Schools Join “Hour of Code” National Movement

President Obama made everyone aware of it by learning from children.

Los Fresnos United teachers have joined in as well.

As part of Computer Science Education Week, there is world-wide effort to increase education in computer science. The “Hour of Code” teaches students how to write code for computer programs, including games.

Other Los Fresnos CISD schools participating include Los Fresnos Elementary, Olmito Elementary, and Los Cuates Middle School.

At LFU, students in Patricia Hernandez’ Algebra I class used laptop computers to learn about coding a computer game, either “Angry Birds” or “Anna and Elsa” from the Frozen movie.

“These students are working toward passing their STAAR test,” Hernandez said. “We decided to offer these second-period students a chance to program their own game to perform certain tasks.”

Students have one hour to complete all of the levels within the game.

“Some students are saying that it’s common sense and easy,” Hernandez said. “Hopefully they will go away with a sense of wanting to take a computer science class in the future.

LFU Principal Jennifer Stumbaugh is encouraging all of her teachers to participate.

“It’s just to expose them to what coding is, and how easy it is,” Stumbaugh said. It’s something that they can do, and understanding what goes on behind a computer program or a game. Now they will know that there is a javascript behind it, and somebody had to program the game.”

Upon completion of the tasks, students receive a Certificate of Completion which they can print.

LFU student Mathew Lozano was proud of achieving the certificate, and asked Hernandez if he could print it.
“I want to print my certificate and show it to my mom, and she will be proud of me.”