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Blockly is an open source library of drag and drop blocks to use for generating computer codes. Use each block to stack and add information to create code in an infinite number of ways. After creating your work using Blockly, use the drop-down box to view and copy the code in JavaScript, Python, and other coding formats. For full instructions on using Blockly, be sure to follow the link for Guides at the top of the Blockly home page.

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Google for Education provides a collection of games and lessons tailor-made for the December holidays at their site for teachers. Choose from games for social studies, language, computer science, and geography. Games include topics like coding, learning other languages, and understanding maps. Click the home page icon in the upper left corner to find translations for offered in several languages and more.

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Use code to make your own Minecraft game or learn the basics of computer coding by moving characters through a Minecraft world with these Hour of Code activities. From the top of the page choose one of the Minecraft Activities like Voyage Aquatic, Heros Journey, Adventurer, or Designer. These activities teach and reinforce coding skills through the familiar Minecraft game. Scroll down the page to watch one of the inspirational videos as an introduction. Free resources include a lesson plan, videos, computer science curriculum, and a teacher training. The free trial is limited by the number of logins and includes 25 for teachers with an Office 365 Education account and 10 for all other users. Trial logins cannot be refreshed.

tag(s): coding (111), computational thinking (45), computers (114), critical thinking (193), design (77), problem solving (287), STEM (381)

CodeChef for Schools offers free computer programming training and competitions for middle and high school students. After signing up, choose one of the "Get Started" projects to begin your journey. Use the Practice section to build skills from beginner to advanced levels. Students can compete in monthly global competitions, such as the Lunchtime contests, specifically designed for their age group. These contests are held on various dates throughout the month, and contest durations vary (click "Upcoming Coding Contests" at the bottom of the page for details). Instructional and demonstration videos are available on YouTube; however, if your district blocks YouTube, the videos may not be accessible. Optional in-person workshops or coding camps may have a fee, though fee waivers are available for students in need.

tag(s): coding (111), competitions (9), computational thinking (45), computers (114), critical thinking (193), problem solving (287), STEM (381)

Code your own art, music, and interactive fiction with Pencil Code Gym. The main language is Coffescript, but you can click the word Reference in the upper left corner to use HTML for writing tags in your code. Pencil Code also supports Javascript and CSS. Follow instructions to code using drag and drop blocks or text. Toggle back and forth between the two formats to view the different formats. Click the pencil in the upper left corner to see several resources including Materials for Teachers, Teachers Manual, Printable Activities, and several others. The wide range of activities make this site perfect for use with students of all levels of coding abilities. When complete, share finished projects on "GymStage", the sharing portion of Pencil Code Gym.

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CodeHS is designed to help high school students learn the basics of computer programming, though it's also well-suited for middle school learners. After signing up, teachers can create a class, invite students via email or class code, and get started. The self-paced courses guide students through step-by-step tutorials, with instructional videos hosted on Vimeo, YouTube, or the CodeHS website. Each lesson includes comprehension questions and a coding task, such as directing Karel the Dog with simple commands. The platform offers a free plan that includes access to the full curriculum and progress tracking. Paid plans provide additional features such as advanced teacher tools, larger class support, and professional development opportunities. Teachers can also explore training resources and participate in certification programs to build their own coding instruction skills.
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tag(s): classroom management (150), coding (111), computers (114), critical thinking (193), problem solving (287)

BotLogic is an online activity that teaches programming and code. Enter by clicking play. First go through the short tutorial. Choose the player link to begin playing without a code. Select your age to begin at the proper level. Each level offers a tutorial with directions for play. BotLogic shows the window of code as you create your line of icon instructions. As an extra challenge, try to use as few instructions as possible to earn rewards.

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Code.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to computer science education and increasing participation by young women and students from underrepresented groups. It offers free, standards-aligned curricula for K-12 students, including courses like Computer Science Fundamentals for elementary students, CS Discoveries for middle school, and CS Principles for high school. The platform provides interactive tools such as App Lab, Game Lab, and Dance Party to make coding engaging and accessible. Educators can access comprehensive teaching resources, including lesson plans, videos, and assessments, as well as professional development opportunities like self-paced and facilitator-led workshops. Code.org also hosts the annual Hour of Code event to promote global participation in computer science.

tag(s): coding (111), computational thinking (45), computers (114), critical thinking (193), problem solving (287), STEM (381), women (192)

Learn computer coding using simple and easy activities, lesson plans, and an interface sure to please all ages! Sign up for your free account and once your dashboard is displayed choose from several helpful videos to get started. To find the Hour of Code click Educators from the top menu and find several including Lesson Plans and Teacher Guides. Learn to code by dropping blocks of commands into sequence on the left side of the screen and seeing the results along the right. The lessons provide step by step instructions, missions, and other materials to learn to code. Teachers can create a class and add students to the class. Click on student view of each lesson to see the tools and student tasks. Follow the instructions along the right panel. Note the tools that are along the top including undo and redo! This tool also features a question bar along the top. Note: This free portion of the resource offers four Coding Courses, weekly STEM Projects, Hour of Code Activities, Project Templates, Coding Tools (Block & Text), Unlimited Student Accounts, Student Progress Metrics, and Professional Development. Sign up for a free account by selecting Teacher and using Google, your email, Apple, Microsoft.
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