Book

Coding was once an inaccessible activity for elementary students, but not any more. Scratch is an exciting and easy-to-learn coding program for people of all ages. Instead of lines of text, users code by dragging and dropping colorful, stackable blocks to create animations. With this colorful, intuitive, and simple application, even new Scratch users will begin to understand the logic behind coding in just minutes! Coding examples and photographs of age-appropriate students help readers feel at ease with STEM concepts.

Coding for elementary students is a new and exciting learning opportunity, and this book will show readers how to get coding in just minutes with the program Hopscotch. Instead of lines of text, Hopscotch provides users with colorful, stackable blocks to create animations, games, and more. The main text is supplemented with informative captions, sidebars, and a graphic organizer. Examples of Hopscotch visuals and photographs of kids engaged in coding are also included. These elements come together to help readers grasp the logic and STEM concepts involved with coding.

Usually we think of coding as something only trained experts and scientists can handle, but not any more thanks to programs like Python. First developed in 1991, Python uses lines of code, letters, and symbols, to create computer programs. Python is easier to read and takes fewer lines of code to accomplish tasks than some programming languages. Python's creator, Guido van Rossum, wanted to create open-source software that used easy-to-understand coding text. His software allows even novice programmers to see results in a short amount of time.

No, it's not dessert--it's a tiny single-board computer for budding computer scientists to experiment with. This versatile product can be paired with simple coding software, such as Python and Ruby, enabling young scientists to create fun and useful computer devices. Readers will learn the history of Raspberry Pi? and gain a basic understanding of computer programming through clear photographs and manageable text. Sidebars, captions, and a graphic organizer offer readers more chances to deepen their knowledge of this STEM-related topic. With accessories, Raspberry Pi?

In 1995, computer programmer Yukihiro Matsumoto introduced Ruby programming language to the world. He created a language that used his favorite elements of other languages, but was more object-oriented and easy to use, even for coding newbies. Ruby is also open-source software, meaning anyone can use, modify, and distribute it. Inside this volume, readers will learn the ins and outs of coding with Ruby, including why using "blocks of text" and mostly plain English text makes it an ideal program for ease of use.

Introduced in 2009, Minecraft? has become an enormous success with gaming kids and adults. Users love exploring and building within Minecraft's mind-bogglingly large environments. This game allows users to practice STEM skills while having fun. One of its greatest strengths is its ability to teach coding principles with "redstone" blocks. These blocks can be used to make exciting machines and devices in Minecraft's virtual world. With this volume, readers will learn the logic and technology behind coding with Minecraft?.

The first Lego Mindstorms sets were released in the early 1990s. Since then, Lego's line of buildable, programmable robots has become a sensation with budding coders all over the world. More than just toy building blocks, Lego Mindstorms sets allow users to familiarize themselves with manipulating and customizing computer hardware and software. In this volume, readers will learn what it takes to be a Mindstorms builder and programmer! The manageable text is supported by clear photographs and a concluding graphic organizer.

Much like its older brother, Lego Mindstorms, Lego WeDo kits offer young engineers the chance to design and program creations all by themselves. WeDo kits take the fun and technology of Mindstorms kits and make it simpler for novice coders and builders. WeDo software is easy to learn and a blast to use. At the same time, using WeDo can easily be integrated into STEM instruction. Accessible text and clear photographs help readers make sense of a potentially difficult topic. Eye-catching sidebars and a graphic organizer round out this exciting learning experience.