Classes
take flight 1
Students are introduced to basic coding principles that include (but are not limited to):
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use of start commands
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variables
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changes in the coordinate plane
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loops and forever loops.
Initially through storytelling, students will use the Scratch programming language to bring two ladybug characters to life. Historical references are utilized to provide context in the development of: the first computers, a dance called the “Jitterbug”, and the roles of women in early computer science fields.
take flight 2
Prerequisite: Take Flight 1
Students continue on their journey utilizing the Scratch programming language to develop more complex code sequences for the ladybug characters. Operators and conditionals will be introduced, and in this bundle of lessons:
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students will relate coding to the game of soccer
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producer and consumer ecosystems
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solutions to an environmental problem
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a project of their choosing.
Students will culminate this bundle by selecting a topic with a partner and collaborating to create a final product.
take flight 3
Prerequisite: Take Flight 2
In "Take Flight 3", students continue learning programming principles and transition from block code (used in Scratch) to Python, a text-based language that is currently the most popular programming language worldwide. Students will:
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interpret/convert Scratch block code into text-based code
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continue to utilize variables, if-then statements, and loops
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create programs that users can manipulate to produce different outcomes
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further develop skills that are essential to debug and “repair” common code issues
take flight 4
Prerequisite: Take Flight 3
This course focuses on the clarification, definition and usage of errors in programming, since students who can begin reading and fixing other's code will be better prepared to solve errors within their own programs. We define three main types of errors—runtime, syntax and logic—and when each occurs, how they differ and what the errors look like when they are present. Students are assigned initial descriptions and must examine, find and fix all errors within that code.
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take flight 5
Prerequisite: Take Flight 4
The final set of Python lessons builds off of the skills learned in the preceding three sessions. Students will develop a game centered around optimizing cost and efficiency for farming robots. Capstone projects will incorporate an ecosystem model, and students will post their projects on their digital portfolios.
Abbie Cochell
​Assistant Electrical Engineer at Burns & McDonnell
"With my growing interest in STEM throughout middle school, I would’ve loved a program like this to expose me to the world of coding. Even as an electrical engineering major in college, coding has always been one of my weaknesses. A program like this could have prepared and given me the tools for success in my future courses. Girls today are so lucky to have a coding program like this."
Hailey Richie
Regulatory Affairs Specialist at Abbott
"I would have loved a program like this one that empowered and taught me to code with other girls my age. A foundation in coding would have opened so many opportunities both in college, and my career options!"