This document provides an agenda for a coding event at libraries. It will define coding, explain why libraries should host these events, discuss programming concepts like algorithms, loops, conditionals, and give examples. It also lists a Blockly demo, resources for hosting events, and leaves time for hands-on activities. The goal is to introduce coding concepts and programming logic in an accessible way.

1. A Practical
Introduction to Coding
Events in Libraries
Karin Dalziel - kdalziel@unl.edu
Elizabeth Lorang - llorang2@unl.edu
Jennifer L. Thoegersen - jthoegersen2@unl.edu
October 15, 2015
http://go.unl.edu/coding

2. •Why code, and why should
libraries host coding events?
•Programming concepts
•Blockly demo
•How?
•Resources
•Play time!
Agenda

3. ?
?Coding is the creation of
instructions to make a
computer perform specific
tasks.
What is Coding? ?
?

4. ?Why?
??
?
?

5. An algorithm is a set of instructions,
like a recipe, which will generate an
outcome when followed.
001: Measure out 4 cups of flour
002: Measure out 1 tablespoon of yeast
003: Measure out 1 teaspoon of salt
004: Add items from 001-003 to bowl
005: Measure out 4 cups of water
006: Add item from 005 to bowl
007: Mix all ingredients
Programming Concepts
Algorithms

6. A loop is a way to repeat an
instruction until a
condition is reached. You
could iterate through a list
(for each pet in list A) or
count down the number of
times (while x is less than
10).
Programming Concepts
Loop

7. Conditionals follow an if/
then/else structure and help
break down complicated
structures into manageable
chunks.
for each pet in pets
if pet is dog
then let outside
else keep inside
end
Programming Concepts
Conditionals

8. max_weight = 0
heaviest_pet = NULL
for each {pet_name, pet_weight} in
pets
if pet_weight > max_weight
max_weight = pet_weight
heaviest_pet = pet_name
end
end
print "The heaviest pet is " +
heaviest_pet + " at " + max_weight +
" pounds!"
Programming Concepts
All Together
pets = {
"Pye" => 10,
"Corwin" => 15,
"Zipper" => 14,
"Oogie" => 75,
"Nemo" => 8,
"Koda" => 50
}

9. Blockly Demo
https://blockly-games.appspot.com/maze?lang=en&level=1&skin=2

10. ?How?
??
?
?

11. Don’t panic! There are
organizations and
individuals as well as
existing activities to
help you.
Resources

12. Play time!

13. A Practical
Introduction to Coding
Events in Libraries
Karin Dalziel - kdalziel@unl.edu
Elizabeth Lorang - llorang2@unl.edu
Jennifer L. Thoegersen - jthoegersen2@unl.edu
October 15, 2015
http://go.unl.edu/coding