Coding

Kick-start your journey into the world of code

Students work with Zaniac instructors to learn coding and real-world skills that software developers use every day. Go from true beginner to writing custom programs and games in Java, all while having a blast along the way. Coding has never been so cool.
programming fall 2015 new

Journey into the world of code — the language of the 21st century!

All Courses Feature

  • Classes meet 90 minutes once a week for six weeks
  • Low ratio of 5 students or less per instructor
  • Create projects that can be shared online with friends and family
  • Personal progress emails after every class from your instructor
  • Peer-based instruction and a fun atmosphere — Learn and build with friends
  • Access Scratch and Python at home to keep working after completion of the program
  • For grades K-8

Coding!

  • Level 1:
    • Intro to Blockly
    • Intro to Scratch
    • Game Design with Scratch
    • App Creation
  • Level 2:
    • Python Beginner Coder
    • Java Beginner Coder
    • Web Design
    • Game ModdingTM: Minecraft Intro
  • Level 3:
    • Python Intermediate Coder
    • Web Development with JavaScript
    • Java Intermediate Coder
    • Game ModdingTM: Minecraft Advanced


Intro to Blockly

Dash Bot and our Zaniac instructors teach you to code with Blockly!

Learn the basics of using the Blockly coding language with some help from our robot Dash! Oh, and our most awesome Zaniac instructors, too! Blockly is an intuitive and visual way to learn how to code. Use Blockly to make emojis and gifs! Blockly editor uses interlocking, graphical blocks to represent code concepts like variables, logical expressions, loops, and more. Generate Blockly code and use your new skills for game-based coding challenges, as well as building and programming robots. For grades K-2.

Intro to Scratch

Intro to Scratch teaches programming concepts such as sequences, loops, iterative development, and debugging using a modern, block-based approach. Students create animations and videos to share with friends and family. No prior experience necessary. For grades K-5.

Game Design with Scratch*

In Game Design, students create a new game every class and program classic games like Pac-man and more. Learn advanced concepts, such as broadcasting, variables, and adaptability while working on collaborative learning skills. For grades 3-8.

*Intro to Scratch is a prerequisite for this course.

App Creation*

In App Creation, students explore the software design process using App Inventor 2, a block-based, visual programming approach designed by MIT. Learn and use real development techniques like event handlers, timers, lists, database management, and script generation to go from concept to a functional application that is yours to keep. After class you can continue to develop your favorite apps at home, share them with friends via the App Inventor Gallery, and even sell them on the Google Play™ store! For grades 3-8.

Python Beginner Coder

Students will learn about turtles—little arrows students use to program. Students will use turtles to learn loops, methods to make drawing numbers/shapes easier, and conditionals which change the way the turtle will move based on what they tell it to do. These techniques will help students learn how python works, and how to program, while keeping it fun. For grades 3-8.

Java Beginner Coder

Learn the basic syntax of Java, an enterprise-level programming language, by controlling the robot Karel! Create and navigate different types of worlds, and have Karel draw shapes and letters! For grades 3-8.

Web Design

In Web Design, students create their own website, going all the way from concept to functional, hosted site. Learn the basics of the HTML5 and CSS3 web languages, layout strategies, color theory, and responsive web design. Start by brainstorming your initial concept, wireframing a template in Moqups, building in Weebly, and tweaking the HTML and CSS to dial in the design. Web Design students also learn about site maintenance, including UX feedback, testing, updates, domain management, and hosting. For grades 3-8.

*Intro to Scratch is a prerequisite for this course

Game Modding MinecraftTM: Intro to Mods

In Game Modding, you’ll work with developer tools including JDK, Eclipse, Terminal, and Gimp to create custom items, blocks, and new materials by writing your own code in Java. Learn to install resource packs and pre existing mods, and interpret the elements of existing mods to define qualities for your own. For grades 3-8.

Python Intermediate Coder

Students will learn about the shell of python including data types, lists, conditionals and methods. With the commands and techniques used in the real world, kids will be introduced to a written programming language—a sought after skill. For grades 3-8.

*Intro to Scratch is a prerequisite for this course

Java Intermediate Coder

Student learn the basic commands and advanced syntax of Java, a "write once, run everywhere" programming language. Explore principles like variables, classes, methods, code efficiency, and automation, all while building a text adventure game, a calculator, and more. For grades 3-8.

*Intro to Scratch, Game Design, and Web Design are prerequisites for this course.

Web Development with JavaScript

Make things happen on a web page! Understand the programming language of JavaScript and become a website developer in training! Watch what you can make happen on a web page with JavaScript and how to use it to alter HTML coding. Change text and images on a website. Run calculations. Write expressions and learn how to use pop-ups. Understand what parts of a website use JavaScript, enhance your skills reading and writing JavaScript, and know how JavaScript affects a website. For grades: 3-8.

Game Modding MinecraftTM: Advanced Mods*

Dive deeper into the Minecraft Coder Pack for more advanced approaches and create custom inventory tabs, biomes, crops, and unique armor. Build on what you learned in Intro to Minecraft Mods to create a brand new mod. For grades 3-8.

*Intro to Minecraft Mods is a prerequisite for this course.