AMES, Iowa — Iowa 4-H is celebrating National Computer Science Week, Dec. 9-13. This year, the Iowa 4-H computer science team is focusing on artificial intelligence with engaging, age-appropriate activities tailored for students in grades K-12. Thanks to a generous grant from Google, Iowa 4-H is empowering youth across the state to explore AI, an essential technology of the future.
The Google grant is part of a nationwide initiative aimed at equipping over 155,000 youth with AI knowledge. Iowa 4-H is bringing this initiative to life through Computer Science Week activities, encouraging hands-on learning and fostering critical thinking and innovation.
K-12 Computer Science Week activities
For Grades 4-12
- Monday: Minecraft Monday — Hour of Code: Generation AI. Explore AI concepts in the virtual world of Minecraft Education Edition, merging creativity and problem-solving in a dynamic coding challenge.
- Tuesday: Artificial Intelligence Unplugged. Dive into unplugged activities to understand how AI learns and functions, even without computers.
- Wednesday: AI for Oceans or The Grinch Hour of Code. Participate in activities like AI for Oceans, demonstrating AI’s role in environmental solutions, or code with a holiday twist in The Grinch Hour of Code.
- Thursday: Artificial Intelligence by Clover. Hands-on activities will explore how AI solves real-world problems and supports innovation.
- Friday: Iowa 4-H’s AI Art Challenge. End the week with creativity by participating in an AI-powered art challenge showcasing the fusion of technology and art.
For Grades K-3:
- Monday: Minecraft Monday — Subtraction World. Younger learners will use Minecraft Education Edition to engage in fun, math-focused adventures.
- Tuesday: Clover Break It Down! Using Decomposition. Activities from the National 4-H Council will teach kids how to break down problems, a foundational computational thinking skill.
- Wednesday: Hour of Code. Kids can try Kodable’s Intro to Programming, an engaging way for pre-readers and early learners to explore basic coding concepts.
- Thursday: PBS Kids Park Builder. Students will design parks in a virtual world while learning about problem-solving and systems thinking.
- Friday: 4-H Friday – Clover Kid Human Robot. A fun, interactive activity where kids act as robots to understand programming concepts
Empowering youth with AI knowledge
“Artificial intelligence is an increasingly integral part of our daily lives,” said Alexa Groff, Iowa 4-H STEM education specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. “Through National Computer Science Week, we’re inspiring Iowa’s youth to become not only consumers but creators of technology, sparking their interest in STEM careers and problem-solving.”
Iowa 4-H’s focus on AI education ensures that youth have access to cutting-edge learning opportunities. The program’s activities align with 4-H’s mission to help young people develop skills to prepare them for future challenges and opportunities.
Iowa 4-H Youth Development, an ISU Extension and Outreach program, is dedicated to empowering youth to reach their full potential through hands-on learning. With the support of partners like Google, Iowa 4-H continues to provide innovative educational opportunities for youth across Iowa.
More information on Iowa 4-H’s Computer Science Week activities and access to resources are available online.
For more information on the Iowa 4-H Youth Development program, please contact your ISU Extension and Outreach county office or visit the Iowa 4-H website.
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