What if I told you that, not too long ago, women were kept from participating in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics...would you believe it? It's true! It was a long-held belief that women did not have the "smarts" or the "talents" for such subjects! Thankfully, there have been some fearless and very smart women who decided to prove otherwise. For this week of Women's History Month, we celebrate the Women of the Computer Age who showed the world that a woman's place is in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics!
READ: Who Says Women Can't Be Computer Programmers? by Tanya Lee Stone
Known as "The Enchantress of Numbers" by many inventors and mathematicians of the 19th century, Ada Lovelace is recognized today as history's first computer programmer. Her work was an inspiration to such famous minds as Charles Babbage and Alan Turing. This is her story.
PLAY: If-Then Coding Game
This game is a twist on Simon Says. For every round, there is one Programmer and everyone else is a Computer. The Programmer stands in front of the Computers and gives them a command. "If I ____ (fill in the blank), then you _____ (fill in the blank)." For example, the Programmer gives the command, “If I turn in a circle, then you turn in a circle.” Listen carefully, if the Programmer doesn't state an activity, then the Computers shouldn't do it.
Additional levels for both younger and older kids can be found at LeftBrainCraftBrain.com
EXPLORE: Coding Unplugged
In coding, an algorithm is the series of events needed to complete or come to the end of a task (the steps from beginning to end). Today you will be creating an algorithm that will take you through the steps of brushing your teeth.
Starting at START, use the arrows below to go through each step of brushing your teeth until you get to FINISH. Record your directions in the worksheet. Move one space at a time. Make sure to read each step carefully as they are not in order!
JOIN: Attend a program virtually or in person!
View all school age programs and events offered this week.
For virtual programs, registration is required to receive the Zoom link; use the link in the program information to register.
For in person programs, registration is required; if space allows, walk-ins will be admitted. Use the link in the program information to register.
Jax Student Poetry Contest
This year, Jacksonville will have existed as a city for 200 years! To celebrate the Jacksonville Bicentennial, the City is having a Jax Student Poetry Contest and you can enter to win!
The contest is for Grades 4-12 and the theme is “Looking back, moving forward.” The top three poems from three age groups will win cash prizes!
Submit your poems by April 30th to enter – find out more here: https://jaxpubliclibrary.org/blog/jax-student-poetry-contest
