Directory

Scratch is the world’s largest coding community for children from 8 to 16 years old, and it is a coding language with a simple visual interface that allows young people to create digital stories, games, and animations. Scratch is designed, developed, and moderated by the Scratch Foundation, a nonprofit organisation. Scratch promotes computational thinking and problem-solving skills; creative teaching and learning; self-expression and collaboration; and equity in computing. Scratch is always free and is available in more than 70 languages. ScratchJr is a simplified version for younger children from 5 to 7 years old.

Kodu lets kids create games on Windows PCs via a simple visual programming language. Kodu can be used to teach creativity, problem-solving, storytelling, as well as programming. Anyone can use Kodu to make a game, young children as well as adults, with no design or programming skills. Since Kodu’s introduction in 2009, we have visited the White House, teamed up with great groups like NCWIT and DigiGirlz, inspired academic research and been the subject of a book (Kodu for Kids). Kodu for the PC is available to download for free.

ScratchJr is an introductory programming language that enables young children (ages 5-7) to create their own interactive stories and games. Children snap together graphical programming blocks to make characters move, jump, dance, and sing. Children can modify characters in the paint editor, add their own voices and sounds, even insert photos of themselves — then use the programming blocks to make their characters come to life.

Science Bob is a resource website created by science educator “Bob Pflugfelder” to make science fun and accessible for students and educators. It features a wide range of experiments, science fair project ideas, videos, and a section for answering reader-submitted questions, all designed to encourage scientific curiosity and critical thinking.

AR Fashion Designer is an app for students to create unique 3D digital ethnic costumes. Our costume styles are all from 56 different styles of Chinese traditional costume, including Miao, Hans and Hui, etc. Students can design their own costumes on a worksheet, scan the design using tablets or smartphones camera and hold virtual fashion shows in the app. Students can also take photos with their virtual models at any time. This encourages students to make good use of information technology to explore interests in art and design. It also helps them understand more about Chinese culture.