Patricia Harris, Ph.D.

Usually we think of coding as something only trained experts and scientists can handle, but not any more thanks to programs like Python. First developed in 1991, Python uses lines of code, letters, and symbols, to create computer programs. Python is easier to read and takes fewer lines of code to accomplish tasks than some programming languages. Python’s creator, Guido van Rossum, wanted to create open-source software that used easy-to-understand coding text. His software allows even novice programmers to see results in a short amount of time. Vivid photographs, sidebars, and a graphic organizer help make this STEM-centric volume a dynamic learning experience.

Understanding Coding with Python

Apps and programs are taking over the world, and that�s a good thing. However, sometimes we open apps and programs and have trouble figuring out how to use them. This is a sign of poor-quality user experience (UX) design. Computer users would rather use apps and programs that aren�t difficult to figure out. UX designers focus on the flow of tasks through a program and try to make everything feel intuitive. In this book, readers learn about careers for UX designers as well as how UX design extends to hardware development.

What Is User Experience Design?

Simulations help people understand large, complex problems using smaller, simpler models. This book delves into the history and thinking behind simulations. Readers will learn about Georg Leopold von Reiswitz’s development of a Kriegsspiel for military training, and other major developments. This volume also gives examples of ways that simulations can be useful, and discusses data sources. A concluding simple simulation will round out the learning experience, and encourage readers to create their own simulation. Sidebars and photographs accompany the text to aid readers in their exploration of simulations.

Understanding Coding Through Simulations

Coding was once an inaccessible activity for elementary students, but not any more. Scratch is an exciting and easy-to-learn coding program for people of all ages. Instead of lines of text, users code by dragging and dropping colorful, stackable blocks to create animations. With this colorful, intuitive, and simple application, even new Scratch users will begin to understand the logic behind coding in just minutes! Coding examples and photographs of age-appropriate students help readers feel at ease with STEM concepts. Sidebars and a graphic organizer help readers get the most out of this informative volume.

Understanding Coding with Scratch

Introduced in 2009, Minecraft™ has become an enormous success with gaming kids and adults. Users love exploring and building within Minecraft’s mind-bogglingly large environments. This game allows users to practice STEM skills while having fun. One of its greatest strengths is its ability to teach coding principles with “redstone” blocks. These blocks can be used to make exciting machines and devices in Minecraft’s virtual world. With this volume, readers will learn the logic and technology behind coding with Minecraft™. Photographs, diagrams, sidebars, and a graphic organizer help reinforce basic coding concepts. Minecraft is a trademark of Mojang (a game development studio owned by Microsoft Technology Corporation), and its use in this book does not imply a recommendation or endorsement of this title by Mojang or Microsoft.

Understanding Coding with Minecraft™

Behind every website is a page of HTML code. Hypertext markup language is a scripting language and not a full programming language. However, it is still one of the most important coding systems in the world. This book shows readers how HTML provides the front end for even the biggest websites and gets them started on simple page design. Topics also include additional web languages and the future of HTML5. Readers will learn about the history of HTML code, as well as the key figures who made it possible.

What Is HTML Code?

This detailed guide explores the historical development of algorithms and how they are used as a way of teaching computers to work through problems. Named for Persian mathematician Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi, modern algorithms and functions make programing more efficient. Algorithms are simplified for readers using words, flowcharts, and pseudo code to build a beginning understanding of algorithms and how they are used in our modern, computerized world. Young coders and STEM students are sure to strengthen their technical skills with an in-depth and fun exploration of this essential coding topic.

Understanding Coding by Building Algorithms

Elementary students around the globe are taught to count using a base-10 number system. We form numbers using the 10 digits of our base-10 system�zero through nine. Inside this book, readers discover other number systems people have used throughout history. With a binary system, computers only use two digits�0 and 1. So how does a computer count to 10? Readers will learn the answer inside this book. Also included is a review of hexadecimal numbers, which serve as the old basis of assembly languages and can still be found today setting colors on the web. This volume meets math standards addressing number systems other than base 10.

What Are Binary and Hexadecimal Numbers?

From Pok幦on GO to Google Search results, geolocation lets your computer or phone know exactly where you are. Young readers are already becoming familiar with geolocation through exciting new apps and games that make the most of GPS location services, but are these services also invading our privacy? This book explores the pros and cons of geolocation and looks towards the future of location-driven applications. Topics also include indoor location technologies and beacons. Supportive visuals help students make the most of their reading experience.

What Is Geolocation?

Have you ever wondered why the play button for most music players is still the same right-facing triangle that was on every cassette player and VCR? User interface (UI) designers try to develop icons and controls that are so obvious they endure through the years and across technologies. For example, iPhone apps often feel so familiar because many designers use the UI toolkit from Apple with standard fonts and icons. Unlike user experience (UX) design, which has to do with the flow of a program, UI is all about the look and feel of software and hardware. With colorful photographs and helpful illustrations, readers will make the most of this essential coding topic.

What Is User Interface Design?

Coding for elementary students is a new and exciting learning opportunity, and this book will show readers how to get coding in just minutes with the program Hopscotch. Instead of lines of text, Hopscotch provides users with colorful, stackable blocks to create animations, games, and more. The main text is supplemented with informative captions, sidebars, and a graphic organizer. Examples of Hopscotch visuals and photographs of kids engaged in coding are also included. These elements come together to help readers grasp the logic and STEM concepts involved with coding.

Understanding Coding with Hopscotch

Computer literacy is nothing short of imperative, and many educators are advocating for students to understand code and even to become coders themselves. This motivating volume doesnt just introduce different kinds of coding, it instills readers with an excitement for coding themselves. Theyll learn about special languages and programs that make coding achievable at all levels of proficiency. Theyll be introduced to professional coders and learn how coding requires practical knowledge as well as creativity in solving problems. An appealing design adds interest to this already high-interest topic, which supports STEM curricula.

Gareth's Guide to Becoming a Rock Star Coder

Christopher Harris

Brian Mayer

Slavery is a sensitive topic in American history. This book provides resources and lesson plans for a week-long unit covering slavery, the Underground Railroad, and the abolition movement built around an award-winning board game. In Freedom: The Underground Railroad, students will take on the role of abolitionists helping slaves reach freedom in Canada. Background knowledge, primary source documents, and detailed lesson plans on teaching slavery and using the game provide full support for instruction. Customized Freedom mini-game scenarios designed by Brian Mayer and Christopher Harris. Game: Freedom: The Underground Railroad. Brian Mayer. Academy Games, 2013.

Teaching the Underground Railroad Through Play

This book provides broad support for using games in middle and high school science classes including Earth science/living environment, biology, chemistry, and physics. The lesson plans and resources support a play-based approach to evolution, ecosystems, cellular organisms, elements and compounds, and vector motion. Though easy to learn, the included games provide detailed scientific accuracy allowing complex simulations and immersive learning experiences. Games: Evolution. Dominic Crapuchettes, Dmitry Knorre, Sergey Machin. North Star Games, 2014. Strain. Avrom Tobias. HungryRobot, 2011. Compounded. Darell Louder. Dice Hate Me Games, 2013. Bolide. Alfredo Genovese. Rio Grande Games, 2005.

Teaching Secondary Science Through Play

The first Lego Mindstorms™ sets were released in the early 1990s. Since then, Lego’s line of buildable, programmable robots has become a sensation with budding coders all over the world. More than just toy building blocks, Lego Mindstorms™ sets allow users to familiarize themselves with manipulating and customizing computer hardware and software. In this volume, readers will learn what it takes to be a Mindstorms builder and programmer! The manageable text is supported by clear photographs and a concluding graphic organizer. Young coders are sure to enjoy reading about Lego Mindstorms™ and learning how to make amazing computer-controlled robotic creations all by themselves. The LEGO name and products, including MINDSTORMS and WeDo, are trademarks of the LEGO Group, and their use in this book does not imply a recommendation or endorsement of this title by the Lego Group.

Patricia Harris, Ph.D.

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