Foundations of Coding for Kids

This unit introduces beginner-friendly programming languages, essential IDE setup, and core debugging strategies while guiding students through brainstorming and launching their first small projects. Students will practice event-driven ideas, optionally integrate simple hardware, and prepare to share and iterate on their work in subsequent units.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze introductory programming languages and development environments to select an appropriate language and toolset for a given student project, citing at least two supporting criteria (e.g., syntax simplicity, platform compatibility).
• Apply IDE setup and navigation skills to configure a development environment, create and organize a new project, and run code using built-in tools and basic debugging features.
• Demonstrate debugging proficiency by identifying and correcting syntax and logic errors in student programs and using testing strategies to verify correct program behavior.
• Demonstrate project development and communication by brainstorming, building, and sharing a small event-driven program (optionally incorporating simple hardware) and presenting a brief project plan that outlines next steps.