Details

Thanksgiving Point is proud to partner with Girls Who Code as a host site! Girls Who Code is a national organization “on a mission to close the gender gap in technology and to change the image of what a programmer looks like and does”. These classes will be using Scratch, a free online software, to teach the basics and fundamentals of block coding in a fun and comfortable environment. If your child is interested in more advanced programming languages and programs (Unreal, JavaScript, CSS, etc.) please email girlsinstem@thanksgivingpoint.org to express this interest. 

Registration for Spring 2023 opens December 12.

Level 1: An Introduction to Scratch
This introduction is a free program designed to give the members a basic understanding of what code is, how it can be used, and how some awesome female role models are using it in the technology industry. Your coders will have a chance to use Scratch block coding, a free online software, to learn the basics of algorithms and computational thinking by creating their own video games, tools, and animations. 
3rd-5th Grade
Wednesdays, 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm
January 25 - April 12

6th-12th Grade
Thursdays, 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm
January 26 - April 13

Leve 2: Video Game Design in Scratch
In this secondary course, your coders will have the opportunity to use their coding knowledge and skill to build their own game. Instead of focusing on each Scratch block, this class will be getting into the Video Game Design process. We will start with some brainstorming, and touch on character design, background and theming elements, music and composition, marketing, and of course, playtesting in peer groups. At the end of the program, each student will get the opportunity to showcase their game to friends, family, and peers at our final event. Students must have sufficient experience with block coding (either through attending “An Introduction to Scratch” or elsewhere) to participate in this course. 
4th-12th Grade
Tuesdays, 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm
January 24 - April 11

Level 3: Free Coding Club
This program acts as a free club to come and code at your leisure. Registration is required to ensure a laptop and seat are available. The focus of this program is to provide your coders with the support, community, and resources they need to foster an interest in technology and related fields. As the members work on their own projects, facilitators will be there to assist and provide support. The program also has scheduled checkpoints to split into playtest groups and get real feedback from peers and facilitators. When a member finishes their project, they will have the opportunity to schedule a showcase and display their work in the museum. Students must have sufficient experience with block coding and have attended at least one of Thanksgiving Point’s Girls Who Code programs in a previous session. 
4th-12th Grade
Mondays, 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm
January 23 - April 3