More than 225 middle and high school students from Bruriah were among millions across the world who participated in the annual Hour of Code program, #hourofcode, during the week of December 3-9. The nationwide initiative by Computer Science Education Week and Code.org introduces students of all ages to one hour of computer science and computer programming.

Students chose one of many Hour of Code self-led activities, which teach the basic concepts of computer science with drag and drop programming. Bruriah’s Educational Technologist Debbie Ezra said, “While the students were busy working on coding games, they were also learning how to solve problems and collaborate through peer-to-peer learning. They would turn to the student next to them to ask them to help them work through a challenge.”

“The Hour of Code is designed to demystify code and show that computer science is not rocket science—anybody can learn the basics,” said Hadi Partovi, founder and CEO of Code.org. Seventh grader Chanie Brown, said “It was complicated but I enjoyed the challenge.” Faculty member Rina Kasper said she “thought about her Hour of Code for the remainder of her day after she left her session.”

Every student should have the opportunity to learn computer science. It helps nurture problem-solving skills, logic and creativity. By starting early, students will have a foundation for success in any 21st-century career path. Shevy Szczupakiewicz (‘22) couldn’t contain her joy during the Hour of Code as she began to build her new skill set. She “loves seeing the backend of how video games are made, being part of something not a lot of girls are part of yet; and would like more of these kinds of programs.”

Ezra will be posting new coding activities in Google Classroom and will also hold lunch and code sessions so students can continue to pursue their interest in this area.