We Code Juntos (WCJ)
We Code Juntos (WCJ) is a year-long, three phase computer science initiative to help girls see technology as a practical educational focus and career path by developing their computer science interests. This program tackles neighborhood disparaging trends of low education attainment, and low STEM undergraduate and graduate degree completion rates.
Phase 1
During Phase 1, we introduce the youth to basic web development and block-based programming. Participants begin by exploring the four basic elements of a computer, the function and importance of websites in our daily lives. Then, we create a personal website as a group, and then the youth make their own personal website as an end-of-the-phase project. Web development involves learning two languages that are essential to building a website, HTML and CSS.
HTML
CSS
HTML is used to give structure to a website. This is done through element tags that have their own functions.
HTML Basics by Mozilla Contributors is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.5.
CSS is used to give style to a website. This is also done through element tags that each serve for a different purpose.
CSS basics by Mozilla Contributors is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.5.
Phase 2
Phase 2 seeks to analyze how a computer functions at a more basic level using a microcontroller to create circuits. Youth start their work with microcontrollers (tiny computers) and circuits on a web based 3D modeling program. After successfully constructing their virtual circuits, youth must attempt to recreate the circuits with actual physical components.
Phase 3
The final phase of programming aims to put together the skills and knowledge acquired in Phase 1 and Phase 2 with the goal of familiarizing youth with JavaScript, a text-based higher-level programming language. The challenge project for Phase 3 will be for youth to build their first JavaScript program from scratch. Youth will be given the choice to create a program that demonstrates unique functionality of their choosing or to build a program that satisfies pre-established requirements.
JavaScript in Visual Studio Code by Visual Studio Code is licensed under ……….
STEM Workshops
Universidad Popular and Chicago Public Library Toman Branch collaborated to host STEM workshops on two different Saturdays during the month of November. An additional workshop was also held at the Little Village Boys and Girls Club of Chicago. The purpose of the youth-led workshops was to help families learn about block-based programming, binary systems, and algorithms. These concepts were covered in a fun and hands-on manner that had families making binary bracelets, binary decorations, playing card games, and working with animations through free online software. The youth facilitators were prepared to conduct the activities in both English and Spanish.
