Kids don’t always make the best decisions, as parents we know that. They’re more likely to act than to think through the options and consider important factors. However, making good decisions is a building block for success, even at a young age. So, it benefits kids to build and practice the related skills early and often. 

If we want kids to think for themselves and make good decisions, they need the opportunity to practice their logical reasoning skills. This involves arriving at the best conclusion using a given set of criteria. Logical reasoning is rarely taught alone rather, kids get these skills from other subjects like coding, math, and science. Kids need more ways to hone and master their logical thinking.

That’s why we’re bringing you the 6th Annual CodeWizardsHQ Logic Challenge (Spring Semester).

The Spring 2025 Logic Challenge starts on February 24, register to join! 

It’s a FREE nationwide competition where students, between the ages of 8-18, solve engaging logic puzzles, develop problem-solving skills, and win exciting tech prizes.

The event is a fun and rewarding way for young minds to develop valuable 21st-century skills, preparing them for success in a digital world.

Students will complete 10 puzzles in total, one a week from February 24th to May 4th, 2025. Throughout the 10 weeks, participants will tackle a range of enriching challenges tailored to their age group—Elementary, Middle, or High School level. 

Join the Logic Challenge Now!

Kids Learn 21st-Century Skills

While completing these fun weekly challenges, students will learn to think like a programmer and build important 21st-century skills like:

• Problem Decomposition – Breaking down complex problems into smaller, more manageable parts.
• Pattern Recognition – Identifying trends and patterns that aid in problem-solving.
• Abstraction – Simplifying complex systems by reducing the problem to its core components.
• Algorithmic Thinking – Developing step-by-step instructions for solving a problem or accomplishing a task.
• Sequencing – Determining the correct order of steps in a problem-solving process.
• Logical Reasoning – Using rational thinking and systematic principles to arrive at a logical conclusion or solve a problem.

Join the Logic Challenge Now!

A Chance to Win Top Tech Prizes

Besides the skills they gain, every participant has a chance to win top tech prizes including Apple Airpods Pro, Nintendo Switch, GoPro Mini, and more. With each challenge kids complete, they’ll earn points and bonuses bringing them closer to these rewards.

Learn more about the bonuses and view all prizes.

How the Logic Challenge Works

1. Join the Challenge – It’s Free

Join the challenge by signing up. Parents can directly register their child. If you are a teacher wanting to get your students registered, please see our teachers page.

2. Complete One Challenge Each Week for 10 Weeks

A new challenge will drop every Monday on our challenge platform and participants will have until Sunday that week to answer the question. The competition will run for 10 weeks with a total of 10 challenges (1 per week).

3. Earn Points for Entries into the Final Prize Drawing

Participants will earn points after each challenge completed. They will also earn bonus multipliers based on attempts, streaks, & quickness. Every 50 points earned gives them 1 entry into the final drawing. See point and multiplier details.

The Logic Challenge for Teachers

Teachers, we have something for you too. Encourage your class to sign up for a chance to win part of $500 in classroom grants. Your students get to participate in a fun, educational activity that builds important skills while giving you a chance to secure extra funding for your classroom. It’s a win-win! 

As soon as you register, you will get a class code to distribute to your students so your entire class can compete individually and as a team. For every 50 points a student earns in the challenges, your class earns one entry into the drawing for the classroom grant. See more details for Logic Challenge Teachers.

So, why wait? The Logic Challenge is free and open to kids and teens, ages 8-18.

Join the Logic Challenge Now!

The post The Spring 2025 Logic Challenge starts February 24 appeared first on CodeWizardsHQ.

If your vision of coding is one lonely person typing away endlessly on a computer in a dark room, think again! 

With the prevalence of technology in our kids’ lives, coding has become an important educational topic during the 21st century. It plays a part in economic growth, employment opportunities, and innovation. However, there are many rumors and false beliefs that parents still have surrounding this field.

Even the most well-informed parents might fall into the trap of believing these myths. Unfortunately, this can misguide and discourage kids from learning to code. 

But it shouldn’t! Discover why programming is right for all different types of kids and what they can learn from coding.

Let’s set the record straight on these 6 kids coding myths.

6 Kids Coding Myths

Myth 1: Coding is for Math People. 
Myth 2: Coding is for Geniuses.
Myth 3: Coding is for Engineers.
Myth 4: Coding is for Left-Brained People.
Myth 5: Coding is a Lonely Job.
Myth 6: Coding is for Nerdy Boys.

Myth 1: Coding is for Math People. 

Math and programming have a somewhat misunderstood relationship. Many people think that you have to be good at math or make good grades in math class before you can even begin to learn programming. How much math do kids need to know in order to learn to code? Not that much actually.

The truth: While mathematics is the foundation of code, kids only need basic math knowledge to learn coding. 

Some languages and applications require higher-level math skills, like AI or data science, but most developers will never come across these. The majority of their work will not go beyond the math they learn in school. 

One study, by the University of Washington, even found that language aptitude was a stronger predictor of the ability to learn coding in Python than mathematical aptitude. This suggests that language skills are more important than numeracy when it comes to coding. Programming involves understanding and manipulating syntax, logic, and problem-solving within a coding language, which aligns more with language abilities than complex mathematical calculations.

In our coding classes, kids are able to create exciting websites, games, and apps without any complicated math knowledge. Much of the math is handled within the code. Even in the advanced courses, where high school students learn to code databases and APIs, a background in higher-level math is not required. 

Myth 2: Coding is for Geniuses.

Programming is often seen as a scary piece of dark magic, some kind of inaccessible ability. You have to be a child genius with a high IQ or a mathematical wizard to learn how to code. 

The truth: Coding isn’t just for the students at the top of the class! 

Programming focuses on logical thinking and problem-solving but does not necessarily require a high IQ. Kids definitely don’t have to be geniuses to be successful and being a genius doesn’t correlate with being good at programming. The key factors are more about logical thinking, problem-solving skills, dedication to learning, and practice, which any child can develop! 

I see students of all backgrounds and interests in my classes and all of them are able to learn basic programming regardless of how “smart” they seem. More importantly, students who have the commitment, perseverance, and willingness to learn from their mistakes will be successful. In the long run, they also have to have a love of learning because code and technology are always evolving. These characteristics are more important than a high IQ.

Myth 3: Coding is for Engineers.

Only software engineers, or people programming for a living, benefit from learning how to code. The only thing you’re learning is how to write code, but this knowledge and training of how to explore on your own, makes you resourceful— that’s a skill you will need in any field.

The truth: Engineering is just one of many fields where coding is beneficial. 

Kids don’t need to pursue a degree in software engineering to utilize their coding skills. Industries like finance, healthcare, and manufacturing, all rely on technology. Coding should be looked at as a skill rather than a career. 

“Code has become the 4th literacy. Everyone needs to know how our digital world works, not just engineers.” – Mark Surman, Executive Director, Mozilla Foundation

Most of the students in my classes don’t plan to become engineers. Coding may be just one of their interests, but they enjoy it and understand the importance of what code can do. Many times, students apply their coding skills to their own interests and problems, which have nothing to do with engineering. Beyond coding, we teach our students how to solve problems and find creative solutions. Even if they don’t become professional software engineers, they have the skills to navigate difficult problems in any career. 

Myth 4: Coding is for Left-Brained People.

The left and right-brained theory suggests that the two different hemispheres of our brains have distinct functions. The left brain, and coding, are typically associated with language processing, logical reasoning, mathematics, and sequential thinking. Coding seems like a very rigid and structured activity, but it’s actually a great place to express your creativity. 

The truth: The left and right-brained theory has been debunked. 

Research has found that both hemispheres of the brain work together and neither has a significantly stronger network on one side. Certain functions may be more localized to one hemisphere, but both sides are involved in complex tasks and interact constantly. So, there is no such thing as being purely “left-brained” or “right-brained”.

The same is true with coding. While coding involves structured logic, it also demands creative problem-solving, design thinking, and adapting to new situations. Coding is both creative and logical, with both sides working together to create a program. Everything from the design to the features to the written code utilizes creative thinking. Kids who learn to code learn to be creative throughout the entire process. 

Our core coding curriculum was specifically designed in a way that allows kids to express their creativity. All of the projects and themes can be customized and there are many opportunities for kids to work on the creative aspects of programs. Ultimately, creative kids can be just as successful in learning to code as logical kids.

Myth 5: Coding is a Lonely Job.

The misconception is that coding is a solitary activity and only for lone wolves. There’s an idea that coders are isolated, but what we don’t see is a vibrant community behind them.

The truth: Coding is typically done on a team and is a very people-centric activity.

“There’s an enormous amount of negotiation required in software engineering. If you don’t like working with people, you are going to hate programming.” – Danielle Feinberg, Pixar Animation

You’ll find that most of the websites and apps you use, even small ones, are built by a team and not by individuals working in a silo. To bring a video game to life, like Minecraft or Roblox, it takes hundreds of programmers, designers, writers, artists, etc. Kids need to learn how to collaborate with many people from diverse backgrounds to complete a big project. The more they’re exposed to different types of people and their working styles, the better teammate they become as well. Being connected actually works to create better code.

This is part of the reason we teach group classes. Not only do the students learn from one another, they are supported by each other in their efforts to learn. Even outside of class time, in the student forum, my students are working together on homework problems and getting advice from their peers. This type of community helps them become better coders, faster. 

Myth 6: Coding is for Nerdy Boys. 

Technology is a male-dominated field because boys are naturally more suited to excel at coding. This perpetuates the idea that girls are not as capable in computer science. 

The truth: Girls are just as likely to be successful at coding as boys. 

“I love art, I love coding, and now I get to make movies,” said Danielle Feinberg, who earned her B.A. in computer science at Harvard. 

There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that boys are inherently better at coding than girls. In fact, research indicates that coding ability is not determined by gender or biological differences. They are more likely due to societal factors like gender stereotypes and exposure to technology. The gender gap in coding indicates a significant gap in STEM and technology fields that starts developing early in education. Girls start to lose interest in coding around elementary school due to societal stereotypes and lack of encouragement.

Many organizations aim to debunk this rumor and bring more girls into coding. We encourage both girls and boys to join our coding programs. Personally, I’ve seen that my female students enjoy coding and are just as good at it as the boys are. Having both men and women in technology and STEM fields also brings different perspectives. We aim to hire an equal number of male and female instructors so that students have diverse role models.

Why should kids learn to code?

The impact of code on our children’s daily lives cannot be denied. Technology will be an important part of their futures and, as a result, coding has become a basic skill for kids. Whether they’re interested in technology and STEM or art and science, they will find learning to code to be a useful skill. 

Learning to code helps them better understand the world around them. It also teaches valuable skills for any future career and builds skills for school and life. It’s an excellent way to learn soft skills, like creativity, confidence, and communication, that are hugely important for kids to thrive in the future. Moreover, it helps them become creators and not simply consumers. Regardless of the career they choose, coding will give them the skills to succeed.

Not convinced? See 26 reasons learning to code benefits your child. 

The truth? Any child can learn to code! 

Don’t let these misconceptions hold your child back. The truth is that any child can learn how to code with the right support and tools. 

Our program at CodeWizardsHQ is designed to be the most fun and effective coding classes for kids in elementary, middle, and high school. The structured curriculum engages kids on their level, so they’re excited about what they can do with code. Through coding, kids develop problem-solving, logical reasoning, and computational thinking skills. As they advance, kids go from complete beginners to coding pros. 

Find out if coding is right for your child. View coding programs to get started. 

The post 6 Kids Coding Myths You Shouldn’t Believe appeared first on CodeWizardsHQ.

Healthy competition is a great way to motivate students to work hard and try their best. For teens learning how to code, high school computer science competitions are an exciting way to challenge themselves, explore their interests in technology, and gain valuable experiences that benefit them both academically and personally.

Whether your child is studying computer science in school or one of our coding classes, it’s a benefit to apply their skills outside of the classroom setting to see if they will translate and find places to improve. Competing is also something that students can add to their college application to show their passion and dedication. Working on a team is a chance to meet like-minded friends and learn from them. 

Depending on their skills and interests, there are several different competitions they can join. These 13 are our top picks for computer science competitions for high school students.

13 Computer Science Competitions for High School Students

1. USA Computing Olympiad (USACO)
2. The National Youth Cyber Defense Competition
3. Imagine Cup
4. NASA App Development Challenge
5. MIT THINK Scholars Program
6. Technovation Girls Challenge
7. Congressional App Challenge
8. FIRST Robotics Competition
9. VEX robotics competition
10. Girls Programming League Challenge
11. HPE CodeWars
12. Stanford ProCo
13. Bebras

1. USA Computing Olympiad (USACO)

Virtual | Free

The USA Computing Olympiad is a competition created to find the best students for the International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI), the most prestigious international computing contest at the high school level, as well as the European Girls’ Olympiad in Informatics (EGOI). Based on the results of the web-based contests throughout the year, approximately two dozen students are invited as finalists to the training camp, hosted at Clemson University. Camp culminates in the selection of 4 students to represent the USA at the IOI and EGOI

There are typically four algorithmic programming competitions during the academic year from December through early spring. Depending on your child’s coding experience, the questions are offered in four divisions for novice (Bronze) to advanced students (Platinum). Students answer the questions individually and responses are submitted in C, C++, Python or Java. There are example problems and solutions from past competitions here.

Why compete: There are no cash prizes, but the possibility of being on the national team is a big accomplishment. The questions are also great practice for coding students.

2. The National Youth Cyber Defense Competition 

Virtual | Paid

The National Youth Cyber Defense Competition, hosted by CyberPatriot, puts teams of 2-6 students in the position of newly hired IT professionals managing the network of a small company. Teams are given virtual operating systems and have to compete in multiple rounds to find and fix cybersecurity vulnerabilities while maintaining critical services. Each team, with the support of a coach and mentor, has to complete two challenges during their six-hour competition period: The Network Security Challenge and The Cisco Networking Challenge. 

The competition provides access to 12 training modules and 4 practice rounds before the scored competition kicks off. They have access to archived training materials on the public side of the website. The top teams in the nation win a trip to the National Finals Competition. There they earn national recognition and scholarship money, like $50,000 from Northrop Grumman. 

Why compete: There are very few competitions that cover cybersecurity in-depth. The structure of this competition provides a lot of training, education, and practice along with mentorship. 

3. Imagine Cup 

Virtual | Free

The Imagine Cup is hosted by Microsoft and helps student founders turn their innovative ideas into market-ready startups. This competition is for high school and college students ages 18 and up. In this competition, students compete virtually in teams of up to . They are challenged to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Microsoft Cloud to build a startup. They get the freedom to create any solution they are passionate about, but it must include at least one Microsoft AI service and consider diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. 

Students compete in multiple rounds including the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) Round, Semifinals Round, and World Championship. Through each round, teams will improve their product and gain benefits including access to Azure credits and industry-leading AI services, mentorship, and guidance. The winners of the World Championship will receive $100,000 USD and an exclusive mentoring session with Microsoft Chairman and CEO, Satya Nadella. 

Why compete: For entrepreneurs, the large cash prize provides the ability to fund their dream business and get support from mentors at Microsoft.

4. NASA App Development Challenge

In-person | Free

The App Development Challenge (ADC) is a coding challenge in which NASA presents technical problems to middle and high school students seeking student contributions to deep space exploration missions. As long as it can be completed in one semester with a $1,000 budget, almost anything is fair game! 

Students compete in teams of at least 5 students led by a Lead Teacher. In this year’s challenge, teams of middle school or high school teams had 10 weeks to create a video showcasing their application visualizing the flight path of Artemis II, while indicating which of SCaN’s antennas are available to communicate with Earth in real-time. Teams advance to present their app in an interview with NASA subject matter experts from the SCaN team. NASA will select the top teams for a culminating event experience in April. Use any programming language (Java, C#, C++, Scratch, etc.) to complete development of an application.

Why compete: This competition focuses on space exploration and students win the opportunity to meet NASA professionals.

5. MIT THINK Scholars Program

In-person and Virtual | Free

The THINK program (Technology for Humanity guided by Innovation, Networking, and Knowledge) is organized by undergraduates at MIT and aims to provides mentorship, funding, and resources to high school students working on science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) projects. Rather than requiring students to have completed a research project before applying, THINK caters to students who have done extensive research on the background of a potential research project, but lack the resources to complete the project themselves.

To compete, students have to identify a problem and write an essay as well as a proposal pitching the project and how it can solve the problem. Selected finalists have weekly mentorship meetings with THINK team members for technical guidance, helpful resources, and updates on the projects progress and are given up to $1,000 in funding for their project. Finalists from 2023 worked on projects like Wall-Climbing Robot in Disaster Zones and Echo: A Sound Solution For Mapping and Navigation in Firefighting.

Why compete: An opportunity for students to fund the app or research they are already passionate about.

6. Technovation Girls Challenge

Virtual | Free 

This global competition inspires girls (participants who identify as female, trans, non-binary, or gender nonconforming), ages 8 to 18, to make a difference in their communities using technology. Working in teams of 1 to 5, girls find a problem in their community and build a mobile or web app to help solve it. In 2024, students tackled problems like Climate change, domestic violence, financial independence, and accessibility. Along the way, these girls develop their collaboration, problem-solving, and leadership skills.

High school students can compete in the Junior Division (13-15 years old) or Senior Division (16-18 years old). Generally, the submissions include a pitch video, technical video, business plan, and mobile or web app source code. Judges then select 15 finalist teams from around the world to attend Technovation’s World Summit in person. Finalist teams will receive a $500/person educational stipend. At the global World Summit event, judges will select 3 Grand Prize Winners and each member of the Grand Prize winning teams will receive a $750/person educational stipend.

Why compete: Teens can win money for school while addressing real problems and making a difference in their community.

7. Congressional App Challenge

Virtual | Free 

The Congressional App Challenge is a district-wide competition hosted by members of Congress for middle school and high school students, encouraging them to learn to code and inspiring them to pursue careers in computer science. The competition is available in participating districts and engages students from communities that are traditionally underrepresented in the tech community. The Congressional App Challenge is also transforming how Congress members view and advocate for computer science and STEM.

Students register as individuals or as teams of up to four to submit an original app, written in any programming language, that addresses a problem locally, nationally, or globally. U.S. Representatives publicly recognize the winning teams and each winning app may be put on display in the U.S. Capitol Building for one year along with additional prizes. 

Why compete: This is a prestigious award and while it focuses on app development, there is a lot of room for creativity. Teens can address problems and be recognized nationally.

8. FIRST Robotics Competition

In-person or Virtual | Paid 

FIRST is one of the most popular robotics competitions for high school students, ages 14-18. Teams practice year-round for the competition. Starting with a Kit of Parts, teams of high school students design, program, and build industrial-sized robots to play an action-packed game. They compete on a themed field as part of a three-team alliance in the spirit of Coopertition, meaning that teams help and cooperate with each other even as they compete.

These competitions combine the excitement of a sporting event with the rigors of science and technology. Teams are made of two adult mentors and 10 or more high school-aged students. Each FIRST Robotics Competition team also creates a team identity, raises funds to meet its goals, and advances appreciation for STEM in its community. The FIRST Robotics Competition season culminates with district and regional events where qualifying teams compete for awards and a spot at the FIRST Championship. Instead of a cash reward, the competition features a variety of awards recognizing different aspects of a team’s performance, including engineering, design, teamwork, community outreach, and leadership.

Why compete: No cash prize, but this is a fun team sport that develops both coding and robotics skills. It’s a good year-round versus one-off activity. 

9. VEX robotics competition

In-person or Virtual | Paid

The VEX V5 Robotics Competition is for students in grades 6-12. This competition prepares students to become future innovators and increase their interest in STEM and related careers. During a VEX Robotics competition, teams of students compete by designing, building, and programming robots to play a specific game on a designated field. They are usually paired into alliances to work together against other alliances, aiming to score the most points by completing tasks within a set time limit.

Tournaments are held in person year-round at the regional, state, and national levels and culminate at the VEX Robotics World Championship! Standard matches are comprised of two alliances of two teams each playing against each other. There are also unique contests using CAD, animation, essays, and more for students who want to participate virtually. 

Why compete: For a robotics competition, it is accessible and beginner-friendly with simpler robot designs.

10. Girls Programming League Challenge 

Virtual | Free

The Girls Programming League Challenge is a competition aimed at inspiring and empowering high school and middle school females to learn computer science and STEM. It’s a one-day virtual event including a 2-hour competition session in the morning and keynote speeches and panel discussions in the afternoon. This past challenge included speakers Katelyn Sweeney from SpaceX and Dr. Jessie Christiansen from NASA to give a female perspective on the state of computer science and astronomy.

Students compete in teams of 1-3 people in either the Novice or Advanced division. In each division, the contest will consist of 10 algorithmic programming problems of varying difficulty to be solved in 2 hours using Java, Python or C++. Awards of up to $100 per team member are given to the winning teams.

Why compete? While there is a small cash prize, this challenge includes a lot of training and advice that the others don’t by hosting speakers and panel discussions.

11. HPE CodeWars

In-person or Virtual | Free

Hewlett Packard Enterprise hosts the CodeWars competition for high school students, ages 13-18. This event combines a high-tech setting, a wide range of programming challenges, plenty of programmer food, music, plus giveaways – all in an exciting, stimulating, and competitive environment. This competition requires beginner knowledge of coding. So, if a student cannot get a “hello world” program to compile and run on their own, they are not ready to be placed on a CodeWars team yet. 

Teams are sponsored by a teacher, or a school-affiliated person, and can enter in the Novice or Advanced division. During the competition, teams of 2-3 students, answer coding problems with the goal of solving as many problems as possible in 3 hours. Each problem carries a point value, with values increasing with problem difficulty. At the end, the teams with the most points win! Submissions can be written in C, C++, Java, and Python 3. Winners are awarded trophies, media recognition, and an opportunity for fun projects. Everyone has the chance to win items from a list of products worth $15,000!

Why compete: This competition is all about the code so it’s helpful for students who want to focus on developing their programming skills.

12. Stanford ProCo 

In-person | Free

ProCo is a computer programming contest for high school students in the style of the college-level ACM-ICPC (International Collegiate Programming Contest). The competition aims to provide a fun and engaging opportunity for high school students in the Bay Area to explore their passion for computer science.

The ProCo, like the ICPC, is a timed competition where teams of up to three students solve real-world problems using algorithmic solutions. The ProCo lasts 3 hours and consists of 9 – 15 unweighted problems. The contest is split into two separate divisions: Novice and Advanced. Students can provide answers in either of these four languages: C, C++, Java, and Python 3+. Depending on the competition, there may be prizes and raffles, including laptops, headphones, chairs, and more. 

Why compete: Teens can experience a college-level competition and interact with Stanford computer science students.

13. Bebras

In-person | Free 

Bebras is an international initiative aiming to promote Informatics (Computer Science, or Computing) and computational thinking among school students from 6 to 18. The challenge is coordinated by a teacher and takes place in the classroom. There are six different age categories, each with a set of tasks to keep things exciting and challenging. High school students can compete as Cadets (age 12-14), Juniors (age 14-16), or Seniors (age 16-18). 

During the competition, each group will get 3 sets of 5 tasks. The 3 sets each have a level of difficulty: easy, medium, or hard. They will have 45 minutes to complete as many tasks as they can. The tasks can all be completed without any preparation or studying. In some regions, there are regional finals. The best students from each age group are invited to spend a day at a university working on more exciting tasks. Teachers can reward the students with a certificate of achievement.

Why compete: Get a solid introduction to computation thinking for beginners and does not require any coding experience.

What to look for in a computer science competition?

There’s likely a computer science competition that will match your child’s interest. Consider these criteria when deciding which is best:

• Individual vs group competitions: Would your child prefer to work with a team or try it on their own? Some competitions allow students to compete individually while others require more than 2 to compete. 
• Coding languages used: Most competitions outline a few languages that students can use in the competition. Teens will want to align their experience with these guidelines. For example, students who are studying JavaScript may not have the coding skills for a Python-based competition.
• Sponsor or mentor required: Your child might also need support from sponsors or mentors to compete. While it’s always nice to have, some competitions require a school or adult team sponsor to participate. This is often a teacher or other school-related adult.
• Skill Level: Most competitions are broken down by age, but others are solely on skill level. Consider your child’s coding skill level and what the competition requires. If your child has just started, a challenge for a completed app may be above their skill level. 
• Format: There are competitions that take place both online and in person, depending on what your teen prefers. A few have initial levels virtually and semifinals or finals in person. 
• Cost: Free competitions are available, but others have costs including registration fees, training materials, travel costs, or event supplies. Teens may want to start with free competitions to gauge their interest.

Why should teens participate in a coding competition?

High school students who are learning how to code will benefit a lot from participating in coding competitions. Students have the opportunity to take their skills outside of the classroom and put them to the test. This competitive environment is just what it takes for students to learn from each other and challenge themselves. They also explore their interests in technology and gain valuable experiences that benefit them both academically and personally.

1. Expand Their Knowledge

Learning to code means constantly expanding your knowledge and a coding competition can do just that. Coding competitions expose teens to real-world problems, teaching new concepts and solidifying old ones. It is a hands-on opportunity to practice coding languages and apply them outside of the classroom. Some competitions also provide learning opportunities and teaching modules or keynote speakers for kids to participate in.

2. Build Their  Skills

Computer science competitions typically emphasize logical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork to tackle challenges. Teens apply the skills they learn while coding to a bigger project. In timed competitions, there’s also the added pressure to solve problems quickly and effectively. Coding competitions put the textbook lessons to practice. It’s a chance to apply the knowledge that teens learn in a practical way.

3. Meet New People

In coding competition, just like the real-world, coding isn’t done alone. At competitions, teens can network and collaborate with peers and mentors. Through these events they build relationships that often go beyond just learning to code. Coding competitions bring together students, mentors, and industry professionals, fostering valuable connections.

4. Add to College Applications

Colleges are seeking high school students who demonstrate their initiative, drive, and passion. Competing in coding challenges shows admissions officers that teens are bringing these skills to their school as well as a love of learning. This is a great way to distinguish one student from other applicants.

5. Learn Teamwork

Many computer science competitions require teamwork, helping students improve communication, leadership, and collaborative problem-solving skills. These skills are important for school and in the workforce. 

6. Win Scholarships and Prizes

Of course, you can’t forget the prizes! These range from scholarships to cash prizes to trips. Students can also win certificates, trophies, or even opportunities to present at prestigious events. While the biggest benefit of the coding competitions is the skills teens will learn, the additional prizes are just the cherry on top. 

Learn Computer Science in High School

These computer science competitions all offer a unique educational opportunity for high school students. Pick the competition that most interests your teen to get started! 
If your high school student has no experience coding but wants to compete, start their journey in our top-rated coding classes for kids.

Our coding program features a structured curriculum where students build on their skills as they advance. In the high school coding program, teens learn to build websites, apps, and games in Python and JavaScript. They also engage in problem-solving, computational thinking, and They’ll learn the skills they need to compete and have the support of our community behind them. View programs and enroll today.

The post 13 Best Computer Science Competitions for High School Students appeared first on CodeWizardsHQ.

Some people believe that coding will be obsolete in the next decade. They believe that with the development of AI technologies, the need for human developers will no longer exist. However, many everyday essentials require code, so it’s unlikely that coding (or the developers that write it) will ever go extinct!

But, it may not always be obvious how code is being used around you. We take a lot of these everyday things powered by code for granted. It’s especially important for kids to understand so they can interact safely with the world around them. When kids ask how code is used, point out these 10 things that don’t work without code. It’s a great time to emphasize how important coding is to the world around us!

10 Everyday Essentials that Depend on Code

1. Internet
2. Social media
3. Smartphones
4. Email
5. Streaming
6. Game consoles
7. Tablets
8. GPS & Navigation
9. Video conferencing
10. Smart assistants

1. Internet

The internet is an obvious one! We use the internet every day at home, at work, and on the go. In 2024, internet users globally spent an average of six hours and 36 minutes online daily (Statista). What are we using the internet for? Social networking, finding information, watching videos, shopping, and much more. The internet powers more than websites though, it’s also a larger network infrastructure that allows various services emails, games, file sharing, and more. 

The internet is built on a foundation of code, so without code, there is no internet. Code underpins internet protocols like HTTP, TCP/IP, and DNS to enable communication between devices. Programming languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, which we teach in our coding classes, create websites and interactive user experiences. As coding languages improve, the internet has become faster, more accessible, and scalable.

2. Social media

Social media is a place for people to share information, connect, and communicate online. It has allowed us to access information in real-time and build relationships with people and brands in a more personal way. All social media platforms, like Instagram and Facebook, are entirely built on code. 

Whether they’re websites or apps, social media doesn’t exist without code. Algorithms and artificial intelligence help personalize the experience on social media and show users content based on their preferences and interests. Code also ensures photos, videos, and posts are stored and delivered efficiently so we can browse and scroll without interruption.

3. Smartphones

Smartphones revolutionized communication starting in the early 90’s and have become ubiquitous in modern society. Even among children, smartphone usage is pervasive. For example, over half of children in the U.S. have their own smartphone by the age of 11. A smartphone differs from a cellphone in that it has more advanced features, including web browsing, software applications, and a mobile OS. The modern smartphone can accomplish tasks like video conferencing, biometric scanning, augmented reality, and more. 

These “smart features” are all written by developers in various coding languages. Smartphones combine the functions of several traditional devices such as a computer, a camera, and a telephone, into one compact device. These connections are powered by code.

4. Email

Our lives have been improved significantly by having the fast and convenient communication of email. We can stay in touch with family and friends as well as keep up with business in a cost-effective manner. Email saves time and money on printing, postage, and delivery and has revolutionized how we communicate and keep records.

Email platforms are all internet-based and therefore use code. Certain code protocols are specific to emails like SMTP, POP, and IMAP for sending and receiving messages. There are also security protocols to ensure your secure and private communications. 

5. Streaming

A streaming service is an online platform that allows users to watch or listen to content over the internet, without having to download it. What’s great about streaming is the speed and the flexibility of being able to consume media. Services like Netflix and Spotify have transformed how we consume content and entertainment from binge-watching to on-demand.

Streaming services are built on code and every aspect of the platform will use code. Developers use programming languages like Python, Java, and JavaScript to handle tasks on the platform that provide a seamless experience for users. This includes video encoding, data analysis, user interface design, content delivery, and complex algorithms. Code is used to deliver the content and personalize recommendations on the platform. 

6. Game consoles

A game console is a device that allows users to play video games on a screen. The console can usually be connected to a television or some are handheld with a built-in screen. Popular consoles today include the Playstation, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox. Game consoles are similar to computers and are designed specifically to deliver a great gaming experience.

Even the original game consoles like Nintendo relied heavily on using code. The difference being that those consoles used very low-level code that had limited processing power and memory. Since then the technology in gaming consoles has developed to more high-level languages. Today’s consoles use powerful game engines and are supported on multiple platforms due to the evolution of coding. Code is used to render realistic graphics and animations. 

7. Tablets

Tablets are portable touchscreen devices that fall somewhere in between a smartphone and a computer. Tablets were originally created as smaller, mobile laptops. The iPad created a new category of devices and revolutionized the way people could interact with digital content. For kids, tablets have made play and education so convenient and easy on-the-go.

The hardware design was a large part of the popularity of the tablet, but the operating system and applications found on your tablet are written using code. Code is also the foundation of the tablets’ accessibility. They have a variety of features that can be customized to meet the needs of people with different abilities. For example, screen readers can help the visually impaired by reading out the text, menus, and icons on the screen, allowing users to interact with the device without seeing it. 

8. GPS & Navigation

GPS (Global Positioning System) and navigation provide us with real-time directions using satellites. A system of 30+ navigation satellites circling Earth regularly emit signals that are picked up by our phones. When you use Google Maps or Uber, your phone (or other GPS receiver) calculates the distance to the satellite to determine your location. 

While GPS is independent of the internet, it is still code-based. The most commonly used language is Python, particularly in conjunction with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) where it’s used for tasks like spatial analysis, data manipulation, and visualization. There are also algorithms that calculate the best, fastest routes based on real-time traffic data.

9. Video Calls

Video calls have become ubiquitous after the global pandemic. They use the internet to facilitate live communication through audio and video. We now make video calls on our computers, phones, and tablets. Video calls are used personally and professionally, for everything from entertainment to education. It’s a way for people to connect globally, face to face.

In apps like Zoom and Microsoft teams, code ensures smooth video and audio transmission between callers. Privacy is also an important part of video calling, so there is encryption code to protect user data during calls. Tools like screen sharing and virtual whiteboards have made collaboration and creation a unique part of video calls.

10. Smart assistants

Smart assistants, like Siri and Alexa, are developed using artificial intelligence to respond to voice commands and perform tasks. They make life easier by helping us with things like grocery shopping, finding new information, and making daily routines more efficient.

Code is used to implement the AI, respond to queries, and perform actions in smart assistants. Algorithms enable the AI to adapt to user preferences over time. Code is also what connects the smart assistant to other devices and apps. 

The Impact of Code on Our Lives

Could we live without code? 

Of course, there was a time when we did. But in the 21st century, technologies based on computer science have had a profound impact on our lives and it’s hard to imagine life without it.

Communication has been transformed.

Connecting with friends and family through email, instant messaging, and video calls wouldn’t be possible without code. We have more access to information than ever on the internet and through social media. We’ve been able to connect globally in an instant.

Improved existing industries.

Industries like healthcare, finance, and manufacturing have made improvements in leaps and bounds using new technologies. In healthcare, code powers diagnostic tools, medical devices, and health monitoring apps. Through these technologies, they are able to personalize medical care and improve outcomes.

Enhanced education and learning.

E-learning platforms, educational apps, and virtual classrooms have made education more fun, accessible, and individualized. Kids can now learn at their own pace with lessons tailored to their individual needs. 

Explore Coding for Kids

As you can see, code is all around us and powers many of the technologies we use every day. Even for kids who don’t want to make coding a career, it’s a useful and beneficial skill to have. 

Learning live with expert instructors is one of the best ways for kids to develop this essential skill. Our online coding classes introduce kids to coding in a fun and engaging way. Kids, ages 8-18, can learn programming languages like Scratch and Python through a project-based curriculum that keeps them motivated.

Join our top-rated coding classes for kids. 

The post 10 Everyday Essentials That Depend on Code appeared first on CodeWizardsHQ.

Ever since STEM was coined by the National Science Foundation in 2001, the U.S. has aimed to expand and improve STEM education. STEM isn’t just a buzzword though, educating our students in STEM has surprising benefits for individuals, communities, and the global economy.  

As a result, the value of a STEM education goes far beyond the classroom. It’s so important that there have been national initiatives to increase STEM proficiency among US students. 

Besides the obvious technical skills students gain, let’s discuss 10 surprising benefits of STEM education.

What is a STEM education? 

STEM is an acronym for “Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics”. STEM education is an interdisciplinary approach to learning that focuses on applying these subjects to solve real-world problems through hands-on, project-based learning. Studying STEM equips students with skills essential for excelling in the 21st-century regardless of whether they go into STEM fields. It also prepares them for rapidly changing technology and advancements in various fields.

Science includes fields such as biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental science. These fields focus on understanding the natural world through observation, experimentation, and analysis. For students, science encourages curiosity about phenomena and fosters evidence-based reasoning. 

Technology includes topics like computer science, programming, digital literacy, and robotics.

In technology fields, students study and application of tools, systems, and software to solve problems. Unlike pure science, which focuses on research and understanding natural phenomena, technology focuses on using that knowledge to create practical solutions.

Engineering teaches the design, building, and maintenance of structures, machines, and systems. Students use their creativity and innovation to address challenges like sustainability and infrastructure development. Engineering has a foundation in science and uses technology, like computer-aided design (CAD), as a tool to solve problems.

Mathematics is the science of numbers and their operations, interrelations, combinations, generalizations, and abstractions. Learning math helps students develop logical reasoning, problem-solving, and quantitative analysis skills as well as understand and apply patterns, data, and formulas. Math forms the foundation for other STEM topics and many advancements in technology, engineering, and scientific discoveries.

STEM education encourages students to approach problems methodically, analyze data, and test hypotheses. This framework of thinking, developed as they study the core disciplines, is then transferable to other areas of life.

The State of STEM Education in the US

The state of STEM education in the United States is important because we need to prepare future generations with technological expertise. Unfortunately, the U.S. appears to be falling behind other countries like Japan and China. The cumulative data points to this including low international rankings in Math and Science, more than 1 million unfilled STEM jobs, and low access to STEM education. 

Several factors stand in the way of improved STEM education, such as costs, accessibility, equity, and qualified instructors. Technology and programming are just one example. According to Code.org, only 60% of public high schools currently offer foundational computer science. This is even lower for middle and elementary schools, so students are forced to seek outside activities and classes to learn STEM skills. In other countries, particularly Europe and East Asia, coding is a core topic and students are taught the basics in primary school.

Without STEM education, we experience a skills gap in the workforce, difficulty adapting to technological change, reduced problem-solving, and much more.

10 Surprising Benefits of a STEM Education

Why consider STEM education for your child? Familiarity with STEM topics is beneficial even for elementary school students. STEM activities nurture kids’ curiosity, encouraging them to ask questions, experiment, and discover the world around them.

These surprising benefits make a STEM education worthwhile and important for kids:

1. Build Resilience and Adaptability

STEM projects often involve trial and error. By learning to embrace failure as part of the process, students develop resilience and adaptability. These are the qualities essential for thriving in a rapidly changing world. When met with difficult challenges, STEM students have resilience and are able to keep pushing forward despite setbacks. 

In coding, kids build resilience through debugging code errors. They apply a problem-solving and critical thinking framework to find a solution and learn not to give up along the way. Our students take pride in overcoming difficult situations and being successful in the end.

2. Improve Technical literacy

An education in STEM equips students with the foundational skills, knowledge, and the right mindset to engage with technology and its applications. It means kids won’t be scared of technology or be taken advantage by it.

Once our students start to understand coding and how programs work, they are able to see how programming is being used all around them. They approach technology with a better understanding, can type and communicate better, and easily adopt new technology.

3. Prepare for the Workforce

STEM careers often come with competitive salaries and job security. According to U.S. News, eight of the top 10 STEM jobs come with annual salaries above $100,000. Fields like software development, engineering, data science, and biotechnology are among the highest-paying professions globally.

Even without going into a STEM field, kids develop skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork that apply to jobs in any field. 

4. Economic Growth and Job Creation

The demand for STEM professionals continues to grow. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, STEM jobs are projected to grow 10.4% between 2023 and 2033, compared to 3.6% in non-STEM jobs. By fostering STEM education, we prepare students to fill these important jobs while driving economic progress.

Many STEM fields require specialized technical skills, and STEM education aligns with industry needs by teaching students to use professional-grade tools, software, and methodologies. This preparation ensures that students are ready to contribute to the workforce.

5. Drive Technological Advancements

STEM education fuels technological innovation which improves quality of life. Not only that, it contributes to technological advancements from medical breakthroughs to renewable energy solutions. STEM graduates often lead advancements that benefit society as a whole.

With coding, humans have been able to create new technologies like the internet, robots, and artificial intelligence. Our students have all kinds of ideas for things they would like to invent and with the coding and STEM skills, they can do it.

6. Promote Inclusivity and Diversity

Efforts to make STEM accessible to underrepresented groups—such as women, minorities, and economically disadvantaged students—help bridge social gaps. A diverse STEM workforce brings varied perspectives, driving creativity and innovation.

Our students are worldwide and I am always learning new things about their different cultures and interests. Our group classes allow kids to work together and experience new ideas together. Kids are exposed to a diverse range of their peers.

7. Encourage Curiosity and Exploration

Children are naturally inquisitive and like to explore. STEM activities nurture this curiosity, encouraging them to ask questions, experiment, and discover the world around them. STEM is hands-on in nature and encourages kids to 

During class, kids are encouraged to ask questions and go beyond the lessons. Students who want to do personal projects can use the CodeWizardsHQ platform to host their files and launch their own programs. 

8. Bridge the Gender Gap

There is a large gap between the number of men and women in the STEM fields. Women are underrepresented, holding less than 30% of science and engineering jobs worldwide. Encouraging girls to engage with STEM from an early age helps close this gap, fostering a more inclusive workforce.

More women in STEM as role models will motivate young girls to pursue a STEM education as well. We hire a diverse set of instructors, including men and women, to teach our students, bringing their unique experiences and perspectives. 

9. Encourage Lifelong Learning

STEM instills a growth mindset, motivating individuals to continually learn and adapt. This mindset is crucial in a world where technological advancements require ongoing upskilling. 

Kids must become lifelong learners in order to work with technology and coding. We teach our students that programmers don’t learn a language and stop learning. The languages themselves evolve and so they must too. Good programmers stay up to date on the latest technology and standards which means a lifetime of continuous learning. 

10. Promote Entrepreneurial Skills

Being entrepreneurial is about being a problem-solver, a clear communicator, a team leader, a visionary, taking risks, pursuing a passion, and so much more.

Many STEM graduates have the skills to become innovators and launch businesses that drive economic growth and technological advancement. Besides the technical skills, they also possess the soft skills to build relationships and manage projects.

These 26 reasons learning to code benefits kids also applies to other STEM topics.

Explore Coding as a Part of Your STEM Education

Coding is a STEM topic that gives kids all of these benefits and more. Our students are developing these skills as they learn to code, so they will be well-prepared for a tech-focused future.

If your child is interested in exploring STEM in a fun and engaging way, coding could be right for them. In our top-rated coding program, kids and teens build projects and advance their skills in every class. Elementary school students start their journey with Scratch while middle and high school students learn Python first. Not only will kids acquire pro-level coding skills, they will gain the benefits of a STEM education.

Get to know our top-rated coding classes for kids and enroll today!

The post 10 Surprising Benefits of STEM Education appeared first on CodeWizardsHQ.

The Scratch pen tool is a fun extension to any Scratch project and teaches kids about conditionals and events. Scratch coding is a great way to introduce fundamental coding concepts to kids and teens. Once they have the basics down, Scratch is powerful enough to make robust apps and games. The pen tool is especially great for creative and drawing projects.

Kids who want to dive in and develop their Scratch skills can learn live from expert instructors. Take a look at our top-rated Scratch classes for kids.

In this article, I’ll show you how to setup the pen tool and creative ways to use it in your project.

What does the pen tool do? 

The Pen tool acts like a digital pen where users can draw, create patterns, and make interactive graphics directly on the Scratch canvas. A mouse or a sprite acts as a pen and draws a line from its center. The Pen can be used to draw simple shapes and lines all the way up to using loops and conditionals to draw complex images and patterns. 

It’s a fun way for kids to enhance their projects. My students especially enjoy the pen projects because they love being able to draw freehand. The Pen tool is often used for creative projects, such as designing art, animating visual effects, or building interactive activities like drawing apps.

Set Up the Pen Tool in Scratch

The Pen blocks are not one of the standard blocks in Scratch so it needs to be added as an extension. To do that, follow these simple steps:

1. Visit scratch.mit.edu
2. Login to your Scratch account
3. Click on the Create button

4. Under the blocks, click Add an Extension

5. Select Pen

Once you’ve applied the extension, you should see a new set of blocks in the block palette called Pen. These blocks will control the Pen application in your project.

Pen Blocks in Scratch

There are a just a handful of Pen blocks, but they can accomplish a lot! 

• erase all
• stamp
• pen up
• pen down
• set pen color to [color]
• change pen color by [number]
• set pen color to [number]
• change pen size by [size]

erase all: Clears all drawings made with the pen tool on the stage. It erases everything drawn without affecting the backdrop or sprites themselves. 

stamp: Copies the current look of the sprite onto the stage as a static image. It’s often used with “Pen Down” and “Pen Up” to create patterns, tiled images, or animated scenes.

pen up: Lifts the pen off the stage, stopping any drawing until “pen down” is used again. This is helpful for moving a sprite without drawing a line.

pen down: This command starts drawing whenever the sprite moves. It’s used to make continuous lines as the sprite moves across the stage.

set pen color to [color]: Allows users to change the color of the pen. This is often used to add colorful designs and drawings.

change pen color by [number]: Adjusts the current color of the pen by a specific value, which can create color gradients or rainbow effects as the sprite draws.

set pen color to [number]: Adjusts the current color of the pen by a specific value, which can create color gradients or rainbow effects as the sprite draws.

change pen size by [size]: Sets the thickness of the pen line. Larger values make thicker lines, which can be useful for emphasizing parts of a drawing.

set pen size to [size] Sets the thickness of the pen line. Larger values make thicker lines, which can be useful for emphasizing parts of a drawing.

Fun Ways to Use the Pen in Scratch

Using the pen tool is kind of like drawing on paper, with a twist. By combining the pen blocks with loops, variables, and other blocks, kids can create all kinds of art and animations. These are just some of the cool things you can do with the pen tool. 

• Draw freehand
• Draw shapes with math
• Customize pen colors/width
• Use variables
• Animation
• 3D
• Using loops with the pen tool

Draw Freehand

You can use any sprite as a pen and draw with it. If you want it to look like you’re drawing with your mouse, simply hide the sprite. This code allows you to draw when your mouse is clicked. You can also set the pen color and size. 

Example project: Paint App

Our student, Kiera, created this simple painting app where the user can make multiple brush selections.

View project

Draw Shapes (with Math)

There are several ways to draw shapes using the pen tool. You can simply use a series of blocks to guide your sprite. Using math, you can build shapes quickly and easily.

To create any shape you need to know:

• Number of sides: Decide how many sides your shape will have (e.g., 3 for a triangle, 4 for a square).
• Angle to turn: Calculate the angle for each turn using the formula: Angle=360∘/Number of sides

For example, this code will draw a triangle with 3 sides that are each 100 pixels. The number of sides is 3 and the angle to turn is 120. Set your sprite to start at the beginning of the shape.

Example project: Pen Shape Drawer

In this app, users can choose the number of shapes, sides, and the size of the lines to generate a drawing. 

View project

Customize pen colors and size

Add your own style and creativity to your project by customizing the pen color and sizes. You can use the “set pen color to” block with an RGB color and “set pen size to” block with a number of pixels. You can even use variables and loops to change these features as you’re drawing with the “change pen color to” and “change pen size to” blocks.

This code draws a 5px line in turquoise when the pen is down:

Example project: Pen Paint

The Pen Paint app uses buttons to controls the size and color of the pen to create beautiful drawings.

View project

Use variables

Using a variable makes your application more flexible and robust. Allow users to select the color and size for the pen dynamically. You can also change the color and size with code as you draw. By adding variables the possibilities are endless.

Set the pen’s thickness based on a number variable with this code:

Example project: Paint App

Our student, Kiera, created this painting app that takes user input and has buttons to create shapes with a click.

View project

Animation

The pen tool can draw shapes and change the size and color of the pen dynamically. This makes it possible to create unique effects in your program. 

This code creates an ongoing circle animation using the pen tool:

Example project: Pen Animation #1 Tutorial

Watch this colorful and entrancing animation that uses just a few pen blocks. 

View project

Using loops with the pen tool

You can use loops in combination with the pen tool to create cool drawings and effects. Create complex shapes using the loop blocks. This code repeats a hexagon drawing to create a unique new shape.

Example project: Fruit Ninja

Fruit Ninja is a student favorite where we cut the fruit using a line drawn with the pen tool. 

View project

3D Drawings

The pen tool can also be used to make 3D drawings. Even though Scratch doesn’t provide tools specifically for creating 3D art, a combination of existing blocks and the pen tool can help you create the illusion of 3D graphics.

One way is to create multiple layers with stamps, to create a 3d effect. We applied this to create a 3d block.

Example project: 3D Maze Rendering

Go beyond the flat 2D drawings and render 3D graphics with the pen tool.

See project

Project Ideas Using the Pen Tool 

Do you need some inspiration for your first pen project? You’d be surprised at everything the pen tool can do. Check out some of the most loved Scratch pen projects:

• Pen football (23431 Hearts)
• Pen Platformer (14839 Hearts)
• 100% Pen Bloons Tower-Defense (10067 Hearts)
• Butterfly (7057 Hearts)
• RACE! (pen) (5710 Hearts)
• Mysterious Pen (5698 Hearts)
• Shufflepuck (5211 Hearts)
• Pen designs (4334 Hearts)
• Sky run (4192 Hearts)

Download Free Printable Scratch Coding Tutorials PDF

Get the Rocketship Landing game and Flying Space Cat Scratch tutorials in a printable format.

Learn to Code Games in Scratch 

The pen tool is just one type of extension in Scratch. Besides the basic blocks like Controls, Motion, and Variables, there are extensions that use artificial intelligence, text-to-speech, and video sensing. Kids can learn to code in Scratch with these extensions and more in our Elementary Schoool Core Track.

In our elementary school coding program, kids, ages 8-10, use Scratch to learn fundamental coding concepts. With a solid foundation in programming concepts, they can then advance to text-based languages like JavaScript and Python.

If you want support teaching your child to code, enroll in our top-rated Scratch coding classes.

The post Fun Ways to Use the Pen Tool in Scratch appeared first on CodeWizardsHQ.

Fortnite, an online video game platform, has become one of the most popular among kids and teens, so parents should get familiar with it as well.

The most popular game is a multiplayer shooting game called Fortnite: Battle Royal. In 2024, it was the top battle royale game on Twitch and YouTube, with over 13.3 million weekly viewer hours. Fortnite is wildly popular because it combines features of survival, building, and combat games.

In our online classroom, we use Fortnite as a teaching tool. Kids can use the creator mode to build their own games while learning foundational game design and development concepts. One of our top priorities while kids are in Fortnite is keeping them safe. 

Here are our best tips for parents to keep their kids safe in Fortnite.

The Importance of Parental Controls in Fortnite

Parental controls are a way to make sure your child is safe while they are having fun in Fortnite. The biggest safety concerns are the multiplayer features and the interactions with strangers.

While Fortnite does have some moderations in place, live, unmoderated chats are possible, putting kids at risk.

Fortnite’s graphics style makes it less gory than games like Call of Duty. But it includes violence, like shooting and killing, so the content may not be appropriate for younger kids. The parental controls give you the power to manage communication features like voice and text chat, restrict access to mature content, manage screen time, and limit in-game purchases.

The Fortnite platform has many different games, some of which are more appropriate for kids. For example Fortnite: Party Royale does not include any shooting or killing. It’s a space for kids to chat and hang out, enjoy entertainment, and compete with friends. You should review the individual game your child is playing and ensure it’s appropriate for them. 

Safety Concerns for Kids in Fortnite

Fortnite is rated T for Teen by the ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board). This signifies that the content is generally suitable for ages 13 and up. 

The game may contain violence, suggestive themes, crude humor, minimal blood, simulated gambling and/or infrequent use of strong language. For this reason, it’s not recommended for kids under the age of 13. 

Some of the main safety concerns parents should be aware of include:

• Player communications
• Inappropriate content
• Privacy
• In-game purchases
• Excessive screen time

Player Communications

One of the primary concerns is interacting with other players, especially strangers. Most games in Fortnite are multiplayer and require some level of cooperation. In the game, players often communicate with one another through voice and text chat. Fortnite users can also communicate outside the game with anyone who contacts them. 

Look out for: 

While most of these interactions are not problematic, you want to monitor for behaviors like cyberbullying and inappropriate content or language. In rare cases, there is the risk of online predators attempting to communicate with children in Fortnite. 

How to address it:

Use Parental Controls to disable or limit chat features, there are ways to limit the chat functionality to only your party or friends. You can also encourage your child to play only with friends they know in real life and be aware of who they are adding as friends. Discuss the importance of reporting abusive players and take steps to report them in game.

Inappropriate Content 

Generally, Epic Games does not allow any content higher than a Teen rating in Fortnite so the content is pretty kid-friendly. However, Fortnite’s gameplay and themes may not always align with what parents consider appropriate. Some content may not be appropriate for all ages, but the content is updated in every season, so take steps to regularly review it.

Look out for: 

The game involves shooting and eliminating players, so there is mild violence that may not be suitable for all children. Custom maps or community creations in Creative Mode may include inappropriate themes or images. Player interactions can also expose kids to mature language or topics.

How to address it:

Use Fortnite’s Parental Controls to set age-appropriate restrictions. Enable the Mature Language Filter in the parental control settings for inappropriate language. Supervise gameplay and review Creative Mode maps before your child plays them. Generally, encourage your child to play with friends on maps you have approved. 

Privacy

It’s crucial for kids to protect their identities online and limit the exposure of personal information. With Fortnite’s chat features, kids may inadvertently give away private information even if they don’t mean to. Malicious people and predators can take advantage of this to collect sensitive information.

Look out for: 

Messages that contain or reference personal details such as real names, school names, addresses, phone numbers, or other identifying information. Any direct messages with strangers and new friends and check for suspicious questions about personal or account information. Do not post identifying information like real-life photos or social media handles. 

How to address it:

Educate your child about the importance of keeping personal information private. Review your child’s privacy settings and ensure features like friend requests are restricted. Hide their username and others by making them anonymous. Discuss ground rules with your child and teach them what constitutes personal information and how to keep it safe. Encourage them to play with close friends and family to ensure safe interactions.

In-Game Purchases

Fortnite is free to play, but offers in-game purchases like skins, emotes, and battle passes. There are new items for purchase daily in the item shop. This could become a financial concern if children are not monitored or spend excessively. 

Look out for: 

More frequent purchases or excessive amounts of money spent, including unexpected charges on your payment option. Unintentional purchases as kids may be making purchases without realizing it. Exceeding spending limits you set and changes in behavior like secrecy or anxiety around showing you their account or character.

How to address it:

Parents can disable or require approval for purchases through parental controls. Instead of linking credit cards, limit your child’s spending by using prepaid gift cards. Discuss the value of money with your child and set a budget for in-game purchases.

Excessive Screen Time

Fortnite is a fun and engaging game and there is no end to it. Kids can continue to play every season and spend hours playing with friends. This is fun for kids, but it can lead to excessive screen time, disrupting sleep schedules, homework, or other activities.

Look out for: 

Kids spending too much time in Fortnite and prioritizing Fortnite over homework, chores, or social activities. 

The game’s competitive nature and rewards system can lead to compulsive playing habits. Staying up late at night to play and experiencing fatigue during the day. Losing track of time, spending hours in the game without realizing how much time has passed. 

How to address it:

Set boundaries for game time. It’s often difficult for kids to stop playing and that’s how games are built. You should establish clear boundaries for playtime using the parental control features provided by the platform. Ensure that your child has a balanced schedule with time for other activities, such as outdoor play, homework, or family time.

How to Setup Fortnite Parental Controls

To setup parental controls, you first need to add a parental controls pin.

Add a Parental Controls Pin

1. Login to your child’s Epic Games account at https://www.epicgames.com/
2. Select the Player Icon (circle in with an image of your character) in the upper right corner
3. Select Account 

4. Select Parental Controls

5. Choose 6-digit Parental Controls PIN

This PIN will be required to change parental controls in the future, so make sure to set a PIN that is different from other PINs that you use and is easy for you to remember.

You’re all set! You will now see options to select your parental control preferences. To use the following settings, you will need to have a parental control pin setup.

Manage In-Game Spending

Require a PIN for Purchases

1. Select Parental Controls in your child’s Epic Games account
2. Enter your 6-digit pin
3. Go to the General tab 

4. Scroll to Epic Games Payment and toggle the button for “Always require a PIN for purchases using Epic Games payment service”.
   • On: Your PIN will be required to complete any purchase on Epic Games.
   • Off: Your child will be able to complete payments without a PIN.

Set Time Limit controls

1. Select Parental Controls in your child’s Epic Games account
2. Enter your 6-digit pin
3. Click the Time Limits tab

4. For each game, set the time limit separately. Click Set Time Limits next to the Fortnite game. Here you can limit gameplay time, choose time windows, and allow kids to request more time.

Limit the total amount of time your child can play

1. Select Parental Controls in your child’s Epic Games account
2. Enter your 6-digit pin
3. Click the Time Limits tab

4. Click Set Time Limits

5. Under Schedule toggle on Set Custom Daily schedules

6. Click Edit 

7. Under Time Limit add the number of hours and minutes your child is allowed to play

8. Click Save

Choose specific time windows when your child can play

1. Select Parental Controls in your child’s Epic Games account
2. Enter your 6-digit pin
3. Click the Time Limits tab

4. Under Schedule toggle on Set Custom Daily schedules

5. Click Edit 

6. Under Time window add one or more time windows 

7. Click Save

Allow your child to request more time

1. Select Parental Controls in your child’s Epic Games account
2. Enter your 6-digit pin
3. Click the Time Limits tab

4. Scroll down to check off Allow requests for more time via email

Time Reports for Fortnite

1. Select Parental Controls in your child’s Epic Games account
2. Enter your 6-digit pin
3. Click the Time Reports tab

4. Select On or Off

Text and Voice Chat Settings

Toggle off mature language

1. Select Parental Controls in your child’s Epic Games account
2. Enter your 6-digit pin
3. Go to Fortnite Settings tab

4. Scroll down to Mature Language
5. Toggle the button for Filter out mature language in Epic text chat
   • On: Mature language in text chat will be filtered and replaced with heart symbols.
   • Off: Text chat won’t be filtered for mature language.

Require a PIN to add friends

1. Select Parental Controls in your child’s Epic Games account
2. Enter your 6-digit pin
3. Go to Social Permissions tab

4. Scroll down to Epic Friends Permission
5. Toggle the button for Require PIN to add Epic friends
   • On: You will need to enter your PIN everytime your child tries to send or accept an Epic Games friend request.
   • Off: Your child can send or accept friend requests without a pin.

Allow or Block Voice Chat

1. Select Parental Controls in your child’s Epic Games account
2. Enter your 6-digit pin
3. Go to Social Permissions tab

4. Scroll down to Epic Voice Chat Permission
5. Select who your child can voice chat with
   • Everybody – allow voice chat with any players.
   • Friends & Teammates – allow voice chat with friends on their Epic friends list and people on their team who may not be on their friends list.
   • Friends Only – allow voice chat with friends on their Epic friends list, other people in the party will not hear them.
   • Nobody – block voice chat for all players.

Allow or Block Text Chat

1. Select Parental Controls in your child’s Epic Games account
2. Enter your 6-digit pin
3. Go to Social Permissions tab

4. Scroll down to Epic Text Chat Permission
5. Select who your child can voice chat with
   • Everybody – allow text chat with any players.
   • Friends & Teammates – allow text chat with friends on their Epic friends list and people on their team who may not be on their friends list.
   • Friends Only – allow text chat with friends on their Epic friends list, other people in the party will not see their texts.
   • Nobody – block text chat for all players.

Manage Content Ratings

• Select Parental Controls in your child’s Epic Games account
• Enter your 6-digit pin
• Go to Fortnite Settings tab

• Scroll down to Fortnite Content Rating
• Choose an option for Require PIN to access experiences in Fortnite rated above:
  • Everyone
  • Everyone 10+ 
  • Teen

Report Users In-Game

If your child experiences any issues with other players during the game, there is a way to report bad player behavior in-game or from voice chat.

1. In the game, click the Menu icon.

2. Click the 3 lines hamburger icon.

3. Select REPORTING.

4. Click REPORT A BUG, PLAYER, OR ISLAND

5. Select Report Player.

6. Select the player’s name you wish to report.

7. Select the reason you want to report the player.

8. Click ACCEPT to send the report

Cabined Accounts

Cabined accounts are meant to provide a safer experience for younger kids from the start. All players that indicated they are under 13 years of age will have a cabined account. This means they will be asked to provide a parent or guardian’s email address in order to receive consent to access certain features in Epic’s products. Certain features are also automatically disabled in Cabined accounts. You can’t un-cabin an account, but you can set the parental control to allow certain features or experience ratings.

Learn more about cabined accounts.

How to turn off Fortnite parental controls

To turn off parental controls from an Epic Games account, you can:

1. Sign in to the Epic Account Portal at https://www.epicgames.com/
2. Select Account

3. Click Parental Controls from the left-hand menu

4. Enter your six-digit PIN
5. Choose the desired on/off state for each setting 

Tips for Monitoring Your Child’s Gameplay

These are actionable ways to monitor your child’s gameplay and address concerns about communication, content, privacy, and screen time.

Setup Fortnite Parental Controls

Start by setting up the built-in Parental Controls in Epic Games. These settings allow you to customize your child’s experience and minimize exposure to inappropriate content or interactions. There are options to restrict chat, set time limits, content, and friends.

Review Game Content Regularly

The game content changes often in Fortnite, so stay up to date with what your child is playing by reviewing the game content. New items are added in the store daily and updates, like new weapons and customizations, are made to the game weekly. Seasons change about every two months. Periodically you should also review maps in Creative Mode, as some user-created content may not be age-appropriate. Once completed, watch replays of their games to identify potential concerns, such as interactions with strangers.

Set Up Device-Level Parental Controls

Most parental controls are set in the Epic Account Portal, but your device may have additional settings. On the individual device, you can go to the Parental Controls section of Fortnite’s menu. Use these built-in settings to limit playtime, disable purchases, and control online interactions.

They are a great start, but combining them with regular discussions about online safety and device-level controls provides the best protection for kids. 

Learn to Code in Fortnite

If your child enjoys playing Fortnite, try exploring their passion for games in our Fortnite summer camp. Developers and game designers are the ones behind Fortnite. One day your child could be building games like Fortnite too. 

In our 1-week Fortnite camp, students craft their own unique gaming experience, complete with a personalized map, enemy, characters, and game objectives using Unreal Engine. They’ll also leave with the skills to independently create more Fortnite games in the future. Live, online camps are available for kids ages 11-18. 

Enroll in our top-rated Fortnite summer camps.

The post Fortnite Parental Controls: What Every Parent Should Know appeared first on CodeWizardsHQ.

When I ask my students what they want to do when they grow up, most of them don’t want to be developers. Even though they’re learning to code, they have many varied interests. There are the YouTubers, gamers, biologists, teachers, etc. 

I tell them that coding is a skill that translates across all of these industries and careers. It’s become a core skill for kids growing up in the AI generation. But it doesn’t only apply to becoming a developer or working with websites. It opens up possibilities for kids and teens in many industries and career types. 

Besides coding skills, when kids learn to code they are learning soft skills that translate to non-technical careers as well. 

Let’s take a look at some of the skills kids develop when they’re coding that will help in non-tech careers.

What are employers looking for? 

First, we should understand what is important to employers. 

There are skills that every employer looks for and it’s not always a strong GPA or tons of experience. With online applications, employers have to look through hundreds of resumes. All of these applicants meet the minimum requirements for the job. So, what makes them choose one candidate over another?

According to NACE’s (National Association of Colleges and Employers) Job Outlook 2024 report, these are the top attributes employers seek on a candidate’s resume:

“90% of employers responding to the Job Outlook 2024 survey indicated they are seeking evidence of a student’s ability to solve problems”

Notably, when asked what attributes they are looking for on the resumes of the job candidates they consider for their job openings, nearly 90% of employers responding indicated they are seeking evidence of a student’s ability to solve problems and nearly 80% are seeking candidates who have strong teamwork skills.

These skills have nothing to do with the technical requirements of the job. Employers want someone who can go above just the to-do list and work well within a team.

The top 5 attributes employers seek are:

1. Problem-solving skills
2. Ability to work on a team
3. Communication skills (written)
4. Strong work ethic
5. Flexibility/adaptability

Coding teaches all of these skills in different ways. 

Skills that kids learn in coding

All of these skills are naturally developed while kids learn to code. If your child learns to code, even if they don’t choose a career that requires coding, they will be prepared. 

Problem-solving skills

Just like this is the top skill employers are looking for, it’s also the top skill kids learn from coding. Every step of coding involves solving problems and coming up with the correct solution. Sometimes there’s just one right answer, but often there are many ways to solve a coding problem.

Let’s say kids want to create a button that triggers a pop-up. We ask them to break the creation of the button down into multiple steps. They deconstruct the big problem, the development of the button, into smaller problems like the front-end visual of the button and then the back-end code.

Debugging is another aspect of coding that requires problem-solving. If the button isn’t working the first time, we ask students to review each step of their code to identify the problem and come up with a solution. Programmers will test the button, edit their code, and test again. This iterative process teaches kids how to think critically about their solution and why it’s not working.

By practicing consistently, kids develop a problem-solving framework that guides them to a solution every time. This framework can be applied not just to coding, but to any problems they have.

Ability to work on a team

Most development projects are done by a team of developers, sometimes even hundreds. Each of these developers may have specialized skills or a specific part of the development process. 

Working on a team means learning how to interact with people who have different personalities and backgrounds. The more exposure they have to new opinions and ways of working, the more prepared they’ll be for the workforce. 

In our group classes, kids learn about teamwork by working together towards a common goal. As a team, kids experience sharing their successes and working through roadblocks together. When one person has a bug in their homework, we review the code as a class and come up with solutions. This improves the ability of all students.

This experience will help kids in any job. At a new job or with clients, you never know what kind of personalities you will be interacting with. They’ll have the ability to handle those interactions and deal with all different types of people.

Communication skills (written)

Essentially, what programmers do is communicate with a computer through a coding language. When kids learn to code, they are learning to communicate in a new written language. It requires them to write clear code and documentation for others to understand. Coding also requires that kids be detail-oriented and attentive. Even a small mistake can break a program.

Besides the code, developers write comments for those reading their code, mostly other developers. This requires clear communication of what each piece of code does. They may also leave notes about bugs and fixes. 

Kids’ typing skills also improve when they’re coding. They will get better at typing faster and type more accurately. Faster typing skills make them a more effective communicator and worker.

Almost every job relies on good written communication skills, even if they’re offline. Having good communication skills translates to writing emails, reports, and more. It makes you a valuable team member.

Strong work ethic

A strong work ethic is a demonstrated commitment to your job and doing your best work. Coding develops a strong work ethic in kids because they have to be resilient and persistent to understand difficult concepts and problems and stick with the learning process. 

Developers often work hours or even days just to fix one small bug in their code. This requires them to continue trying in the face of failure. Kids who have been coding consistently over a long period of time show their commitment to learning and growing. They are able to persevere when there are difficult problems.

In the workplace, they may experience these types of problems also. Instead of giving up, kids who have done coding will continue to try. 

Flexibility/adaptability

While coding may seem rigid, it actually requires a lot of adaptability. It encourages kids to approach problems from multiple angles, embrace change, and adjust to unforeseen challenges.

For example, developers may have a plan for how to build an app. Oftentimes, the code isn’t working the way they expected This requires a different solution or approach to complete the task or project. They have to pivot and come up with a new plan. This could cause a lot of stress and frustration, but kids who code have experience handling this situation. They are more flexible to change and coming up with creative solutions. 

Debugging is an important part of what we teach kids too. This shows them that setbacks are temporary and part of the process. They have to adjust to unforeseen circumstances and fix them before they can move on. This fosters a flexible and adaptable mindset.

In other jobs, being able to adapt quickly is always beneficial. There are many fast-paced industries that benefit from this.

There are many other skills that kids will gain from learning how to code. See these 26 reasons learning to code benefits your child.

Non-tech careers that also use coding

Kids can also apply their coding skills to other non-tech careers. More and more, the use of code is being used to enhance the productivity and output of other industries.

Entrepreneurs

Building a successful business requires many different skills, but knowing how to write programs gives kids a competitive edge in creating their own products.

Having coding skills has allowed many founders, like Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk, to start their businesses. Without these skills, they would have had to rely on a development team. Instead, they were able to do it themselves and innovate new ideas.

As an entrepreneur, knowing how to code also gives them the knowledge to better communicate with the development team. They’re able to bridge the gap between the business and technical sides of their company.

Musicians 

Coding has been used in music for a variety of purposes, including music programming, cryptography, and identifying recordings. Music programmers produce music using electronic devices and computer software. A music software engineer is a professional who designs, develops, and maintains software applications used in the music industry. They work with musicians, producers, and sound engineers to create and enhance software that is used to create and produce music.

Much of the music you hear from your favorite artists is computer-generated. But coding skills take this power to a much higher level. Developers have also created AI that produces new music from just a simple text prompt. 

Scientists 

Scientists often deal with storing and accessing large datasets, the perfect thing for a computer to do. Programming skills can make data collection and analysis efficient and effective. Machine learning algorithms help identify patterns in complex data, such as genomics or climate studies. Coding then enables the creation of graphs, charts, and interactive visualizations to better interpret data and communicate results.

They also create models to predict possible outcomes and solve complex problems. Scientists use coding to simulate phenomena like weather patterns, molecular interactions, or ecological systems. Simulations allow for testing theoretical models before conducting costly or time-intensive experiments.

Coding is also used to program robots, drones, and autonomous vehicles for fieldwork, like underwater exploration or planetary rovers. By leveraging coding, scientists gain the tools to tackle complex problems, enhance efficiency, and make discoveries that would be impossible with manual methods alone.

See more unexpected careers that involve coding.

Explore Coding for Kids

The skills learned in coding are important no matter what kids decide to do. Writing code may only be a small part of their lives. But the soft skills they learn will last them a lifetime.

In our coding classes, we teach kids not just how to code but prepare them with the skills they need for college and career. Students learn live with an expert instructor and build projects in every class. When they complete the program, they also leave with a portfolio of unique projects so they have a proven track record of success. 

Enroll in our top-rated coding classes to develop these skills and more!

The post Kids Coding Skills that Help in Non-Tech Careers appeared first on CodeWizardsHQ.

With the right tools, kids don’t have to just sit back and play video games. They can learn to develop and design their own games. Video game design teaches kids about art and technology in a hands-on way while building problem-solving, critical thinking, and creative skills. 

If your child loves playing video games and wants to go behind the scenes or you find them drawing levels and characters, video game design is a great fit. Students in our coding classes love customizing the looks, characters, and themes for their games. It’s rewarding to see my students’ individuality come out and how excited they are when their ideas form in front of them. Not only are they learning the coding languages, the classes give them the space to be creative and innovative.

Whether your child wants to become a professional game designer or simply have fun with a creative outlet, it’s a worthwhile activity to design a game. In this article, I’ll explain how kids can get started and kid-friendly tools to use in video game design.

What is video game design for kids? 

Video game design is the process of creating the rules, content, and gameplay for a video game. It is one part of game development and includes computer science, graphic design, user experience, and creative writing. 

Game design is often a collaborative effort involving multiple roles, from artists and writers to programmers and level designers. It’s also a creative and technical process where kids can learn about art, coding, and more. Game design requires a lot of creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

Steps for Video Game Design

How exactly does video game design work? This is an outline of the video game design and development process.

1. Come up with a game concept
2. Put together a Game Design Document
3. Design the art and assets
4. Design the user interface (UI)
5. Write the code
6. Test the game & reiterate
7. Launch!

1. Come up with a game concept

The first step for video game designers is to come up with a concept that they think people will enjoy. They may have certain requirements they are trying to meet or a specific audience the game will cater to. Many designers are inspired by their personal interests or experiences. This is the time to brainstorm the core game ideas, such as the setting, plot, characters, genre, and gameplay style.

In Pacman, the game concept is a maze game where a ghost eats dots for points while avoiding the ghosts.

2. Put together a Game Design Document

The game design document is like a blueprint for the game. It will guide the rest of the design and development process. Once there is a clear concept for the game, the game information should be written down in a Game Design Document. This is where designers expand on the original concept and solidify what the game will look, feel, and play like. This might include outlines and storyboards to stay organized.

Here is an example of a one page Game Design Document.

3. Design the art and assets

In this step, the visual elements of the game are created like the characters, levels, and special items. This is the most artistic part of the design process. Artists use different software and techniques to design the 2D or 3D graphics that represent the game. 

A fantasy game might include assets like these:

4. Design the user interface (UI)

User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) design ensure the game is easy to play and navigate. This step includes designing the menus, buttons, and settings screens. It also covers how the players navigate through the game like the instructions and dialogue. 

This is the start screen UI for Spongebob’s The Patrick Star Game, you can also see more of the game UI.

5. Write the code

Now, it’s time to put the pieces together by writing the code for the game. This usually starts with putting together a prototype or mockup of the game to test the functionality. Developers break the game down into smaller parts and build each of them. The code controls how the players move, the score, levels, and more. They tie together the game mechanics with the art design to bring the game to life.

6. Test the game & reiterate

Testing is an important part of the development process to make sure everything works as expected and the game is free of bugs. Instead of developing the entire game at once, many developers will code parts, test them, fix the bugs, and then continue. They can also test the game in parts or its entirety with select family and friends to get feedback on how to improve it. 

7. Launch!

After a few cycles of development and testing, it’s time to release the game!  This is when you make the game accessible to other players. You can share the game on different gaming platforms or social media. Even after launch, most developers continue to make improvements through a feedback cycle and different game updates.

Skills Kids Learn from Video Game Design

There are a lot of important skills that kids gain through designing a video game. It’s the perfect activity to expand their artistic abilities through design and technical skills through coding. They’ll also learn:

• Creativity
• Problem-solving
• Logical Thinking
• Communication & Collaboration
• Confidence

Creativity

If the game design process is anything, it’s creative! In every part of the design and development process, kids have to think creatively and the possibilities are endless. There is no shortage of types of genres, characters, or gameplay abilities that kids can work on. Kids have to visualize a world and tell a story through their artwork and gameplay. The world-building, artistry, and storytelling are important parts of any game. Whatever is in their wildest imagination can be represented in a game.

Problem-solving

The development and testing process involves finding bugs and figuring out how to fix them. This requires a problem-solving process and patience, especially for a robust game with a lot of features. There will also be times when the original plan doesn’t work and kids are forced to pivot and think of a new solution. For example, if a game feature that your character heavily relied on can’t be executed, what can you do instead? These types of problems require kids to think creatively about the specific problem to come up with a plan.

Logical Thinking

Coding naturally develops logical thinking skills. Kids think step by step about the game mechanics and the effect of each action. Designing mechanics like scoring, health, or player movements requires logical structuring to ensure each action has a specific effect. They learn the importance of sequencing, like making sure each action flows logically and doesn’t interrupt the game’s flow.

Communication and Collaboration

In most cases, games will require the knowledge and effort of more than one person. This means kids have to learn to effectively communicate with different types of people and across multiple mediums, for example in writing or face to face. They’ll have to explain their ideas and concepts as well as ask questions and give and take feedback. This fosters the ability to communicate with others and work together as a team. 

Confidence

Creating their own game will be something that kids are proud of and builds their self-confidence. Kids learn resilience through the problems they solve and all the small wins they have throughout the process. They also develop a strong sense of accomplishment through completing a game and have a tangible project to show for it.

Not convinced? Read the 26 Reasons Learning to Code Benefits Your Child. 

5 Free Kid-Friendly Game Design Tools

Ready to jump into designing a game? Use one of these free kid-friendly game design tools. 

• Scratch
• Roblox studio
• Game Maker
• Unreal Editor
• Unity

Scratch

Best For: Ages 8+; beginners with no coding experience.

Description: Designed by MIT, Scratch is a beginner-friendly platform where kids can drag-and-drop blocks to create simple games, animations, and stories. Scratch is a block-coding language which is ideal for younger students with limited typing skills. It’s the main tool we use in our elementary school coding program because it teaches fundamental coding concepts in a simple way.

Key Features:

• Simple interface with blocks that snap together, introducing programming logic.
• Large library of tutorials and a community where kids can share their creations.
• Encourages creativity and teaches the basics of logic and sequence without needing complex code.

Roblox Studio

Best For: Ages 10+

Description: Roblox Studio is a 3D game design platform where kids can build games and experiences within Roblox, using Lua scripting for added customization. This platform is used by beginners and professionals alike.  And it’s quick to get started, it only takes 15 minutes to build a simple obby game! 

Key Features:

• Enables kids to design 3D worlds, characters, and interactions.
• Adds Lua scripting capabilities for more advanced game logic and mechanics.
• Games can be shared and played by millions in the Roblox community.

Game Maker Studio 2

Best For: Ages 12+

Description: GameMaker Studio is a flexible game development engine that allows users to create 2D games with or without coding using its drag-and-drop interface or the GameMaker Language (GML). GameMaker is relatively easy to learn compared to other game engines and it’s possible to make a game without much coding.

Key Features:

• Drag-and-drop coding that offers visual scripting for beginners.
• Games can be exported to multiple platforms, including PC, mobile, and console.
• Provides tools for creating and managing sprites, animations, and sound.

Unity

Best For: Ages 13+

Description: Unity is a popular game engine for creating both 2D and 3D games known for its extensive tutorials, community support, and compatibility with various platforms.

Key Features:

• C# scripting for complex game mechanics through C# programming.
• Access to a wide range of assets, including 3D models, textures, sounds, and plugins.
• Games can be built for PC, mobile, web, and console.

Unreal Engine

Best For: Ages 13+

Description: Unreal Editor is a professional-grade game development tool used in the gaming industry, offering both a visual scripting tool (Blueprints) and powerful 3D game design capabilities.

Key Features:

• Blueprints: Visual scripting system for building game mechanics without code.
• Advanced Graphics: High-quality rendering for realistic 3D environments and effects.
• Extensive Asset Marketplace: Access to thousands of pre-made assets and resources.

Fun Game Design Projects for Beginners

Kids, ages 8 and up, can try designing a game using our free projects and tutorials. 

• Flappy Bird
• Rocket Landing
• Flying Space Cat
• Disappearing Snowman

Flappy Bird Game

Flappy Bird is a version of a popular mobile game application. The player controls the bird while it flies through the air avoiding the pipe obstacles. It replicates an existing game on the Scratch platform. Kids can design their own assets or choose from the Scratch library. This game is fully customizable. 

Design a Flappy Bird game.

Rocket Landing Game

Rocket landing is a simple coding activity where kids have to land a rocket on a moving platform. They’ll learn how to alert the winners and losers which is a common game element. There are only a few elements to code, so the concepts and code are easy to follow. This activity also includes a full tutorial video and printable PDF for extra support to complete it.

Design a Rocket Landing game 

Flying Space Cat Game

In this game, kids travel across space collecting crystals and use game logic to keep score. Collecting is a popular mechanic in games and is easily coded in Scratch with the same basic logic. They’ll learn how to animate a moving background and in just a few steps have a completed game. This is an easy activity for beginner game designers.

Design a Flying Space Cat game

Disappearing Snowman Game

This is a classic word game turned into JavaScript code. Kids will use code to check for matches between their secret word and the player’s, otherwise their snowman starts to melt. A nice starter activity for kids learning vanilla JavaScript. They can design their own graphics and design any background or theme.

Design a Disappearing Snowman game

Video Game Design Classes for Kids

Our kids coding program builds foundational coding skills through coding games, websites, and apps. While not every class is focused on game development, the overall program gives kids the skills to design and develop any game they want.

Scratch Game Design

Animations and Games with Scratch (Ages 8-10, Beginners)

Students are introduced to block programming in Scratch and how to think like a programmer while building fun, interactive projects and games. This unique class uses the Scratch platform to make learning complex concepts and advanced programming skills fun!

Logic with Scratch (Ages 8-10, Intermediate)

Students build on what they learned in Animations and Games with Scratch while learning new programming techniques and building more sophisticated apps and games. This course leverages the Scratch platform and block-based programming language to make programming easy and enjoyable for young learners.

Python Game Design

Intro to Programming with Python (Ages 11-13, Beginners)

Students learn fundamental programming concepts while building fun, interactive projects in Python. Our unique classes use custom Python libraries to make programming easier and more enjoyable.

Beyond Basics with Python (Ages 11-13, Intermediate)

Students are challenged to move beyond the basics of Python through building interactive apps and games. Our courses build a solid technical foundation while also cultivating an enthusiasm for the art and discipline of programming.

Intro to Python (Ages 14-18, Beginners)

Students learn fundamental programming concepts while building fun, interactive projects in Python. Our unique classes use a project-based approach to make programming more accessible and enjoyable for complete beginners and those returning to programming alike.

Learn Video Game Design & Development

Video game design is a worthwhile activity for kids at any age! It merges the creative with technical to produce something that kids can be proud of. It also practices important skills that will benefit them far into the future. 

Get started with video game design in our kids coding classes. Learn the coding foundations kids need to build games. The classes are project-based so kids work on building a game, website, or app in every class.

Enroll today in our top-rated coding classes for kids to learn video game design.

The post The Essentials of Video Game Design for Kids appeared first on CodeWizardsHQ.

A maze is a simple puzzle where you try to find your way from the beginning to the end. Completing a maze tests your memory, problem-solving skills, and patience. Coding does the same! Both require having to think logically and in order.  

In this tutorial, I’ll show you an easy and fun way to code a maze in Scratch where you control the player with your arrow keys. As a bonus, I’ll also teach you how to animate your character and add a timer. 

You can learn to build a maze and other fun Scratch games with a live instructor in our top-rated coding classes. My elementary school students really enjoy how engaging and easy Scratch coding is. They just have to drag and drop to create cool games and programs. By coding a maze, we’ll learn about loops, collision detection, and events. 

Complete this tutorial to code a maze Scratch!

Play and remix the complete maze game now. 

In this game, the baby penguin, Pesto, has lost his hat. Mom is going to be mad! Help him find his winter hat to win.

We can break down this game into 3 main components: 

1. The maze: A drawing of a maze obstacle players have to avoid and make their way through.

• Draw the maze

2. The player: the player, the penguin, moves around the maze and returns to the beginning when they touch the edge.

• Add and position the player
• Move the player around the maze
• Detect player collision with the maze

3. The goal: the goal, the winter hat, is placed at the end of the maze and the player wins when they reach the goal.

• Add and position the goal
• Detect player collision with the goal

What you need:

Scratch account: Create a free Scratch account

No coding experience is necessary for this Scratch tutorial. Beginner-friendly for kids ages 8 and up. Give it a try!

Steps to Make a Maze Game in Scratch

Let’s turn each of the parts we discussed previously into steps:

1. Create a new Scratch project
2. Add a backdrop
3. Draw the maze
4. Add and position the player 
5. Move the player around the maze
6. Detect player collision with the maze
7. Add and position the goal
8. Detect player collision with the goal

Step 1: Create a New Scratch project

First, we need to set up a new project in Scratch where we will edit our code. 

• Visit scratch.mit.edu
• Login to your Scratch account
• Click on the Create button

• A new project will open, rename your project to Penguin Maze Game
• Hover over the cat sprite and click the trash can to delete it

Now we have a fresh new project to code our maze game!

Hint: You can also remix the Penguin Maze project to see the completed code.

Step 2: Add a Backdrop

Set the stage for your game by adding a background image.

• Click the Choose a Backdrop button

• Select the Arctic backdrop

You should now see the backdrop in your preview area. 

Hint: Get creative and select a backdrop that matches your theme. You can also select Surprise to let Scratch choose for you. 

Step 3: Draw the maze

A maze is simple to draw with just horizontal and vertical lines. We’ll draw our own maze, make sure you leave enough room for your player to get through. 

• Hover over the choose a sprite button, select Paint

• Click on the line icon
• Select an outline color and change the size of your lines to 20
• Click and drag lines to represent the maze. Adjust it to fit the game preview.

• Click the Code tab and rename the sprite to Maze.

Do you see your maze in the preview screen like this? Great!

Hint: You can make the maze as easy or hard as you want. Add more lines and dead ends to make the maze harder. 

Step 4: Add and position the player

We want to add our player, the penguin. The penguin is going to start at the top left every time the game starts. Before we move the penguin, position it at the top with our code.

• Click the Choose a Sprite button in the right corner

• Select the Penguin 2 sprite from the library

• Change the size to fit your maze, my penguin is 20.

Next, add this code to the penguin so that it goes to the starting position every time the game starts. 

• Add a When green flag clicked block from events category.
• Add Go to x y position block from motion category. Use the x and y value of your sprite at the starting position.

Now, try moving your player away from the starting position. When you click the green flag, it should return there. If your test works, you’re ready for the next step. 

Hint: You can get creative and draw your own sprite, just hover over the add a sprite button and go up to Paint.

Step 5: Move the player around the maze

The penguin is on the screen, but he can’t move. The penguin needs to move up, down, right, and left when we press the arrow keys. We need to control him with the arrow keys.

Let’s add the logic to the arrow keys. To move the sprite right and left, add this code: 

• In the Events category, add When right arrow key pressed block
• Add a Change x by block from the motion category and change the value to 10
• Right click on When key pressed block and Duplicate the entire code block
• Then change the dropdown to When left arrow key pressed and change x by to -10

To move the sprite up and down, add this code: 

• In the Events category, add When right arrow key pressed block
• Add a Change y by block from the motion category and change the value to 10
• Right click on When key pressed block and Duplicate the entire code block
• Then change the dropdown to When left arrow key pressed and change x by to -10

Your penguin can move now! Try pressing the arrow keys and make sure the penguin is moving in the right direction.

Hint: To move the player faster or slower, change the x and y values. 

Step 6: Detect player collision with the maze

We need to code what happens when the player touches the maze. The penguin should say ‘Oh no!’ and go back to the starting position.

• On the player sprite, add a Forever block.
• Inside the Forever block, add an If then block
• From the sensing category, add the Touching block inside the if then block. Change the dropdown to the Maze sprite.
• From the looks category, add a say block and update the message to “Oh no!”
• Finally, add a go to block and use the same x y position as the starting position 

Now, you can try touching the maze with your player sprite. Does it return to the starting position?

It’s working, let’s keep going! 

Hint: You can customize the message your sprites says or change what happens after the sprites touch. 

Step 7: Add and position the goal

Our player is in place and can move around the maze. Now, let’s place the goal at the end of the maze. 

• Click the Choose a Sprite button in the right corner
• Select a sprite from the library. I’m using one from the Scratch library called Winter Hat.

• Change the size to fit your maze. Mine is size 40.

• Add a “when green flag clicked” block
• In the preview, position the hat at the end of the maze. Then add a Go to x y position block using those coordinates. Mine is positioned at x = 195 and y = -135.

Once you’re done, click the green flag to test your game. Your hat should go to the end of the maze when the green flag is clicked.

Hint: You can customize the goal sprite to fit your theme by drawing or uploading a sprite.

Step 8: Detect player collision with the goal

To win the game, the player needs to reach the goal. When the player teaches the goal, they say “I found it!” and the game ends.

• On the player sprite, inside the forever block, add an if then loop
• From the sensing category, add the Touching block inside the if then loop. Change the dropdown to “Winter Hat”
• Add say block and update the message to “I found it!”
• From the control category, add a stop all block to end the game

Hint: You don’t have the complete the maze to test your game. Just drag your character sprite to the end in your game preview.

Your maze game is complete! Play the maze game.

Click the green flag and give it a try. If you want to share it with other people and let them remix it, click the “Share” button at the top. 

You can “see inside” the completed maze game to view the full Scratch code. 

Challenge yourself by adding the bonus features to your maze. 

Bonus: Animate the player 

We can animate the penguin by making it look left and right when it moves. To do this, we’ll create a costume for each look.

1. Create the costumes

• Click on the costumes tab, you will see different poses for the penguin on the left

• Rename the first costume, penguin2-a to look front 
• Rename the last costume, penguin2-d to look right

• To create a penguin looking left, right click and duplicate the look right costume

• Highlight the new costume in the paint canvas and click flip horizontal. You should now have a penguin looking left.
• Rename this new sprite to look left

The final costumes will look like this:

Your penguin now has different costumes to show which direction he’s facing.

2. Change the costume with arrow keys

Go back to the Code tab to add code to the penguin sprite. Under each key press, we will switch the costume to match the direction the penguin is facing.

• Under the when right key pressed, add a switch costume to look right
• Under the when left key pressed, add a switch costume to look left
• Under the when up key pressed, add a switch costume to look front
• Under the when down key pressed, add a switch costume to look front

Try pressing the arrow keys and see if your penguin is facing the right direction.

3. Set the costume when the game starts

But, when we press the green flag the penguin isn’t always facing forward.

• Under the when green flag clicked block, add a switch costume to look front

Start the game over by pressing the green flag. Your penguin should start looking forward, then look right or left depending on which direction it’s moving. 

Now your penguin is animated to look like it’s walking.

Bonus: Add a timer 

We can add a timer to make the maze more challenging. Let’s give the player 60 seconds to complete the maze game before the penguin disappears.

1. Create a Time variable

A variable is used to hold information that changes. Our time decreases every one second, so we can use a variable to save that value.

• Go to variable category, right-click my variable and rename it to Time

• Check off the box next to the Time variable

You should see the Time variable in your game preview now.

2. Start the Timer 

If we want the player to have 60 seconds to play, we should set the timer to start at 60. 

• Add a When green flag clicked block
• From the variable category, drag a set Time to 60

Press the green flag to see the time reset.

3. Count down the timer

Use a loop to count down the timer every 1 second. 

• Add a Repeat until loop under the set Time block
• In the operators category, add a less than block in the repeat until loop. Repeat until Time < 1.
• Add a wait 1 second block inside the loop
• Then decrease the time variable using change Time by -1

Press the green flag to see the time counting down.

4. Show and hide the penguin

The penguin should show when the game starts, but hide after the time runs out. 

• After the When green flag clicked block, add a show block
• After the Repeat until loop, add a hide block

That’s it! Press the green flag to test your timer one more time. It should be counting down the time and hiding the penguin once the time runs out.

Give yourself a pat on the back. You completed the maze game tutorial. See the complete game with bonuses and remix it. 

More Scratch Tutorials for Kids

Try making another Scratch game using a fun step-by-step tutorial:

• Valentine’s Day Card Scratch Tutorial
• Holidays Advent Calendar Scratch Tutorial
• Halloween Candy Collector Game Scratch Tutorial
• Flying Space Cat Scratch Tutorial
• How to Make Flappy Bird on Scratch
• How To Make a Game on Scratch

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The post How to Make a Maze in Scratch in 7 steps appeared first on CodeWizardsHQ.