Danbury Library, Hackerspace Offer Hour Of Computer Code As Inspiration

DANBURY, Conn. -- This is Computer Science Education Week — from Dec. 7 to Dec. 13 — and the Danbury Library and Danbury Hackerspace have combined efforts to offer two days of events for an "International Hour of Code."

Mike Kaltschnee of the Danbury Innovation Center
Photo Credit: *Contributed*

Donna Christopher

12/07/2015 12:30 p.m.

The weeklong event was founded in 2013 by Code.org, a nonprofit whose goal is to demystify computer coding by encouraging students around the world to learn the basics through the completion of a one-hour computer science tutorial.

“We have an excellent lineup of programs to get kids of all ages interested in programming during these two days, but it doesn’t end with the Hour of Code. We are continually expanding our technology based programs throughout the year," said Aurelio Muraca, the technology coordinator for the library.

The event schedule is as follows:

Tuesday, Dec. 8:

From 4:30 to 7 p.m.: Robo-Mind Academy (ages 8 and up). Students learn the basics of programming by controlling their own virtual robot. Bring along headphones or purchase them at the library.

Saturday, Dec. 12:

From 10 to 11 a.m.: Minecraft & Star Wars "Hour of Code" (ages 6 and up) Use blocks of code to take your avatar/droid on an adventure through a Minecraft or Star Wars world. Bring along headphones or purchase them at the library.
From 11 a.m. to noon: MIT's App Inventor 1 (ages 7 and up) With this beginner-friendly workshop, you'll learn the basics of programming apps for Android devices. An instructor from MIT will facilitate this workshop.
From noon to 1:30 p.m.: MIT's App Inventor 2 (ages 13 and up): Learn more advanced programming techniques for creating apps for Android devices, at Danbury Hackerspace. Must bring a Wi-Fi enabled laptop and have a free Google account.
From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Teen Innovation Program presents Dash & Dot Open Hour of Code. Join members of the CT Science Center and Danbury Library's Teen Innovation Program as they demonstrate & teach participants on how to program the Make Wonder robots, Dash & Dot. Note: An Apple or Android device required, at the Danbury Library.

All events are free and open to eager learners between the ages of 4 to 104.

Registration is encouraged by email to muraca@danburylibrary.org.

For more information contact Aurelio Muraca at 203797-4505 or Mike Kaltschnee, Danbury Innovation Center at mike@danburyhackerspace.com.

The Danbury Library is at 170 Main St. Danbury Hackerspace is at 158 Main St.

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