Yesterday something pretty phenomenal happened. Around 10,000 Aussie kids became part of history setting a world record for the largest number of kids programming within a 24hr period.
Moonhack was run by CodeClub, an organisation that helps kids between the ages of 9 and 11, learn how to code and has amassed 45,000 members in Australia.
The regular program is split into terms, with Terms 1 and 2 allocated to using Scratch to teach the basics of programming. Term 3 teaches the basics of web development using HTML and CSS and Term 4 students focus on Python.
Provided were two different options for programming, Moonhack in Scratch and Python. Both projects allowed kids to download an instruction set to follow, as well as the necessary programming files.
Given the jobs of the future will largely rely on the same skill sets you learn from understanding how computer programs are written, this is a fantastic way to kickstart the future careers of little Australians.
The Government spends a lot of time talking about Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM), but rarely make an impact on regular Australians, this event was a practical application and learning opportunity that delivered.
WE BROKE A WORLD RECORD!! Wooooh! Thanks to @TwitterAU for all your support! https://t.co/0UJK7ol1Pt
— Code Club Australia (@CodeClubAus) July 20, 2016
There’s some pretty fantastic posts on Twitter of kids working on their Moonhack projects. We’ve included some of the best below.
https://twitter.com/chris_trewin/status/755707866040852480
Participated in setting a new world record. @CodeClubAus #getkidscoding #moonhack pic.twitter.com/TelXGp4h0K
— Jennifer Greatrex (@jengreatrex) July 20, 2016
https://twitter.com/kallicanl/status/755717658029412357
It's a marvellous night for a #moonhack pic.twitter.com/c1bavweHHl
— kirsten blair she/her (@kirsten_blair) July 20, 2016
Sinister is home sick today, so let's work on #Moonhack with @CodeClubAus – WIP pic.twitter.com/6w8XQNHmYn
— Evil Genius Mum (@EvilGeniusMum1) July 20, 2016
We just set the world record for the most kids coding at once #moonhack with @CodeClubAus – 9782 still going! WOoh!! pic.twitter.com/zPBcqmWrTp
— Audrey Jean-Baptiste (@Dreejb) July 20, 2016
It was also great to see some Aussie teacher’s leverage the world-record attempt into their classes and provided their students with time to work on it.
Our @CodeClubAus students working on the Moon Hack project #getkidscoding #aussieED pic.twitter.com/BJvpfrdUri
— Jen Faulconbridge (@innejf) July 20, 2016
My y9s @BarkerCollege participating in @CodeClubAus #moonhack pic.twitter.com/BjDVgELyn0
— Malyn Mawby (@malynmawby) July 19, 2016
Congrats to all who participated. Don’t be surprised if this becomes an annual event. Remember, if you have kids that missed yesterday’s Moonhack, check out CodeClubAus it runs all year long and there are events all over Australia.
https://twitter.com/annie_parker/status/755743354168631296
