Middle School

MakeCode Arcade is a Microsoft product that allows students to build arcade like games in block based coding. Stocked with tutorials and example games, MakeCode is a fun way to get students into complex code.

Student work can even be exported to hand-held game play devices! For more information on MakeCode Arcade, come to Kerri Holder's KYSTE Session on Thursday, 3/10 at 10:30 in Room Coe!

Our middle school has a Project Lead the Way Automation and Robotics course. In it, students build and code with VeEX robotic and construction systems.

However, a school can still teach coding through VEX without investing in physical robots. Vex has developed a strong curriculum that takes students through block-based coding and Python in virtual robotic playgrounds.

While Scratch may be more appropriate for 4-6th grade, this MIT-developed program is a strong, free resource for block-based coding.

In addition to the tutorials developed by Scratch, educators can access an archived community page of lessons and project ideas.