Kids respond to kids. It was with this idea in mind that the Technology Department of Yavneh Academy invited three students from Frisch High School to come teach its 8th graders. Mrs. Tikva Weiner, Yavneh Board of Education Chair, made the introductions.

The three Frisch students came prepared to teach topics highly relevant in today’s world. Besides the topics that they were totally prepared to teach, these young people provided fitting role models for Yavneh’s 8th graders.

Benjy Cooper introduced coding using Python. Benjy has used Python to create apps with his friend, Amitai Cohen. It was exciting for the 8th graders to learn how to “control” their computers. Under Benjy’s tutelage, they quickly grasped how to create pages of text in this new computer language.

Amitai Cohen introduced the students to graphic design. He first showed a presentation in which he shared some of the designs he created. A number of these designs were actually used to create products that are sold or used at Frisch. He explained that he collaborated closely with Benjy to produce apps. After his presentation, he worked with the students to assist them in creating their own graphic designs.

Ronit Langer set up a lab where she explained the basic concepts of circuitry. She clearly illustrated how electricity works in a presentation that she shared with the students. She then had the students working in groups to create their own circuits to turn on a light bulb. As the bulbs lit up, so did the faces of the students when they achieved success.

The goal of this program was to expose students to what the future for them might hold. Who better to do this than high school students who are just a few years ahead of them? Engineering, app development, and computer programing are just a few of the disciplines to which students will be exposed as they enter high school, college, and eventually the job force. For the 8th graders, the future is now.