Unplugged Coders Club (K-2) introduces young learners to the foundational concepts of computer science without requiring any screens. Through hands-on activities and games, students will learn the core logic behind coding, develop problem-solving skills, and explore the creative possibilities of technology, setting them up for future success in a digital world. By the end of the course, students will be able to think computationally and create simple algorithms.

Coding Basics

• Understand that coding is a set of instructions — similar to a recipe — for telling computers what to do
• Learn how to translate real-world tasks into step-by-step instructions
• Explore the concept of algorithms — ordered sequences of instructions to solve a problem

If/Then Statements (Conditional Logic)

• Grasp the concept of conditional logic as a series of "if this, then that" decisions
• Apply "if/then" statements to everyday scenarios — understanding how our brains use them constantly
• Practice making decisions based on different conditions and outcomes

Coding Maps and Navigation

• Use visual coding maps to represent pathways and solutions
• Navigate from a starting point (A) to an endpoint (B) — such as getting cupcakes to a party!
• Develop spatial reasoning skills by planning routes — avoiding obstacles and following specific directions

Coding Language

• Learn to use numbers and arrows to represent coding directions
• Understand right, left, up, and down instructions — plus how to abbreviate them
• Create simple code sequences using this visual language

Problem-Solving and Debugging

• Identify obstacles or "bugs" in code — represented by colorful blocks on coding maps
• Develop strategies to overcome challenges and find alternative routes
• Practice refining code to ensure it achieves the desired outcome

Game Design Fundamentals

• Discover the basic principles behind game design — peeking behind the curtain
• Explore the process of creating games — understanding the rules and objectives
• Learn how coding can be used to design interactive experiences

QR Code Creation

• Understand how QR codes work as a way to encode information
• Design a personalized QR code — learning the underlying structure and logic

Hardware Awareness

• Gain an introductory understanding of computer hardware — the physical components of a computer
• Recognize that code interacts with hardware to perform actions