This is your chance to turn your coding experience into a holiday project. Follow the links below to the different activities today. Enjoy these this week! - Mr. S

Dancing Yeti Project: Make the Yeti Dance, a digital animation project from Made with Code!
https://www.madewithcode.com/projects/

Holiday Emoji Project:  You’re about to design a custom holiday emoji that you can share digitally or IRL.

Codecademy is the easiest way to learn how to code. It's interactive, fun, and you can do it with your friends. 

Twelve Days of Christmas Code:  Nice, simple implementation of the Twelve Days of Christmas. As jhixson puts it, “Pretty straightforward … in JS with a few ES6 bits.” Run it today, there are still a couple of days left! That is of course, assuming the twelfth day of Christmas is actually Christmas, which I believe is out of scope of this blog article.

Snowstorm Project:  A fancy, customizable JavaScript-driven snow effect which you can easily add to your homepage to eat up the user’s CPU! Also included, if you are feeling a bit Clark Griswoldy, is an experimental Christmas Lights script, which you can find at the top of the page.

Java Christmas Lights:  Great idea and execution, Anvaka! As noted on the README.md, “The tree is built of two spirals. These 11 lines of code render one line on spiral. It includes 3d projection and background shadow.”

Hannakuh CSS Menorah:  Here is a Menorah written entirely in CSS. Neat!
SANTA TRACKER by  GOOGLE:  Leave it to Google to outdo everyone on the list. Enter stage north, the Santa Tracker. As Google puts it, the Santa Tracker is, “an educational and entertaining tradition for the December holiday period.” While this project appears quite jolly on the surface, Santa actually is currently involved in litigation with Google over this tracking system. Expert witness, Rudolph. Either way, enjoy!

Original Post by SourceToad.com at https://www.sourcetoad.com/code/5-holiday-code-ideas/

BONUS SITE:  Christmas Experiments

What is freeCodeCamp?

We’re a community that helps you learn to code, then get experience by contributing to open source projects used by nonprofits.

How can you help me learn to code?

You'll learn to code by completing coding challenges and building projects. You'll also earn verified certificates along the way. We also encourage you to join a study group in your city so you can code in-person with other people.

Is freeCodeCamp really free?

Yes. Every aspect of freeCodeCamp is 100% free.

Can freeCodeCamp help me get a job as a software developer?

Yes. Every year, thousands of people who join the freeCodeCamp community get their first software developer job.

How can I get a job?

Most people get jobs through friends and hiring managers they know from coding events. There are also services that can help you get interviews.

How long will it take me to finish each of freeCodeCamp's certificates?

Each certificate takes around 400 hours of dedicated learning. Some people may take longer. These certificates are completely self-paced, so take as long as you need.

Is freeCodeCamp a replacement for a 4-year degree?

No. Please don’t drop out of college just to pursue freeCodeCamp. You can pursue both concurrently. Even though you don’t need a 4-year degree to work as a software developer, it still helps a lot.

Should I complete all of the coding challenges in order?

We’ve put a lot of thought into how we introduce concepts. But you’re free to jump around.

Where can I get technical support for using the freeCodeCamp.org platform?

Here are answers to common technical support questions.

Click The Link Below To Start:
https://www.freecodecamp.org/challenges/learn-how-freecodecamp-works

You can also try www.W3Schools.com tutorials for many different programming languages.  There are also coding resources onhocphilly.strikingly.com

If you are super-advanced, and really want a challenge, 
TRY THESE LINKS:

The definitive JavaScript handbook for your next developer interview (14 minute read): https://fcc.im/2jwgTmL

Here are 450 free online programming and computer science courses (Click Here) you can start in December (original browsable list): https://fcc.im/2A1x6Gs

Google Doc Link To Resources:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BpCZpDOjez7kCgoCCihnfAWyhJ7ro8saaGWt-R07OLk/edit?usp=sharing

Bonus: Learn how to build an API using Node.js with this free in-depth YouTube tutorial (33 minute watch): 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsCjFHuMXj0

Learning To Code (Part 2) - Computer Science Education Week

Here it is!  So close to the holiday season, and we are now in the middle of Computer Science Education Week.  Please visit csedweek.org, code.org, and hourofcode.com to find a wide array of projects for you to complete in class, and at home.  Make sure you are spending some time at home showing your parents (and other family members) how cool is is to learn how to be a programmer!

There is a wealth of information about careers, opportunities, and other ways to learn to code!  Use the information found at code.org/promote to help learn about what your states are doing to increase learning opportunities for students who want to learn about computer science.

Want to Work For Google Someday?

Watch The Video Below To Get Started!

Once you have looked at some of the resources above, and we have discussed them as a class, you have a choice to work on the following items for credit this week:

Project 1:  Try the Celebrity Challenge:  Go to code.org/challenge and create an app, game, or design with Code.org and tag #HourOfCode and one of our special guests for a chance to win a video chat for your classroom!  SHARE a link to your project with Mr. S (hscribner@ccs.us) for credit.

Project 2:  Go to the KANO, Anyone Can Make website and complete the Street Artist Hour of Code tutorial.  You must SHARE your project by creating an account, and emailing a link to your project to Mr. S (hscribner@ccs.us) for credit.

Project 3:  Use your creativity and imagination to bring the Google logo to life using code. Make the letters dance, tell a story or create a game. With Scratch and CS First, anyone can become a designer and programmer for the day!  Go to the GOOGLE LOGO Link to get started.  You must take a screen shot (or video if necessary) of your Google Logo Design and email it to Mr. S (hscribner@ccs.us) for credit.  CLASS LINK FOR CSA 18-19 S1 (Click Here)

Project 4:  Choose any other tutorial found on hourofcode.com, get a project pre-approved by Mr. S, and Share it for credit!  You can also use freecodecamp.org or w3schools.com, or any other online tutorial that you show Mr. S prior to starting.  Make sure your content is appropriate for school!  You get extra credit for sharing a new source, tutorial, or application I have not seen yet!

Project 5:  CodeCombat - You can log into CodeCombat (Click Name) and learn to code using Python, Javascript, or Coffeescript.  Check it out, and SHARE your progress with the class!

COOL NEW SPECIAL PROJECT:  MICRO-BIT Build a Virtual Pet using code!  

Click the link here https://groklearning.com/hoc/activity/virtual-pet/ and check it out!

POST YOUR LINK TO OUR CCS-515 PADLET SO EVERYONE 

CAN SEE YOUR WORK (CLICK HERE)

When posting your work to Padlet (see link above), you need to include your initials, the Class and Period you are in the Tech. Lab, a brief description, the link to your project, and a picture of some kind.  See my example, or ask if you have additional questions.  You should also email Mr. Scribner (hscribner@ccs.us) the link to your active projects.  Have Fun With This Project!

Have a great week and ENJOY this time learning to code in our class!

- MR. S

Featured in the New York Times, our paying-for-college game PAYBACK has been played by over 150,000 students in just 3 months since launch! Teachers are saying, “It was an amazing game. All of my students were so highly engaged that it was time to go to lunch and none of them wanted to leave," AND "They loved that the game made them confront the money challenges of college but also helped them build the skills to survive and thrive.”  

Here is how to play (Yes, This is a class assignment as well):

Students Play PAYBACK (Click Here)

A single game-play takes 15-20 minutes, but you may also use a full 50-minute period by playing the game twice

Teachers: You can also use this corresponding classroom activity to support your students as they play the game.

Students Write Short Essay (GOOGLE DOCUMENT)

Use this Essay Template to create a 250 word essays that respond to this writing prompt: 

"How could you use the online game, PAYBACK, to have a conversation with your parent/guardian about paying for college?"

CRITERIA: Essays will be evaluated on the following:

• Indicates an understanding of key concepts learned by playing the game PAYBACK.
• Addresses concerns their parents/guardians may have about this sensitive topic. 
• Takes a creative approach to engaging parents/guardians in a conversation about college. 

MAKE SURE YOU USE THE R.A.C.E.S. METHOD TO ANSWER THE WRITING PROMPT: 

R-Repeat The Question, A-Answer The Question, C-Cite Your Evidence/Examples, E-Explain Your Evidence/Examples, S-Summarize Your Thought (Wrap-Up)

SHARE Your Essay With Mr. Scribner (hscribner@ccs.us) For Credit!

ACADEMIC/LEARNING OBJECTIVE

Scholars will use the online simulation "PAYBACK" to begin learning about the basics of how the choices they make for higher education can affect them financially.  This simulation, and associated standards for this assignment, will help them meet PA CEW Academic Standards, and also help students hone their skills for writing and information retention after participating in the simulation.  Students should reflect on this simulation, and use it as a prompt for conversation at home about the real costs associated with higher education, careers, and their future choices.

SCHOLARS WILL ENTER THE CLASS QUIETLY AND BEGIN WORKING!

Scholars will follow all directions log into their Google Account and then begin working on the NexGen Personal Finance Simulator (PAYBACK).  Scholars will spend 15-20 minutes completing the simulation.  When complete, scholars will download a copy of their final worksheet.  This image will be uploaded to their "CEW Evidence 515" folder in their Google Drive and SHARED, for credit, with Mr. Scribner (hscribner@ccs.us).  Scholars will then create a GOOGLE DOCUMENT titled 

"(LastName) PAYBACK P? S2" and write a 250-word essay using the prompt listed above.  

Scholars may use the EXAMPLE for reference, but must write this essay in their own words.

The essay must be SHARED with Mr. Scribner (hscribner@ccs.us) for credit as well.

Please Take This Survey Prior To Starting (Click Link Below)

https://goo.gl/forms/GwV0DbmsJCXJ8GUu2

Bank Accounts – Teens should know how a bank account works and the fees associated; not only the account fees and how they incur (min balance amounts, activity fees, etc.), but also the ATM fees. Young people tend to like to do things online so they can search for a low cost, basic online checking account. And while check writing may someday be obsolete, don’t forget to show them how to write a check and explain how it works. Also, review how debit cards work, how to safeguard all their information, and how too many swipes at the checkout counter can lead to costly and embarrassing overdraft charges.
Resource: https://www.forbes.com/sites/markavallone/2016/06/07/five-financial-concepts-your-teens-should-understand-before-high-school-graduation/#54a5b6fc4eab

Please Follow ALL DIRECTIONS on the RolePlay Document located at:
https://docs.google.com/a/ccs.us/document/d/1_Zg5qGcLkp0LQ0YzmYUbatuH9V1p44Td4y8RtlJtsaM/edit?usp=sharing

Each student will click the link above and follow ALL DIRECTIONS! You will be learning, if you have never done it before, how to use an ATM, Write A Check, Deposit A Check, Make A Payment, and Pay Online Bills. Each activity has a link to a resource or simulation. You may complete these steps more than once to make sure you understand how to do these simple banking transactions.

Please click FILE, and MAKE A COPY of this document before beginning. Make sure you SHARE this document with Mr. Scribner (hscribner@ccs.us) for credit. Try to use the R.A.C.E. Response Method when answering the questions. (Restate the question, Answer the question, Cite your evidence/examples, Explain your evidence/examples)

ACADEMIC/LEARNING OBJECTIVE

Scholars will use the online simulation "BASIC BANKING" to begin learning about the basics of how to use basic banking procedures and processes. This simulation, and associated standards for this assignment, will help them meet PA CEW Academic Standards, and also help students hone their skills for writing and information retention after participating in the simulation. Students should reflect on this simulation, and use it as a prompt for conversation at home about the real costs associated with higher education, careers, and their future choices.

SCHOLARS WILL ENTER THE CLASS QUIETLY AND BEGIN WORKING!

Scholars will follow all directions log into their Google Account and then begin working on the NexGen Personal Finance Simulator (BASIC BANKING). Scholars will spend 15-20 minutes completing the simulation. Scholars will then create a GOOGLE DOCUMENT, using the provided link, name it correctly, and SHARE it for credit.

"(LastName) P? S2" prior to title, and complete each question listed on the document. 

Scholars may use the EXAMPLE for reference, but must write this essay in their own words.

The essay must be SHARED with Mr. Scribner (hscribner@ccs.us) for credit as well.