The event was held at the Highland Park Public Library and welcomed people of all ages and genders, no matter their experience level, to engage in computer science and hear from a speaker in the field. We created four different stations for attendees to choose from: Scratch, HTML, Encryption, and Binary Bracelets. At the Scratch station, Programming Pros guided participants through the design and functionality of their own original games. There were guides ranging from beginner games (such as building an ice cream sundae) to advanced games (such as constructing an Etch-A-Sketch game). At the HTML station, coders with a bit more experience learned how to create and style web pages. The Encryption and Binary Bracelet stations offered “unplugged” activities that could be completed without computers. Participants could learn about the way computers secretly exchange information through encryption, and then they could understand the way computers think with binary by making bracelets with black and white beads. After an hour and a half of exploration, participants grabbed snacks and gathered to hear from Stephanie Diao, a computer science major studying at Northwestern University.
Last week on the Day of the Girl (October 11th), the first-ever, all-digital march occurred. Created by the women at Girls Who Code, this #MarchForSisterhood movement encouraged girls from all over the world to stand up for what matters to them, empowering them to make a difference in their communities and across the globe. It invited girls from all different backgrounds and beliefs to participate by using the #MarchForSisterhood hashtag, posting videos of themselves marching, and spreading awareness about their passions. GirlsCode members participated in this movement by filming videos and making signs with #MarchForSisterhood in the center. The ability to participate in a movement larger than our immediate community was incredibly valuable and empowering for GirlsCode members and emphasized that women can change the world.
Check out this video to learn about the amazing impact of GirlsCode's first semester at HPHS! It features a recap of our first Code-A-Thon, held at the Highland Park Public Library and welcoming the entire community.
Watch this video to learn more about GirlsCode, its mission, and plans for an amazing year at HPHS! All ages, genders, and experience levels are welcome.