Learn with MakeCode Arcade

Content: Learn how to code the Imagi Charm using a text based programming language for the first time Part 1: Introduction to Imagi charms What is Computational Thinking? What is Python? What can you make? Part 2: Use Python to program the pixels of an 8x8 matrix. Extend to include colours Part 3: Organise sets of instructions to draw images into a function Goals: The introduce text based coding and develop skills using Imagi charms. To provide opportunities for girls to participate equally Target students: Girls (although boys are also welcome to attend). Girls do IT! This event will aim to promote gender equality by encouraging girls' interest in coding. This event will be open to students in Key Stage 3 who are interested in learning more about coding. The event will run for a full day - the date will depend on the school calendar The event will be well suited to the target group as I will use existing students from our school to work with groups as good visible role models. The girls supporting will be KS4 and KS5

1. The hackathon will teach: - Basics of Electronics and Coding: Using BBC micro:bits and simple electronic components. - Product Design and Prototyping: Brainstorming, designing, and building a point of sale device. - Entrepreneurship: Marketing and showcasing a product. - Teamwork and Presentation Skills: Collaborating effectively and pitching ideas to a panel of judges. 2. Methods and resources are used: - Hands-On Workshops: Practical sessions on using BBC micro:bits and electronic components. - Guided Brainstorming: Facilitated sessions to help students brainstorm and design their devices. - Coding Sessions: Step-by-step guidance on programming the micro:bits. - Prototype Building: Constructing physical prototypes of the point of sale devices. - Website Creation: Basic web development to create a marketing site for their product. - Mentorship: Guidance from volunteers with expertise in coding, electronics, design, and entrepreneurship. - Team Presentations: Students pitch their final products to a panel of judges. 3. Goals of the event? - Inspire Creativity and Innovation: Encourage students to think creatively and develop unique solutions. - Build Technical Skills: Provide hands-on experience in coding, electronics, and prototyping. - Foster Entrepreneurship: Teach students the basics of product development and marketing. - Promote Teamwork and Communication: Enhance collaboration and presentation skills. - Engage Youth in STEM: Specifically target and engage students from underserved and underrepresented backgrounds. 4. Target group - 60 participants - Year 5 & 6 pupils: Specifically targeting young students in Oldham primary schools. 5. The event is special for the target group: - Participate during Manchester Science Festival (Oct) - Access to Technology and Mentorship: Providing tools and expert guidance. - Engaging and Interactive Learning: A fun, hands-on approach to learning STEM. - Real-World Relevance: Challenges that mimic real-world problems and solutions, making learning practical and impactful. - Community Involvement: Involvement of local companies and alumni to support and mentor students. 6. Registration Information: will be managed through primary school partnerships

"CodeSpark: Ignite Your Tech Future" offers a variety of coding workshops that cover multiple themes, including virtual reality, retro gaming, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), and space-based team building activities. These workshops aim to introduce participants to the fundamentals of coding and technology, using practical and engaging approaches. The event employs interactive and hands-on workshops as the primary method to teach coding. Participants will engage in collaborative projects that promote teamwork and practical application of learned skills. The resources used include computers, coding software, virtual reality equipment, retro gaming consoles, and various STEAM-related tools and materials. Experienced instructors and mentors will guide the participants through each session, ensuring a supportive and educational environment. The primary goal of CodeSpark: Ignite Your Tech Future is to spark an interest in coding and STEM fields among young people, particularly those from underserved and underrepresented South Asian backgrounds living in areas of high deprivation. The event aims to inspire these young individuals to pursue coding and STEM-related careers by providing them with fun, interactive, and educational experiences. The event targets young people aged 8-24 predominantly from South Asian backgrounds who reside in areas of high deprivation. This demographic is often underserved and underrepresented in STEM fields, and the event aims to bridge this gap by providing tailored educational opportunities. CodeSpark: Ignite Your Tech Future is uniquely tailored for young people from South Asian backgrounds living in high deprivation areas, making it special by addressing the specific needs and challenges faced by this demographic. The combination of interactive and fun workshops with inspiring education ensures that the participants not only learn valuable skills but also feel motivated and encouraged to explore further opportunities in STEM fields. Additionally, the event builds on the success of a previous Girls STEM Play event, which demonstrated significant interest and positive outcomes for young girls from Black and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, paving the way for further similar initiatives. For this event, we will work with Inclusive Bytes who will provide us with mentor developers as well as use of their tech-gears. Participants can register for the event through our website: yuvanis.org/whatson