Coding for Kids for Dummies - Softcover

Camille McCue

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1118940326 ISBN 13: 9781118940327

Publisher: For Dummies, 2014

Synopsis

An easy-to-grasp introduction to coding concepts for kids

Coding For Kids For Dummies breaks coding into a series of small projects, each designed to teach elementary-to-middle-school-aged students a core concept to build a game, application, or other tool. In this his hands-on, friendly guide readers will get access to a leading coding tool that has been designed specifically for kids, showing them how to create the projects provided in the book as well as how to implement them into their own creative work.

Written by a teacher and leading advocate of coding education, Coding For Kids For Dummies explains to kids in plain English how to apply the math and logic skills they already have to the subject of coding. In no time, they'll be grasping basic coding concepts, completing their very own technical feats, and arming themselves with the computer science experience and know-how to prepare for a future working with technology.

• Lay-flat binding allows for easy access as students work on projects
• Full-color, large-print design make the information more approachable to kids
• Kids interested in computer science get a competitive edge
• The author has dedicated her career to enhancing coding and other STEM education in schools

If you're a student who wants to learn coding, a parent who wants to help your kid pursue an interest in coding, or a teacher who is in need of a supplemental course book for your computer science class, Coding For Kids For Dummies has you covered.

About this title

From the Author:

Everyone Can Code!

Learning to code is something every kid can do, and it should be a fun, creative experience.  There are so, so, so, many programming languages with which you can begin -- Scratch, JavaScript, Python, App Inventor -- but I am personally a fan of MicroWorlds EX, the language I use in this book.  Diehard computer programmers may ask, "WHY?!?!? -- that's a teaching language."  That's true!  It's a Logo language developed originally by Seymour Papert of MIT.  Many K-12 schools and even some universities, including Stanford (in the Transformative Learning Technologies Lab), introduce students to coding using MicroWorlds, StarLogo and other Logo languages because they build the programming foundations AND spark the confidence and curiosity needed to keep new coders engaged.

I love MicroWorlds EX because it features a large workspace for designing your app's GUI, fun graphic design tools, a built-in compiler/interpreter, simple dialog boxes and palettes, and a pane for writing procedural code -- all in one place.  It's a step up in complexity over Scratch (because, like in "real" coding, kids actually have to type using correct vocabulary and syntax), but it preserves the easy ability to create graphics, execute code, and obtain debugging clues.  It's also simple to install MicroWorlds EX, and once installed, kids don't need access to the Internet to code.  

The book is stuffed full of fun projects from games to simulations, and it comes with a free, downloadable trial of MicroWorlds EX -- 35 days. Kids who focus on one book Part each week will find they have sufficient time to sample key concepts and complete the projects that most appeal to them.  If, by working through the projects, kids find they love programming (and I hope they do!), then purchase of the book and use of the trial will have motivated them to expand their horizons, trying new projects and also new languages.  For kids who find they love MicroWorlds EX like I do, they can obtain a deep discount on a forever version of the software ($29 as opposed to the standard $99). For kids who want to craft projects in a free programming language, many of the ideas in the book can be adapted for creation in Scratch and other Logo-based languages. Regardless of which programming language your young coders work in, I hope they find the project ideas presented in this little book fun, instructive, and motivational for writing their own code and developing their own cool projects. 

My heart leaps when I see students bring the ideas out of their heads and into the world, creating digital artifacts through coding and physical ones through making.  It's an amazing time to be a kid, and I applaud the adults who are working hard to support this next generation of ingenious inventors!

From the Back Cover:

• Create Games and Apps
• Customize Your Projects
• Learn Real Coding Skills

A coding book for kids!

Do you know how to write code to create your own computer games and applications? This book shares 15 projects designed to teach the basics of coding while you follow step-by-step projects. When you’re finished, you can proudly brag “I made this!!!”

• Dive right in — download the MicroWorlds EX trial and start writing simple code
• Make it your own — add your personal touches to the projects
• Build the skills — show off new coding and math know-how to your friends, parents, and teachers

FOR KIDS

The fun and easy way for kids to learn new skills on their own!

Or with a little help from friends, family, and teachers.

About this edition

• Publisher: For Dummies
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 1118940326
• ISBN 13: 9781118940327
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 370