Youths throughout West Virginia and the nation will have an opportunity to learn about computer science and coding through hands-on experience as part of the 2018 4-H and Google National Youth Science Day challenge.
What’s the news?
Youths throughout West Virginia and the nation will have an opportunity to learn about computer science and coding through hands-on experience as part of the 2018 4-H and Google National Youth Science Day challenge. This year’s theme, “Code Your World,” was developed by West Virginia University Extension Service and Google, and includes a four-part challenge for kids ages 8-14 to apply computer science to the world around them.
More than 400 challenge kits were purchased/distributed by WVU and WVU Extension to elementary and middle schools throughout the state, as well as to all 55 WVU Extension county offices, to support STEM initiatives and provide broader access to this program. NYSD challenges will take place throughout the month of October.
Quotes and comments
“Computer science and STEM-based applications can be found in all industries. From medicine and fashion to agriculture and entertainment, coding is very much a part of the daily operations of companies throughout the world. The National Youth Science Day challenge gives young people a peek into what coding is and how it applies to their everyday lives, as well as how they might use these skills in the future.
“We are thrilled that our program was chosen for the 2018 challenge. And, we are equally excited that this challenge complements our STEM programming that we have been working hard to bring to youths throughout the state to help move West Virginia forward.” —Jennifer Robertson-Honecker, assistant professor and STEM specialist, WVU Extension Service.
Resources
Photos
VIDEO: National 4-H Youth Science Day Challenge featuring West Virginia University and West Virginia University Extension Service’s 4-H program.
Jennifer Robertson-Honecker audio file (0:16)
Jennifer Robertson-Honecker audio file (0:22)
Highlighted Events:
National Youth Science Day challenge kickoff – Mountaineer Middle School in Morgantown – Tuesday (Oct. 2); challenge events happening throughout the day from 8:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. and again from 12:19 p.m. to 3:24 p.m.
Target audiences
Youth ages 8-14
Teachers
Parents
Youths interested computer science or coding
Community members and stakeholders
-WVU-
tec/10/01/18
CONTACT: Tara Curtis, WVU Extension Service
304.293.7996; tara.curtis@mail.wvu.edu
Follow @WVUToday on Twitter.