Students across the School District of Clayton learned a few things about the language of coding during the Hour of Code, an annual event that takes place during Computer Science Education Week, Dec. 9-15, 2019. 

The Hour of Code occurs annually during the first week of December to honor the birthday of one of the most famous computer science figures, Admiral Grace Murray Hopper, who was born on Dec. 9, 1906. This is the fifth year that schools from the School District of Clayton has participated. 

As a part of Computer Science Education Week, educators choose an activity from the Hour of Code website. Activities include games and lessons that teach students basic computer science concepts. Students can participate via computer, tablet, smartphone or even offline with a pencil and paper; it’s that easy.

Technology and computer science are rapidly expanding career fields. The District views this event as a way to prepare students for opportunities in these areas that may arise in the future. This relates to the District’s strategic plan objective to ensure the integration of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education within the District’s PK-12 curriculum. 

According to Code.org, the organization that hosts the Hour of Code, from the inception of this event in 2013 to 2018 over 100 million students have participated, 50 percent of participating students were female and over 800 million hours have been served.

Students can access activities year-round for continuous learning on the Hour of Code website:

https://hourofcode.com/us/learn

To see photos from each school, click on the links below:

Captain Elementary

Glenridge Elementary

Meramec Elementary