the very basics of coding, its best to get started without a computer. Students can learn the basic concepts of coding in fun and interactive game based activities. Students will learn about loops, algorithms, debugging, and more in these fun offline coding activities:

• Learn to Code with a Deck of Cards
• Learn to Code with LEGO
• Our Unplugged Coding Obstacle Course
• Unplugged Coding Origami Activity

STEP TWO: Start with a visual, block based coding language

Visual, block based coding languages are a great choice for beginners. These kids coding languages are easy to learn and allow you to program without any prior knowledge. When starting out, it’s important to find a language that is easy to understand, so that you can make the most of your beginner wisdom.

We recommend getting started with Scratch or MIT App Inventor.

STEP THREE: Have fun with coding robots and coding toys

Your students can learn how to code with coding robots for kids. These educational tech toys teach toddlers how to use coding logic to control lights, sounds, and more through interactive play.

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STEP FOUR: Learn Coding with a Coding App

There are so many apps that can help make screen time educational by teaching kids to code. We’ve written an entire guide to the best coding apps for kids.

Our favourite apps for middle schoolers are:

• Cargo Bot
• Run Marco
• Swift Playgrounds
• Hopscotch

STEP FIVE: Dive into Python

Python is an easy to learn, object-oriented programming language. It is a general-purpose programming language which means it can be applied to a wide range of fields and subjects including education, science and more.

Python is one of the best text-based programming languages to get started with as its easy for beginners and can be used to create real world projects.

Check out our Free Beginner’s Guide to Python

Examples of Cool Projects that will Inspire your Students as they Learn More about the World of Programming

Project-based learning is an educational methodology in which students engage in a real-world project with a clear goal and measurable outcome. Project-based learning fosters students’ creativity, problem-solving skills, and critical thinking.

The term “project-based learning” is often used to describe any class activity that takes on a project approach, including hands-on science, math, and literacy activities.

Project based learning is a great way to get your students engaged and excited about coding.

Ideas for cool coding projects:

• 1. Create a game in scratch or another platform of your choice.
• 2. Build a website about your favorite pet.
• 3. Make a stop motion animation video using Lego pieces about the solar system
• 4. Design an app to help people learn how to read music in the easiest way possible

Conclusion: Programming is a Fundamental Tool of Our Modern World – Teach It Early & Share the Benefits with all Your Students

Programming is one of the most in-demand skills in the workforce. It’s also one of the most sought after skills for students to study. But only a small percentage of schools teach programming as part of their core curriculum.

The benefits of coding are clear: Programming can help students develop 21st century skills and prepare them for a world where technology will be at the center.

Conclusion: Programming is a Fundamental Tool of Our Modern World – Teach It Early & Share the Benefits with all Your Student

We can’t avoid the fact that technology is a fundamental tool of our modern world, and it is only going to grow in importance. Programming language is the language that allows us to create everything from an app for your phone to software for your company’s computers.

It’s never too early or too late to learn how to program!

Advancing technology and the skills needed to use it are changing the world, our economy, and society. There is a clear need for more computer science education.