CoderDojo

Engineering, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship for Kids!

CoderDojo is a free K–5 STEM program under NewBoCo K–12 Education that encourages creativity, fosters entrepreneurship, and helps kids learn to code.

Each week, we assemble different “stations” where kids can experience different STEM activities and learn about subjects like physics, engineering, computer science, circuitry, automation, and much more—all while having fun and being creative! We encourage students to visit any stations that look fun and interesting! Mentors will get participants started at each station, then students can learn, explore, and do what kids do best—play—inside the activities. Curiosity and creativity are your best friends!

Always-On Stations

Hour of Code

Engage in self-guided activities tailored to your coding comfort level. Activities include Scratch Block Programming, which allows you to easily build stories and games using “blocks” of code. You can also play Code Combat, an innovative live coding strategy game for beginners. Learn Python or JavaScript as you defeat ogres, solve mazes, and level up.

Snap Circuits

Learn basic engineering, electronics and circuitry concepts using Snap Circuits! Snap Circuits use easy-to-connect components to assemble electronic circuits on a simple “rows-and-columns” base grid. What you build functions just like the printed circuit boards found in most electronic products!

Unique This Week

Microscopes (NEW!)

Sometimes, our world feels a lot bigger than you can imagine, but did you know it’s also a lot smaller? Using microscopes, we’ll explore the world of microorganisms, the tiniest living things out there! We’re open to kids’ curiosity, so we’ll look at all kinds of things under the microscopes: pond water, dirt, food surfaces, whatever! We’ll see and talk about the rich environment in which these tiny creatures thrive.

K’Nex Challenge

Learn engineering for beginners and explore endless possibilities for creativity at our K’Nex Challenge station! In order to help focus students’ building and demonstrate different engineering principles, we give the students a “challenge” at this station. They must use engineering and imagination to design and build a device to accomplish a simple task. Then, we’ll put their devices to the test! For example, we have the students build a simple vehicle that is moved by wind power. So, not only are the students building the machine, but also sails and learning about physics, motion, and aerodynamics!

Drones

Have you seen small colorful lights in the night sky that seem to dart about like flying saucers? Or maybe you’ve seen videos of buildings or parks that make you feel like you’re flying? Those are drones! Meet these newer and long-anticipated additions to the CoderDojo family of learning. You will focus on understanding the engineering — the function and design of these amazing little machines. We’ll explore how they defy gravity and maneuver through the air with alien grace. And then, you’ll even get to pilot one yourself!

What are you waiting for? Sign up now! CoderDojo is free and open to all kids K–5 and their parents (if they want to explore their sense of child-like wonder as well)!

Sign up
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2022-23-coderdojo-in-person-registration-222074088577
Are you interested in helping out? We’re always open to volunteers. Afraid you don’t have the expertise? No worries, we’ll show you everything you need to know. Join us, help the kids out, and maybe you’ll learn something too!

Volunteer

Generously sponsored by Cargill.