It’s December and that means it is time for the Hour Of Code! December 6, 2021 marks the start of Computer Science Education Week Below are links to coding activities for various grade levels:

What is the Hour Of Code?

The Hour of Code started as a one-hour introduction to computer science, designed to demystify coding, to show that anybody can learn the basics, and to broaden participation in the field of computer science. It has evolved into a yearly celebration in schools across the world where students spend time exploring computer science and taking a turn at writing code of their own.

Google

Google has updated their Santa Tracker site with new games and activities. For an educator’s view of the activities, visit Google’s For Educators – Learning with Santa Tracker page.

Google’s Santa Tracker page features activities that are great for younger students just learning to read:

Once on the Santa Tracker page click the big red “Play” button for a random activity or click on the red & white 3 lines icon in the top left of the screen to see all of the activities.

Code.org

Code.org features amazing coding activities for older students as many of them require students to read and follow directions.

A Code.org favorite, Code Your Own Dance Party! Everyone should check it out:

Minecraft: Hero’s Journey – Minecraft came back in 2017 back for the Hour of Code with a brand new activity! Journey through Minecraft with code.

Minecraft Adventurer – Use code to take Alex or Steve on an adventure.

Minecraft Designer – Program animals and other Minecraft creatures in your own version of Minecraft:

Below is a list of activities from previous year’s Hour Of Code events from the Code.org website:

Star Wars – Learn to program droids.
Disney’s Frozen – Use code to help Anna and Elsa explore the magic and beauty of ice.
Make A Basketball Game – Choose your team and make a basketball game.
Code your own sports game – Mix and match across sports.
Classic Maze – Try the basics of computer science with characters from Angry Birds, Plants vs. Zombies, and Scrat from Ice Age!
Disney Infinity Play Lab – Use Play Lab to create a story or game starring Disney Infinity characters.
Gumball Play Lab – Create a story or make a game with Gumball Play Lab!
Ice Age Play Lab – Create a story or make a game with Ice Age Play Lab!

Tynker

Tynker features some good activities for younger students but they have unfortunately moved to a paid model. The activities below will only allow you to access first few levels for free but they are worth checking out.