Authored By ashley.hopkins

Hour of Code, a statewide computer science-based learning initiative, will be held at The Public Library from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14.

The event is part of Computer Science Education Week, the goal of which is to get children to think, create and have fun while learning computer programming. The week will be celebrated statewide Dec. 9-15 with events happening across the state.

“The Hour of Code is designed to demystify code, to show that computer science is not rocket science and anybody can learn the basics,” Hadi Partovi, founder and CEO of Code.org, said in a prepared statement. “It’s now on track to be the largest learning event in history, proving that the demand for relevant 21st-century computer science education crosses all borders and knows no boundaries.”

Hour of Code is geared toward middle school students and parents. Students will interface in small group discussions with professionals in different computer science occupations before breaking into groups to conduct their code time. Lunch will be provided, and Chromebooks will be offered by Engage 3D for those without their own laptops.

The event is the result of efforts by TN Code Academy, Launch Tennessee and the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network. These groups are encouraging schools to register, and those who do so are eligible for a wide range of prizes.

According to a prepared statement, 90 percent of American schools don’t teach computer science. Fewer students now are learning how computers work than a decade ago.

For more information, contact Sammy Lowdermilk of TN Code Academy at 931-379-1039 or [email protected].