Kids’ coding event aims for world record - Education Matters Magazine
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Kids’ coding event aims for world record

To mark the 50th anniversary of first moon landing, Moonhack will see students from around the globe take part in a space-themed coding exercise, that aims to break the record for the most kids coding at the same time.

Held from 20-26 July and powered by the Telstra Foundation, Moonhack is Code Club’s free record-setting event. It is open to students aged 8-18 years and aims to get as many children as possible involved, across different time zones and in many different languages.

Last year, Moonhack broke the record for number of kids coding at the same time with over 35,000 kids participating. In 2019, Moonhack has been expanded to take place over seven days and Code Club is hoping this number will exceed 50,000.

Designed to capture the imagination of students, improve their digital literacy and help prepare them for jobs of the future, Moonhack will take place in schools, homes, libraries and community clubs.

Participants will be required to take part in computer coding exercises in order to build a space-themed game.

“With technology evolving so quickly, Telstra Foundation’s Code Club initiative aims to help prepare our kids for a bright future, teaching them invaluable skills in a fun and engaging way. While learning coding, children also develop important skills in critical thinking, problem-solving and mathematics, while fostering creativity, curiosity and confidence,” said Jackie Coates, Head of the Telstra Foundation.

“The beauty of Moonhack is that kids can start a project anywhere, and with computer coding the universal language of the 21st century, the event unites communities across the world. It’s over to you Australia, download your Moonhack Mission and code your way into the history books.”

Backed by the Telstra Foundation, Code Club is a nationwide network of volunteer-led coding clubs with a mission to #getkidscoding.

All Code Clubs are free to join, and are supported by volunteers, parents, educators and partners. There are 2200 Australian Code Clubs, 3200 teachers trained, with 165,000 Australian children taking part.

To get involved in Moonhack 2019, register by clicking here.

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