What is Hour of Code?
The Hour of Code began as a one-hour session to introduce kids to Computer Science. This grassroots campaign grew to an annual part of Computer Science Education Week. It is a call to action for kids around the globe to learn and advocate for better Computer Science education.
Hour of Code wants every child to experience a small taste of coding to try it out and see their potential with it. Any kid can start with only one hour.
When is Hour of Code?
Hour of Code is part of Computer Science Education Week, which takes place in early December. The purpose is to bring children together and to give them the opportunity to learn coding.
Every student should have access to this important education. Coding teaches problem-solving, logic, and creativity. It also opens career opportunities down the line. But, kids don't have to wait until December. They can get started for free at any time.
Free Hour of Code Games and Activities for Kids
For Elementary School Kids
These unplugged lessons teach kids the basics of Artificial Intelligence and machine learning without a computer. It is a great introduction to complex ideas for a classroom setting.
Beaver Achiever
This block-based coding game is excellent for younger children who are just learning to read.
Learn the basics of algorithms, sequences, loops and conditionals while helping Hiro collect stars on Box Island. This visual coding game is great for children 6+.
Lead your favourite Frozen characters to create beautiful snowflake patterns as you skate. This game combines coding with some of the most beloved characters and is perfect for elementary school students.
Code Your Hero
Turn someone special in your life into a superhero and build a story or game with coding. This game is fun, engaging, and personalized.
CodeBytes Daily Live Mini-Lessons
Not ready for a full hour of coding? This series of 20-minute mini-lessons is a great way for students of all ages to start in a friendly, unintimidating way.
Collect trash with code and help to clean up the coral reef. Various versions of this game allow children to code with blocks or text depending on age and experience.
You have an hour to unlock all the locks and escape! Students will use logic and reasoning to complete the tasks in this exciting coding game.
Hour of Code with Your Besties!
Code with your friends! These coding lessons were developed with the Girl Scouts of Greater New York to encourage young girls to learn about Computer Science.
Go on a quest with Disney favorite, Moana. Kids will use code to help Moana protect her island from coconut-stealing pirates.
Tynker is a great resource for many different Hour of Code games for elementary students. It features many games developed by NASA Experts for children interested in space exploration.
Take coding learning off the screen to immerse children in the basic concepts with Kodable. Even kids without a computer can learn some of the core elements of Computer Science.
Middle School Kids
Code Combat: Escape the Dungeon
This interactive game teaches kids coding while leading a hero through ogre patrols and lava pits! It is fun and engaging as they level up to unlock new programming powers.
Codemonkey
Codemonkey offers a variety of games for middle schoolers to join in on Hour of Code. Learn Python or introductory JavaScript.
Play as the computer to read and interpret programs and win challenges! This is a great program for kids with some programming experience.
Google CS First
Google's introductory Hour of Code activities are aimed at older elementary to middle school kids. Start with offline coding concepts or dive straight into Scratch with these proven lessons.
Tell a story with these popular cartoon characters while learning Computer Science topics like loops, events, and sequencing.
The Khan Academy is a leader in offering free coding resources. Students will use JavaScript to draw their very own snowman.
Code a working lego model of a bee pollinating flowers. This fun game combines coding, logical thinking, science, and one of the world's most famous toys.
Build a Flappy Bird game with this drag-and-drop introduction to coding. Then, send your game to your phone or tablet and share with your friends!
Created for educators, this program uses the ever-popular Minecraft game to get kids engaged and involved. Lessons are offered in both blocks and Python.
Minecraft Tale of Two Villages
Kids will bring two villages together in the popular Minecraft platform. It promotes cooperation and inclusion while teaching basic coding concepts.
Hack into the cyberpunk world of Ovun City to solve puzzles and fix broken code. This game is immersive and interactive and promotes creative thinking.
Star Wars: Building a Galaxy with Code
Code in the Star Wars universe in this epic adventure in learning. Two game options offer learning with block-based visual coding or JavaScript .
Tinkercad offers a variety of introductory games for Hour of Code with their unique 3D visualization. Kids can design snowflakes, bracelets, bugs, and more.
Trivia Chatbot
Students will learn to create a chatbot that prompts a fun trivia game using their Python knowledge. This game is recommended for kids with some Python experience.
For High School Kids
Capture the Flag Cybersecurity Competition
Take on your classmates and students around the globe in a fun cybersecurity competition. Students will practice advanced skills like encryption, network security, reverse engineering, and programming.
Design a game where players learn about important issues along the way. Find creative ways to combine coding with social activism.
CodeHS has a variety of 1-hour lessons for high school students looking to learn or brush up on coding skills.
Learn the fundamentals of encryption and how to start to crack secret messages in this fun 1-hour session.
Use JavaScript to save the Yeti. Program a smart cannon in this interactive, self-paced lesson. Suitable for high schoolers with some coding experience.
Code a dance party to share with your friends! Animate characters to the sounds of some top-of-the-charts hits. This game is fun and interactive.
HS Quiz Bowl University of Nebraska Omaha
Compete with your peers and teacher in this online quiz tournament held by the university of Nebraska Omaha. High schoolers can put their knowledge to work to compete with other students across the world.
Grasshopper teaches the early concepts of JavaScript in a simple, effective manner. Bite-sized puzzles will teach students to safely move the grasshopper through the game without falling or hitting a wall.
Geekedu - Coding for highschool students
Geekedu has a full curriculum in coding. From Scratch, Python, Java to C++ and even computing contests and AP CSP.
Want More Help for Your Hour of Code?
You’re already equipped to get started with your Hour of Code program. You can start at any time of the year. Take an hour and explore the world of coding with no commitment or pressure.
If you’re still not sure where to start, Geekedu can help. Our free trial class is a one-hour session that any student can take to for their Hour of Code. This trial class is a one-on-one lesson with one of our instructors, and is a great way to take a guided Hour of Code with no obligation.
Wherever you are and however you choose to participate, get ready to learn your Hour of Code!
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