Apply for the Spark Passion for Computer Science Education Mini-grant
Would you like students at your school to engage in a fun, hands-on, computer activity? If this sounds worthwhile, host a Family Code Night and become eligible to win cool technology. Anybody can participate and selected participants will get some new, free equipment to enhance their program!
Bring a breakthrough Computer Science (CS) event to your elementary school!It’s called , an evening program at which parents and children pair up to do their first hour of coding, together! The effect is amazing: huge turnouts, delighted children and parents, and a fresh mobilization of your school community for more CS programs! You can bring this program to any elementary school in your area, free! You can watch a terrific 2-minute video here!
Plan an event at your school and then apply to our Maryland Family Code Night contest. Winners will be awarded a $200 Amazon Gift Card for the purchase of 8 Code & Go Mice. Students direct the Code & Go mouse (named Jack) by pressing the arrow buttons and then the green button to test their “program”. Watch this video for an introduction to the Code & Go Mouse. The robot provides a tactile, concrete, and movement based introduction to programming which is particularly appropriate for younger elementary school students. Download an introductory lesson plan here. Other prizes such as computer science games will be considered but must be pre-approved.
The contest is open to public and private elementary schools in Maryland. If enough quality applications are received, there will be one winner per school district area.
Applicants will:
Fill out a brief online application form by 1/30/18
Commit to host a Family Code Night
The Family Code Night may be conducting anytime during the 2017-2018 school year (including events that have already been held this year). Download kit.
As proof of this commitment, applicants will upload a copy of their invitation flyer for their Family Code Night with their online application.
Judging will be based on these criteria:
Creativity and effectiveness of plan to engage students and families
Strength of strategies to engage female, minority, and/or rural populations
Extent of collaboration with teachers and administrators
Overall cohesion of goals, plan, and anticipated outcome(s)
Applicants will be notified by 2/15/18 if they win or not. Winning schools will be expected to:
Have their School Principal sign a letter of commitment
Supply 3 AA batteries for each Code & Go Mouse received
Turn in proof of purchase of the prize(s)
Host a Family Code Night anytime during the 2017-2018 school year
Tweet a photo of their Family Code Night
Complete a brief follow-up survey
Participate in a one-hour virtual meeting in May