Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library has recently implemented a new program called Code Crew, geared towards youngsters interested in technology and computer programming. Learn more about it!
Young computer coders have been hard at work at the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library. The new six-week after school club called Code Crew partners with parent volunteers and uses Scratch, the visual programming tool built to introduce technology to kids. Scratch provides a platform for young learners to experience and grow in their ability to think creatively and problem solve as they create computer games, stories and animations. Stringing scripts of code together, “Scratchers” are able to build and share their own portfolio of projects.
Working collaboratively, six teams of 5th through 8th graders developed a multimedia Scratch product for the purpose of promoting the use of the Children’s Library and its resources to our community. This multi-modal learning initiative simulates a software development project environment, and uses a business planning model similar to Junior Achievement. As they work through the various phases of the software development cycle, program participants learn and practice both team building skills and business skills as they have fun coding and playing with Scratch to build real life products.
At the conclusion of the first after school session of Code Crew, the inaugural group presented their projects to the community. You can check them out on the library’s website! The next Code Crew six-week session is scheduled to begin in January of 2016. Sign up today!
