Year 10 half term coding project

I got into coding as I wanted to learn Python, to make GIS more of a flexible tool for me in the future. I can tell you that after just under two weeks of training in multiple different coding languages, I love it! I've been so impressed with what's out there, I have set a half term challenge for year 10 (powerpoint and links all included here.

It's hard and frustrating at first, but once you understand the basics of the language, you can pick it up quickly and easily and apply to many different scenarios, different complexities of code and pieces of software. Here's some of the programmes I recommend:

1. Apple Swift Playgrounds, the link found: here.
This is a game based coding app for IOS only (Ipad and Mac, not phones), where you write code for your character and solve the many puzzles that he gets into, with increasing difficulty. Swift coding is aimed at coding on the IOS systems, but many principles can be applied to other languages. I have thoroughly enjoyed this and have gained my 4 Apple teacher coding badges because of it. As an FYI: it does take the allocated amount of time to achieve these, as you have to have completed the majority of the coding course to answer the quiz questions correctly.

2. As recommended by my cousin (primary school teacher) www.code.org.

This website is free and has the ability to set up classes, like seneca, and assign courses to your students at all levels. I don't like to discriminate the key stages too much, so I've included this as some of the courses for primary aged students are really great. They also cater for students up to the age of 18. I have been through a lot of the courses and the content is comprehensive - ranging from primary coding (foundation coding) all the way up to internet and digital safety and creating your own websites and apps, using code. 

3. Another app, available to Apple and Android users, called Grasshopper here

This is another great app, which uses progressive story telling to teach javascript. This is particularly interesting to those looking into animation or the more visual side of coding. I have enjoyed using this app and will probably continue as it is the easiest one to keep picking up when you have a bit of time. 

4. Mimo is slightly different, found here. This can be used on web browsers or via apps on both Apple and Android. The thing I liked about this is that it added levels of challenge and language that others don't use, but are applicable to coding terminology. I also liked the achievement diary and the fact that you can code through several routes: coding websites, learning to hack (thought this might be popular) and building apps, incorporating javascript.

5. Computing unplugged here - for those that have a smartphone but may be limited to what they can install on it, here's a website with loads of activities that you can do without a computer to hand. They range from very basic, hands on things, to learning the theory and uses behind coding and programming. A useful start into a new language.

For me, I'm going to continue to master Python and improve with Java and Swift. I will also look to incorporate some of the schemes of work available within these apps/websites into our geography curriculum, in order to enhance employable skills and experiences. It's been an enjoyable journey so far, and will hopefully be the same for the students assigned this project.

Have a go too, and let me know how you get on! I love discussing the challenges and possible applications for the geography classroom.

Kind Regards,

Miss Cox