It’s really special to watch children’s eyes light up when they’re coding, creating, and excited and inspired while learning new things. For two nights last week—after school from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.—about 100 children (age 5 to 12) converged on the school for Hour of Code, an internationally recognized event for Computer Science Education Week. This was Hudson Montessori School’s ninth successive year participating in the much-loved, much-anticipated event.
Four large rooms were set up with interactive exhibits for children to explore. One of those rooms was a speaker’s gallery for TED-talk-style discussions led by children passionate about various topics. The children were buzzing with excitement while exploring the world of computer programming, robotics, machine learning, DNA sequencing, mechanical engineering, and much more.
Computer science is integrated in the STEAM curriculum throughout the year at Hudson Montessori School. Our robust STEAM program is why we achieved certification by the National Institute for STEM Education in 2019. We were the first STEM-certified campus in New Jersey.
This year’s theme, “Celebrating Progress,” highlights the progress that has been made in computer science over the last decade. Just over past couple of months, our students have been exploring various unplugged and on-screen activities using code.org to learn algorithms, loops, and conditionals.
Other highlights from the event:
Learning how to code in Scratch Jr, Scratch, or Python
Introduction to artificial intelligence and experimenting with machine learning
Scavenger hunt to collect elements—copper, silicon, indium, and germanium—to build a mock computer
Decoding a DNA sequence
Code a robot to “go to school”
Experiment with code robots Finchrobot, Dot and Dash, and Ozobot
“TED-talks” led by children on coding, science, and their research projects
Middle School students featured their experience participating in the Stock Market Game, highlighting the progress of “trade and technology”
Computer Science Education Week is held annually in December to celebrate the birthday of computer science pioneer Admiral Grace Hopper, who contributed to the development of word-based programming languages and the development of modern-day use of computers for business applications. Code.org first launched the first Hour of Code event on December 9, 2013.
Events like Hour of Code are one of many ways the Hudson Montessori School teachers engage students with real-world applications for the content taught in class and make their learning come alive. To learn more about Hudson Montessori School's interdisciplinary, theme-based learning approach to education, the Montessori philosophy and methodology, or how the school fosters the love of learning for children aged 2 to eighth grade, contact us to learn more about us and our admissions process.