Celebrate the Hour of Code at the National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center and engage in several hands-on computer coding/programming activities.

Hour of Code is a global initiative put on during Computer Science Education Week in which schools/organizations are encouraged to engage students in an hour of computer coding to increase awareness and build interest in computer programming.  At a basic level, coding improves problem-solving and thinking skills, and having digital skills improves students’ chances of being employed in the future.  Working with the Loudoun County Public Library and NOVA Laps, the Museum will offer guided instruction and hands-on coding activities with robots. 

Learn to Code

• Moana (11:00 am): As you follow Moana and Maui’s travels, learn basic coding commands that help steer the boat.
• Star Wars (12:00 pm): Learn to program droids and create your own Star Wars game in a galaxy far, far away.
• Frozen (1:00 pm): Use code to join Anna and Elsa as they explore the magic and beauty of ice; create snowflakes and patterns as you ice skate and make a winter wonderland you can share with your friends.

Hands-on Activities
From 10:30 am to 2:30 pm 

• Program robots to successfully navigate through mazes by scripting their movements just like they do with the Curiosity rover on Mars.
• Create robots to complete tasks using basic computer programming processes of input, processing, and output.