Just a reminder, the Code Savvy Board of Directors is looking for our next Executive Director to expand our work of creating opportunities for hands-on, equitable computer science learning experiences that inspire all learners to transform the future for good.

If you, or someone you know, has nonprofit leadership experience, a passion for promoting equitable education and increasing access for underrepresented students in the computer science field – we want to hear from you!

Additionally, Code Savvy is looking for Part Time Computer Science Curriculum Developers to support our school partnerships through the development of project-based curriculum! Join us to engage and inspire students through creative computing!

Click the link below to learn about all opportunities currently available with Code Savvy!

APPLY NOW!

This week’s spotlight and project-inspiration theme is: Plastic Free July

This week’s focus is Plastic Free July!

Plastic pollution has increasingly become a focus of debate, as it is continuing to grow at an alarming rate. It is estimated that half of all plastics ever produced have been in the past 15 years, as plastic production has increased from 2.3 million tons in 1950 to 448 million tons in 2015. Plastic production is expected to double by 2050.

This massive increase in plastic production and use has led to drastic impacts on the environment. About 8 million tons of plastic waste wind up in the oceans each year. Microplastics have been found in places ranging from fish to our own food, and some studies have found that there are places in the ocean where plastics outnumber fish by as much as 7 to 1.

July is a time to focus on plastic reduction, thanks to the “Plastic Free July” movement. The website is full of great information, resources, and tips for reducing plastic consumption. It will take everyone doing their part, and rethinking plastic usage to help make an impact. This July, we encourage you to consider taking part in Plastic Free July and encouraging friends and family to do the same!

As you practice your own computer science skills this week, how can you use technology to help spread awareness of plastic pollution and steps that can be taken to reduce it? Whatever you choose to make, be sure to share it with your friends and family.

Catch Up on Past Weeks’ CS to Go and Bytes of Inspiration Videos

You can find all CS to Go and Bytes of Inspiration videos under Distance Learning on our website!

MNCodes Happenings

Code Savvy’s MNCodes Educator Training Program and Opportunities

Summer Online Courses

This summer Code Savvy is offering a number of online courses to help educators who are interested in Computer Science. Courses will take place online, and will be a mix of synchronous and asynchronous work. For the remainder of the summer the following courses will be offered:

Participants will be able to earn CEU’s for their time. We hope to see you there!

CS Integration Curriculum Showcase

As part of the MNCodes Cohort, educators are asked to create lessons that integrate computer science with another curricular content area such as literacy, math, science, or others, and align to both CSTA and MN Academic Standards. We will use this space to regularly showcase various curriculum resources that have been created by current or former MNCodes Cohort members.

Crustacean Coding!

Here is a great project for 3rd graders that connects Scratch Jr with learning about Crustaceans. Students learn about crustaceans, then share what they learn in Scratch Jr. Check out the lesson resources here. To see other projects that integrate CS into core content areas, you can browse our database on the MNCodes website.

Coffee + CS Ed Zoom Call – Summer Break!

We have wrapped up our Coffee + CS Ed chats for the school year! It has been so great to connect and collaborate with so many educators dedicated to improving CS education opportunities for our students! Please complete this survey so we can see what times would work to meet a few times over the summer to help stay connected.

Summer Activities for Kids

Code Savvy Summer Camps at The Works Museum

Through a partnership with The Works® Museum, we are able to offer these half-day programming camps for kids ages 11-13. These camps will take place in person at The Works Museum.

Beginning Thunkable – Last week to register!

Learn to make mobile apps with Thunkable using drag and drop code blocks! You will create a variety of apps using components like translator and image recognizer, and put together clicking games such as space invaders!

Thunkable apps can be loaded onto Android or iOS phones. We will be using a simulator, phones are NOT required for the camp.

When: M-Th, July 12-15, 9a.m. – 12p.m.

Website Design

Learn how to construct a website using HTML, styling it with CSS, and making it interactive using Javascript. You will leave the class with published web pages!

When: M-Th, August 2 – 5, 9a.m. – 12p.m.

More information!

CoderDojos

This summer, we will have monthly sessions rather than bi-weekly. Our summer schedule is now available here. Our next virtual event is Saturday, July 24! Registration will open this Sunday, July 11. You can Register Here. Hope to see many of you there. Sign up for email notices – CodeDojoTC and Rebecca CoderDojo.

Technovation – Code with Me – AI

Code with Me – AI is a series of monthly webinars where you will be able to learn about different topics of technology and artificial intelligence from industry professionals.Topics include bias and AI, deep learning, computer vision, and more. These interactive sessions are a great way to discover more about AI for people of any skill level. Events are open to all and will be presented in French and English..

The first session is July 14 from 5:30-7 pm CDT. Join Carolyne Pelletier to explore gender bias in AI.

Congressional App Challenge

The Congressional App Challenge is back for another year of inspiring the next generation of American STEM talent! The Congressional App Challenge is a district-specific competition where Members of Congress invite students to create their own original apps with the chance to win nationwide recognition.

This program accommodates coding skills of all levels. Students compete with others in their district, so hundreds of students, including beginners, are honored as winners each year. Winning teams are then invited to the U.S. Capitol Building, where their apps are put on display for one year. Don’t let your students miss out on this great opportunity!

More Information here

Bright Ideas Hack-a-Thon

Two-Day Event – Aug 12 (8:45am-3pm) Aug. 13 (9-noon) Bright Ideas Hack-A-Thon is an online event for women in Minnesota’s high schools and 2021 graduates. At the event, students will work in groups of 3 students and 2 industry mentors to identify a product or service that solves a social or business problem. You will take on a designated role to pitch the idea. Anyone can have the best idea and product in the world but if it can’t be successfully pitched; the idea will not take off! Join this exciting event, make new friends, and learn from others!

Register here

Please note the following:

* This is a two-day event taking place Thursday, August 12 & Friday, August 13, 2021

* You will receive a Zoom link one week prior to the event.

VR Summer Camps @REM5

REM5 has openings at 3 summer camps in August.

VR: Entertainment and Beyond

Ages: 8-13 (suggested)

When: Aug 2-5, 9am-noon

VR Design and Creation

Ages: 8-13 (suggested)

When: Aug 9-11, 9am-noon

VR Entertainment and Beyond

Ages: 8-13 (suggested)

When: Aug 9-11, 9am-noon

More information and register here

Best Prep Summer Offers 2021 Minnesota Business Venture Camp

Minnesota Business Venture – MBV is a virtual four-day business and career development summer camp that brings together students in grades 9-12 to learn business, leadership, and financial literacy skills.

This is a great opportunity to network with students from across the country, hear from business owners, build skills needed for your resume and future job, learn information you’ll need for college applications, and help you learn about the career you’d like in the future.

Visit https://bestprep.org/minnesota-business-venture/ for more information.

More Code Savvy

About Code Savvy

Code Savvy empowers youth and educators with the knowledge, skills, and support to create with technology while interrupting and counteracting gender, racial, and socioeconomic gaps in computing. We create opportunities for hands-on computer science learning that inspires learners to transform the future.

Visit our website to learn more →