New technologies and jobs are being created at a blistering pace all around us. Many of these cutting-edge technologies and jobs are related to a group of studies known as STEM. So, what does STEM stand for, and what’s its importance for your child?

STEM education is all about preparing kids for a digital future and understanding the new world around them. Therefore, STEM fields are imperative for 21st-century career readiness and global competitiveness.

What does STEM stand for?

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.

S – Science
T – Technology
E – Engineering
M – Math

It is an acronym coined in 2001 by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF).

What is STEM? STEM Meaning and Definition

STEM (Science, Engineering, Technology, and Mathematics) is an approach to education that focuses on the hard sciences, develops critical thinking skills, and improves problem-solving abilities.

Education in STEM aims to give students the tools they’ll need to succeed in school, work, and hobbies. It’s like a toolbox full of smaller toolsets for designing and making things. Inside a carpenter’s toolbox, you might find sets of drill bits, ratchets and wrenches, chisels, and other useful gadgets. Similarly, STEM disciplines are like those little toolsets. Each is useful in its own right, but most activities require more than one.

Coding can apply across all STEM disciplines. It is part of the technology category, but science, engineering, and math also utilize code and programming.

Recommended: STEM Classes for Kids

What are the benefits of STEM education?

STEM education equips kids with competencies that will enable them to overcome personal challenges, pursue a college education or career in technical fields such as software engineering or artificial intelligence, find creative solutions to difficult problems, and understand how the world works. For example, perseverance is important to success in almost any endeavor. 

STEM helps kids learn to stick with difficult tasks and abstract ideas. Math is hard. Coding is too. In fact, professionals in STEM fields often enjoy complex problems. Likewise, kids who push through the frustrations learn that great rewards lie on the other side of big challenges. John F. Kennedy articulated the attitude of STEM professionals in 1962 when he said, “We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard.” 

Kids who believe in themselves tend to do better in school. Writing code and seeing it work is satisfying. Building a robot, programming it to execute a task, and watching it happen is thrilling. But while kids are having fun, they’re also building confidence. That confidence is important in test-taking and academic achievement.

Throughout the STEM curriculum, students have opportunities to use and get comfortable with technology. Computers, peripherals, sensors, and other instruments are important tools in many STEM classrooms and education programs.

There are many benefits to empowering kids with STEM, yet it appears the US is falling behind in STEM education. 

Recommended: Why Your Kids Should Learn Coding

What are STEM skills?

Skills gained from STEM education include:

• Complex Problem-solving
• Critical thinking
• Reasoning
• Creativity
• Teamwork
• Self-confidence

Science is a body of knowledge and a method of inquiry. It’s about asking the right questions and finding accurate answers. The basic sciences taught in class prepare STEM students to explore biology, chemistry, and physics. Often, collaborative projects are involved, so kids need to be able to work together. Science classes introduce the thrill of experimentation and discovery to individual students as well as teams. And because modern-day scientists use computers and technology in much of their work, science classes frequently incorporate these tools. 

Technology is used in various forms to turn ideas into real things. 3D printers, CNC machines, robotics, and the Internet of Things (IoT) are just a few of the tools that enable creators to transform imagination into reality. Coding is also an important technology discipline. For that reason, kids in STEM learn about these tools and how to use them. 

Engineering is about designing, testing, and building. These skills are part of the STEM curriculum and sometimes require software or other tools. Kids may learn to use CAD/CAM software to design a part, analyze its physical properties, and generate the code required to actually make it on a 3D printer or CNC machine.

Math skills for STEM include everything from basic arithmetic to calculus. Students may need to do some manual calculations, but they should also know how to use powerful tools like Python’s built-in math libraries. Probability, graphing, linear algebra, and other tasks are fast and accurate with the right tools. Students in STEM may learn about these tools much earlier than their peers.

Recommended: Free Coding for Kids Resources

How can I improve my STEM skills?

There are many educational and fun ways to improve problem-solving, math, and coding skills. 

• STEM kits
• Online STEM classes
• STEM clubs and competitions

STEM kits let kids explore electronics, robotics, and programming. Arduino, SparkFun, and other companies make small, programmable computers that can hook up to sensors, motors, lights, speakers, and other gadgets. Online STEM classes are also a convenient and affordable way to explore a variety of STEM subjects. Clubs and competitions can build teamwork and STEM skills. In addition, books are a great resource for kids who like to read. 

Some online and in-person classes combine multiple STEM fields, such as computer science, programming, and math. Multi-disciplinary, project-based courses can make learning fun. Live, instructor-led coding courses like those from CodeWizardsHQ give kids personal attention that can keep them in sync with their peers. 

Popular STEM careers

Top STEM jobs in 2024

Lucrative and popular STEM careers exist in many seemingly disparate fields, such as computer programming, medicine, and statistics. Additionally, jobs in these areas tend to pay quite well. According to U.S. News and World Report’s ranking of the 30 best STEM careers in 2024, eight of the top 10 STEM jobs come with annual salaries above $100,000. The number two position on the list is Software Developer, with an average yearly income of $127,260. The list ranks jobs based on salary, unemployment rate, growth, and other factors. Here are the 10 best STEM jobs:

Types of STEM Careers

Careers in the hard sciences, like biology, chemistry, neuroscience, and physics, are ideal for many STEM students. Mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, electrical engineering, architecture, and industrial design are excellent for people who enjoy designing and building things. Computer science and programming are also popular fields for those who appreciate logic and creative problem-solving. 

According to the U.S. Census Bureau in 2021, majoring in STEM may pay off even for those who end up working in non-STEM fields. Among the 50 million employed college graduates ages 25 to 64 in 2019, 37% reported a bachelor’s degree in science or engineering but only 14% worked in a STEM occupation. STEM workers who majored in a STEM field in college typically made higher salaries than those who did not: on average, $101,100 vs. $87,600.

STEM skills can be useful in other careers too, like technical writing.

A technical writer plans and writes instruction manuals for scientific instruments, lab equipment, machinery, software, and just about any kind of product. In order to produce helpful instructions, the writer needs to understand how the product works and has to be able to communicate that information in simple terms. Manufacturers, government agencies, software publishers, and social media companies employ technical writers to communicate with their users.

Many trade jobs require a high degree of computer literacy and some familiarity with programming. For example, in the woodworking industry, CNC machines cut, route, and drill the parts that become cabinets and furniture. A skilled woodworker programs and troubleshoots those machines. Success in the woodworking trade now depends, in part, on computer skills. A basic knowledge of programming concepts is also beneficial, and will probably be even more so as automation increases.

STEM is even helpful for some sales professionals.

Imagine being a sales representative for a company that manufactures environmental monitoring instruments. Your prospective clients might be scientists or engineers. As a result, they’ll expect you to understand enough about what they do to provide them with equipment that meets their needs. That could mean having a solid grasp of basic chemistry, data science, or some other technical subject. 

Recommended: STEM Education Statistics

Is coding a part of STEM?

Coding for kids is one of those skills that can be applied broadly across many different disciplines. While coding is often compared to learning a language, the skills learned in coding are actually more closely related to the STEM subjects.

For instance, the process of debugging code aligns nicely with the scientific method. Coders and scientists both test their hypotheses through experimentation. They observe the results and adjust based on what they see. Math concepts can easily be seen in coding. Things like measuring distances and working with variables are foundational. And many of our technologies and engineering jobs are dependent upon a firm foundation of code. When we look at the concepts that make up STEM, coding is linked with each of them.

Taking a coding class is a great way to get introduced to STEM education. 

Recommended: 25 Fun STEM Activities for Kids

Is STEM good for kids?

Some of the most prominent figures in business and technology started tinkering with STEM subjects as kids. When he was just 12 years old, Elon Musk was already so adept at coding that he was able to build and sell his first computer game. At the same age, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg created messaging software that enabled the staff in his dad’s dental office to communicate from different parts of the building. Zuckerberg had a private tutor. Musk loved to read. But both were interested in STEM when they were quite young. 

STEM education has myriad benefits for young people. For instance, it introduces them to exciting subjects that can lead to lucrative and fulfilling career opportunities. For girls especially, early exposure to computer science appears to make them more likely to major and work in the field. With companies like Google making efforts to achieve gender parity, opportunities for girls in tech are expanding. 

Kids who study STEM can build the foundation required to pursue degrees in high-paying fields like computer science. Graduates with degrees in this field earn more over their lifetimes than graduates with other degrees.

Why is STEM so important in early childhood education?

Getting into STEM early can be the key to a lifelong interest and a productive career in related disciplines, especially for girls. Women currently represent a smaller percentage of people with a STEM career than men. Women remain underrepresented in engineering (15%), computer (25%) and physical science (45%) occupations (U.S. Census Bureau). But some organizations are trying to change that, and they need qualified candidates with STEM backgrounds to do it. 

STEM teaches kids the skills they need to do well in school, and not just in their STEM classes. For example, critical thinking is valuable in reading, writing, and other subjects too. STEM also gets students interested in constructive hobbies. Many people working in computer science and engineering started out by experimenting with computer programming, ham radio, or electronics as kids. 

How do I get my child into STEM?

The earlier your child can get into STEM education, the better. There are afterschool coding programs for in elementary school, middle school, and high school. Online education is an easy and convenient way to get started. Good programs make learning fun and help kids build skills that apply broadly. For example, CodeWizardsHQ coding classes for elementary students start with the fundamentals of the Scratch programming language. Scratch is a visual language that involves dragging little blocks of code around the screen and connecting them, but the concepts it uses apply to all languages.

Resources for getting kids into STEM

Opportunities for kids to get into STEM are numerous and span the technological spectrum. The following list includes digital and non-digital ways to get started.

Kids Ages 5 and Under

• • Let’s Go Code is an activity set that teaches programming fundamentals with fun games. Everything in this set happens away from the computer, so it’s fun for younger kids.

• • DragonBox Algebra is a mobile game designed to teach algebra to kids as young as five. It may seem impossible for kids that young to learn something so complex as algebra, but Dragonbox makes it fun and easy.

• • Baby Loves Science is a collection of four books about STEM written specifically for young children.

Kids Ages 6-10

• • STEM Machines makes kits that let kids explore physics, engineering, and other topics by assembling little machines. There are several different kits and each covers a different topic. 

• • Lego Chain Reactions is a small set of Lego building blocks and a book with instructions for several cool Lego machines. Kids will need to have some Legos already, but the kit includes all of the special blocks necessary.

• • For some students, the language of math can be confusing. This is certainly true once kids get into algebra. For example terms like such that, simplify, and evaluate aren’t always intuitive to children. My First 100 Mathematics Words introduces math vocabulary in just 24 pages of colorful drawings.

Kids Ages 11-13

• • Dragonbox Algebra 12+ is the sequel to the Dragonbox 5+ mobile game mentioned above. It teaches more complex algebra using the same techniques and play style as the first game. 

• • CarnegieSTEMGirls.org is a website about STEM that’s tailored to girls. There are links to classes, books, and activities. The site also has information for parents. 

• • Adafruit sells a wide variety of electronics like motors, sensors, single board computers, and more. They also have lots of tutorials and helpful resources for anyone wanting to explore electronics. 

Kids Ages 14-18

• • Single-board computers from Arduino are excellent for teenagers who want to explore coding and robotics. The project opportunities are limitless, but the first step is to check out Arduino’s website and learning resources.

• • YouTube is full of videos about STEM topics, but not all of the content is worth watching. However, I Like to Make Stuff is one channel every aspiring maker should see. Bob, the channel’s creator, films himself building various projects and always narrates the whole process of creating something. 

• • Krista King is another YouTuber, and her channel is one of the best resources for math students on the internet. Her videos range from middle school math topics to calculus, and she does a great job explaining complex topics in easy to understand terms. 

Recommended: Coding Classes for Teens

CodeWizardsHQ classes can get kids started in STEM from home.

Online computer science classes provide easy access to STEM education and fun projects that keep kids excited about learning. CodeWizardsHQ students develop coding skills quickly with interesting challenges like building animations and games. Coding classes are 12 sessions long and delivered live by expert instructors. During class, students learn core programming concepts by building increasingly complex projects and progressing through the curriculum. 

Elementary students master programming basic starting with simple games, moving through web development, and taking off into more difficult challenges. Middle school coding starts with classes in Python, a powerful language used for everything from web development to data science. Then, in high school coding classes, students dive into deep topics like algorithms, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.

Kids who get into STEM will be prepared for the challenges they’ll face throughout their schooling and later in life. Opportunities to get into science, technology, engineering, and math are abundant. There have never been so many interesting ways to get started. The key is to take that first step. Now is a great time to do it. 

The post What Does STEM Stand For? appeared first on CodeWizardsHQ.

Learning to code has become as popular as the top national sports and with good reason! 

Recently, coding has gone from being a cool after school activity to becoming part of educational legislation. To us, it’s obvious why kids should learn to code. 33 states have passed bills in the last five years to officially offer programming in the school curriculum. Coding classes for kids have been integrated into traditional courses and many states are offering math and foreign language credit for taking programming classes. 

Coding is a foundational tool critical for student success in the 21st Century.

Coding classes are popping up left and right, and the challenge of finding the right coding class for your kid has become increasingly difficult. Variety is the spice of life but making choices and evaluating coding programs can be really complicated! 

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How to Evaluate Coding Classes for Your Kid 

Here are some of the major considerations when choosing the best coding class for your student.

Value:

Let’s start with an important aspect of any activity – PRICE. Parents have to consider budget. Coding classes can range from free to hundreds of dollars a month. Continuous learning is the best way for kids to actually “learn” the material so making sure they have access to a platform on which they can practice their skills at any time is vital. 

Convenience:

No one wants to make a long commute in order to get students to an activity. Are you willing to drive your student to classes and how far? Are you including the time spent in traffic to your evaluation? Or do you prefer an online course or one at your child’s school? Can you travel while your child is in the course?

Active Learning

The teaching method and style offered in top coding schools gravitate toward student-centered, active learning. Coding games for kids are popular and nothing beats being able to write code yourself. Active learning engages students more fully in the content and leads to a deeper and fuller understanding. Quality programs will offer students opportunities to present projects and practice skills with minimal lecture.

“The meta-analysis, published online today in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, concluded that teaching approaches that turned students into active participants rather than passive listeners reduced failure rates and boosted scores on exams by almost one-half a standard deviation.” – Aleszu BajakMay from Science.com

Ages Served:

The best coding classes offer age-appropriate courses which increase in rigor and challenge as students mature. Classes with this type of continuity offer reliable routine and structure, important for kids of all ages. 

“Structure and routines teach kids how to constructively manage themselves and their environments.”- Aha Parenting 

Student/Teacher Ratio:

Class sizes can have an immense impact on learning. Thus, it is an important consideration when considering a coding class. Quality coding classes offer small class sizes so that individual student needs can be met. 

Flexible Schedule:

A key consideration in choosing a coding program is how the schedule and format fit into the family calendar. Quality coding classes will offer a variety of class durations and options to catch up via self-paced components or recorded review of classes if a session is missed. They should also have a solid teaching methodology that is published and followed by all teachers. Parents should see clear evidence of a well thought out pedagogy. Quality coding classes will gladly provide this information in detail.

• How is content delivered?
• How does content change depending on age?
• Are classes teacher-centered, student-centered, or a mix of both?
• How are teachers trained?
• How are students evaluated?
• How do teachers communicate with parents? (this may be a little out of the scope but still a very worthwhile question!)  

Teachers:

Quality coding classes should require a full background check on all teachers, just as any school is required to do. Any adult interacting with students, whether online or in-person, should go through a full background check. A good coding school will also vet every teacher to be sure every teacher has the experience, knowledge, and enthusiasm necessary for a positive student experience. Your child’s safety and quality interaction are key when choosing a coding class.

Extra Help & Missed Classes: 

Children learn at different paces and it is important that they have help available when needed. A quality coding class will offer additional help for students who are struggling or have missed a class and need to catch up. Additional help should be easy to schedule at convenient times for the student.

The Curriculum:

Quality coding classes will offer paths for students to gain an overview of several languages and technologies, as well as the opportunity to focus on particular areas of interest. Students and parents should discuss which kinds of programs are the best fit. For instance, do your students want to learn about a theme? Or do you want the knowledge to be foundational and grow in a sequential way that can provide a well-rounded skill set? To illustrate the concept, let’s use a travel example. Before a trip to Europe, you might sign up for classes that teach basic phrases in several languages like ¡Hola! ¿Dónde está el baño? – Hello! Where is the bathroom? You would also study these same basic phrases in French or other languages that fit your itinerary. This would be “theme” based learning. Perhaps you decide you want to spend more time in France and want to learn the language in-depth. After in-depth study and practice, you will be able to speak fluent French to help make your trips to France more enjoyable. This idea is the same in coding; students can learn the basics of an “area” or can take a series of courses that can in time provide the ability for complex thoughts to be communicated.  

Community:

Quality programs create a community environment where students can communicate and interact with each other in a safe space. This sense of community can be a great support system and network for students struggling to learn difficult coding concepts. In addition, they can ask each other questions and even make new friends.

 Prepare your child for success: If you are looking for your child to learn to code, explore our live, instructor-led coding classes. Thousands of satisfied students. Highly rated. [Find Out More]

What should I look for in a coding class for my kid?

We have asked some experts and #TechEduambassadors their opinion about how to choose the right coding class for your kid. These are their answers.

“The terms of service. While corporate apps need to monetize, tools like Scratch (built by teachers for teachers) respect student data and privacy.”

– Brian Aspinall

Brian is a globe-trekking educator on a mission to expose as many kids to Computer Science as possible. He is the author of @codebreakeredu, @blockbreakeredu, has given TEDx Talks, & received the prestigious Canadian Prime Minister’s Award. Follow him @mraspinall!

“There are so many coding programs available for kids that it’s hard to choose the right one. I’ve reviewed hundreds of programs over the years with very mixed results. The problem with evaluating programs is that very few parents have the technical and/or educational background to find the good ones. Good programs effectively teach the content. That means the program creators have a firm grasp on both pedagogical (how to teach kids) best practices and ability-appropriate content. 

The first thing I do when I evaluate a program is head over to the “Our Team” page on their website. I look for a strong educator and content expert on the team. Most programs lack an expert educator, believing that expert programmers are all that’s needed. If I don’t see an educator with classroom experience on the team, that’s a huge red flag, yet I see it all the time. 

Next, I look at what the kids will be doing in the program. I look for programs that balance providing content knowledge with open creativity. Many programs are too structured, leaving no room for creativity. If every kid’s project looks the same at the end of a lesson, that’s a problem. Kids learn coding best when they are able to express themselves through relevant projects. Kids should have a choice and be able to express their voice.

Lastly, I look at the programming environment itself. I look for age-appropriateness. Recent research has shown the benefits kids enjoy when they start their journey into coding using a visual block-based programming language. I look for block-based coding for elementary and younger. For middle school and above block-based isn’t a requirement, but it’s nice to see if they have a transitional option to start with block-based and move to a text-based language as they grow. I’ve noticed that most teams with an experienced educator choose appropriate coding environments because they understand the importance of scaffolding and meeting kids in their Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD). For middle school and younger, I couldn’t care less about “real-world professional programming languages,” don’t get caught in that trap.”

– Grant Smith

Grant is an educator fascinated by the challenge of teaching children computer science. Currently, he’s the Director of Education for codeSpark, a company focused on teaching elementary kids how to code. When he’s not teaching, he’s writing. He’s the author of Everything You Need to Ace Coding and Computer Science in One Big Fat Notebook. He has also written multiple coding curricula. For more information, visit Grant at http://wgrantsmith.com or on Twitter @wgrantsmith.

“I think it is always important to figure out what the purpose is when using any tech, or teaching something like coding. There, of course, are concerns about access and that has to be the first consideration is making sure students have access, the resource is something that will benefit students beyond short term and that will help them to develop a variety of skills.

 I like trying to find resources that parents can also use to work with/learn with students at home as well.  I try to focus on how it can be used, beyond for a computer science course, or STEAM, how can we apply it beyond certain content areas and grade levels.”

– Rachelle Dene Poth

Rachelle is a French, Spanish and STEAM Teacher. She also works as an EdTech Consultant, through THRIVEinEDU LLC. You can follow her on Twitter or visit her website. She is the author of “In Other Words” and “The Future is Now” bit.ly/Pothbooks. 

As students move from being content consumers to content creators, the CodeWizardsHQ program prepares them to create AR & VR of the future.”

– Jamie Donally 

Jaime Donally is a passionate technology enthusiast. She began her career as a math teacher and later moved into Instructional Technology. Follow her on Twitter or visit her website. 

“When looking at programs, look for the benefits after the program. Skillset and knowledge that will be gained. An experience that can be useful when applying for colleges and jobs. You will then see the value in the money or time spent, building for the future.”

– Brandie Ann Meister

Brandie is the director of ChickTech-Austin an organization that engages women & girls of all ages in the tech industry while working to create a better tech culture for all. Learn more at https://chicktech.org/

“Before selecting a coding program I think that parents should ask themselves two questions. One, will my child be challenged by the material? And two, will my child be engaged by the material? Finding the perfect balance between what a student will be challenged by and what the student will enjoy, will ensure that students feel they are making good use of their time and that parents are making good use of their money.”

– Elizabeth Rodriguez

Elizabeth is the Executive Director of SoHacks. The largest Hackathon of the South. 

“As a parent, you want to encourage your kids to be curious, creative, and seek joy when learning. When learning a programming language, I would advise to start with the end result goal, maybe building a game or a fun tool, and then working backward to build it. That also gives the opportunity to build the same game/tool with a few different programming languages to see their advantages & disadvantages.”

– Domingo Guerra 

Domingo is a Mexican Entrepreneur that took Silicon Valley by storm with Appthority a mobile security company, co-founded and later sold to Symantec. Follow him on Twitter.

“The instructor and his/her ability to connect with the students.”

– Chris Butler

Chris is the CEO of URAllowance, he is focused on education and preparing our youth for tomorrow. Follow him on Twitter.

1. That it fits in their schedule (not taking up too much time each lesson) broken down into short components.
2. That the lessons are easily understood by the student and do not need extensive help from the teacher. (Independent work preferred).
3. That the coding program transfers over to a future career benefit/opportunity.
4. If for higher education, there is a guide or understanding of how many credits the completion of the course would give on a transcript.
5. The coding program uses up to date technology and/or languages

– Deborah Wuehler

Deborah is the Senior Editor, Director of Production at The Old Schoolhouse Magazine,  the trade magazine and a top resource in home education since 2001! Follow them on Twitter.

I would advise parents to look at how a program is going to engage and involve the kids. Every student is different, and every student learns differently, so I would hope to see programs that have a variety of educational techniques from hands-on learning to experimental and your classic lecturing, but I don’t think a program should focus solely on one technique. Additionally, I think it depends on the age of the student, but you want to make sure the program is going to be “fun” and allow students to use their creativity as they learn. “

– Christina Cardoza

Christina is an experienced technology and software development reporter and currently the Senior Editor for SDTimes. Follow her on Twitter.

“Coding, in my opinion, is best taught as a means to an end. Find out what your child is interested in and what programs they need to learn to accomplish a task. Also, I’m not sure there are very many “programs” that would fit your definition that are available on the open market for parents to engage with. Most are out-of-school programs that have week-long sessions or that meet once a month for a school year. I don’t know of any bootcamps that are open to K12 students.

The cool thing about coding is that it can be learned in all different kinds of ways, depending on how the child learns best. Start with some block-based programming at younger ages to teach computational thinking. Don’t invest heavily in really expensive toys…you can get a micro: bit for $18 and it’s just as engaging and can teach even more than a $100+ robot. Once you know your child likes coding and wants to learn more, point him or her to a free online platform. Do they like game design? Try Alice. Do they want to develop a mobile app? Introduce the child to AppLab or MIT App Inventor. Are they older and want a deep dive into coding? Start with Khan Academy, Codecademy or EdX and move to university Open Courseware…like MIT, Yale or Harvard. Is there an interest in cybersecurity? Maybe work towards a CompTIA certification. “

– Debi Pfitzenmaier

Debi is the founder of Youth Code Jam in San Antonio, TX. Follow her on Twitter. 

“I would look for a program that emphasizes creating algorithms and solving problems. I would not focus on the particular programming languages that are used in the program.

I would also look for a program allows students to pick the problems they solve. Not necessarily all the time, but at least some of the time.”

– Mike Scott

Mike is a Professor of Instruction at the University of Texas at Austin in the Computer Science Department. Visit his website. 

“A hallmark to a good coding curriculum for youth and young adults is gamification. Engaging young people in coding requires their excitement – gamification and fun built-in really drives youth to go further and try more. They want to achieve that next level or rank. Along the way, they should be able to tie the work they are doing to a problem they are solving.”

– Scott Luikart

Scott is a Salesforce MVP, Golden Hoodie Dreamforce 2017, and he is currently Salesforce Admin at Whole Foods Market. Follow him on Twitter. 

“First, they need to consider what language the camp is based on. Scratch and other simple languages are great for younger kids or children who like the bright colours and ease of use, but more “advanced” languages, such as Python, Go, or Java, leave more doors open for innovation and expression and are used in business environments where fluency and understanding can really make a difference.

The second is how big the class is. Is the class packed like sardines in a tin? If so, the kids might not be able to get all their questions answered, unless there are plenty of teachers to keep up. Worse yet, an overcrowded class could mean a physically cramped and uncomfortable workspace, especially if the activities include a moving bot. On the other hand, however, an empty class might mean the student misses out on the “summer camp buzz.” Also, there are fewer children to form a group with, which can be a problem because working in groups is conducive to learning and sharing and is what provides the social aspect that is a large part of the purpose of this kind of camp in the first place. Thirdly, one has to take a look at the teachers. Do they have any real-world experience with coding, especially in the language they’re teaching? Have at least some of them run similar camps before, or perhaps even have actual educational experience? For any kind of camp for children, safety should always be considered, as well. While it’s not nice to think about, are the teachers and staff suitable to take care of children on their own? Will there be someone who is CPR-certified or has first-aid credentials? Is the location relatively secure and will a security officer of some kind be present? Another consideration is whether the camp is age-appropriate. What’s fun and engaging for a seven-year-old might be dull and repetitive for a twelve-year-old and completely disorienting and frustrating for a three-year-old. Visual editors, like Scratch, can be perfect for younger kids because there’s no worrying over typos or a missed colon, not to mention the bright colors and ability to hit “Run” at any time. On the other hand, kids with a solid grasp on spelling and formatting might find text-based IDEs to be more challenging and more engaging, especially since they have more options for creativity and more areas to explore, and also provide the knowledge that what they’re learning is closer to how a “pro” does it. Different levels of complexity and focus can be tuned to the child’s age and stage of brain development, which ultimately means a happier child with more coding know-how. 

On a closely-related, but different, note, parents need to assess whether the camp is appropriate for their child’s knowledge level. If a class claims to be good for everyone from beginners to knowledgeable experts, chances are that those at the ends of the spectrum will find it boring and frustrating. Parents should try to find a class that is clearly meant for certain levels of knowledge, and, of course, make sure their child fits those levels. “

– Geek Families, San Antonio 

Connect with them: www.geekfamilies.net, Facebook, Twitter.

Keep it light and fun.

– @thewellpaidgeek

Our mystery contributor has been coding for 20+ years and is a  JavaScript & web expert. He has a passion for teaching people to code. Follow him on Twitter. 

 Prepare your child for success: If you are looking for your child to learn to code, explore our live, teacher-led coding classes. Thousands of satisfied students. Highly rated. [Find Out More]

This blog post was written by Ana-Maria Medina. Elizabeth Rodriguez provided an invaluable connection for expert advice. Feedback was given by our amazing teachers; Sabreena Osborne, Ivann Grande, Margaret Choi, and Elaine Hill!

The post Choose the Right Coding Class For Your Kid appeared first on CodeWizardsHQ.

Here are 6 charts all middle school parents should see. The charts are backed by data from reputed sources like the Brookings Institution, College Board, National Center for Education Statistics, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Gallup, and more.

All middle school parents will find that these charts collectively reflect the kind of world our kids will be graduating into.

1. Computing jobs are the #1 source of new wages in the United States.

We also see that computing jobs are infiltrating every field of study. This growth is projected at twice the rate of all other jobs. This means that we, as parents, need to prepare our children with computing skills.

2. 71% of STEM jobs are in computing, but only 8% of STEM graduates are in computing.

3. The lifetime earnings of a computer science graduate are 40% more than other college graduates.

With computer science skills permeating in every field of study, this gap will increase further!

4. You want your daughter to start computer science early.

The diversity problem persists over time. This happens because, although 91% of girls are aware of computer science, only 44% say they are willing to try it. This is similar for minorities — 53% of blacks and 54% of Hispanics are open to trying it.

5. Students enjoy computer science more than we think.

Out of several academic disciplines, this chart show that students actually enjoy computer science. Surprising?

6. Most middle school parents want their child to learn computer science, but schools don’t teach it yet.

While most middle school parents do realize the importance of learning programming skills, they do not have access to a structured coding curriculum. You can either check out our curriculum or check out the carefully curated list of 22 coding websites that introduce coding to kids.

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