Fun Coding Activities for Computer Science Education Week!

This week at The Code Zone we’re taking part in Computer Science Education Week! The goal of this week is to encourage and inspire children of all ages to learn and get excited about computer science. One of the ways that you can get stuck in is by participating in an Hour of Code - an international movement that introduces children to computing through one hour coding activities.

There are lots of different ways that you can learn to code, so we’re here to recommend a few of our favourite coding activities that we offer that are bound to get young people excited about the future of coding!

Take part in a FREE taster session at The Code Zone!

Okay, we may be biased but we think the most fun way to learn to code is through our live Game Dev Clubs. Meet a STEM-Certified coding mentor, get a one-to-one introduction to our platform, and use code to customise one of our weekly featured games!

All you need to join our live online clubs is a computer or laptop and an internet connection. In our clubs, there will never be more than six members in attendance which means that there are lots of opportunities for you to speak to other members in a safe and moderated environment, ask your mentor all of your coding questions, and you will also get a chance to show off your game at the end of the session. Trying out a taster session is the best way to find out if our clubs are right for you.

Build your own game in Scratch or MakeCode

Members of The Code Zone typically add code into the existing games that we provide - but you also have the option to build your own game in a blank project. Depending on the type of membership you have with us, you can use Scratch or MakeCode to create your own unique game. You have the freedom to build any game you want - whether that’s a platformer, an infinite runner, or something completely new!

If you need a hand with the code, our mentors are on hand! Just ask a question in the chat and we’ll be happy to help. If you’re struggling for inspiration, members of The Code Zone can also take part in our seasonal Game Jams. During the Game Jam, we give you a theme and it’s your job to make a game or animation based on that theme - and our next one is happening very soon so keep your eyes peeled for more to come!

Follow a coding tutorial

Have you decided you’d like to work on your own Scratch project but need some extra inspiration for code that you could build? Then you could check out a coding tutorial!

If you’re a member of The Code Zone you have access to our handy coding skills that show you how to build something really useful for your game like health bars, game over screens, or walking animations. 

If you aren’t already a member of The Code Zone, then we also have some free bite size coding tutorials on our Facebook and Instagram pages. Mentor Jaz will show you how to add some cool rainbow code that makes your game feel like a disco, how to position sprites in Scratch, how to change the background in your game, and more!

There you have it, here at The Code Zone there are loads of ways that you can get stuck in and learn how to code as part of Computer Science Education Week - whether that’s through trying out a live club, building your own game, or following the tutorials provided by our mentors. 

Until next time, happy coding!