Code Bytes
“Code Bytes” is a series of hands-ons workshops where we use the fun and creativity of video games to teach about coding, computer science, and other STEAM topics. Participants will explore programming concepts, game mechanics, and problem-solving skills through interactive sessions, turning gaming into an educational experience. Perfect for aspiring coders and gaming enthusiasts alike!
Any questions or concerns can be directed to education@whitakercenter.org.
Dates and Times
Code Bytes runs October to May, on Saturday afternoons, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM in the PNC Innovation Zone.
Registration
Tickets are $8 per member or $12 per non-member – per student, per workshop! Visit the Box Office the day of the workshop to add on a ticket to the Science Center.
Please Note: Science Center exploration before your workshop is NOT included in the price of your workshop. Science Center tickets can be purchased at the Box Office the day of your workshop.
2024 – 2025 Schedule:
Celebrate Space Week
October 12, 2024
Attendees will have an opportunity to learn more about Space Science by utilizing several Space Themed software programs of their choice. Kerbal Space Program teaches the fundamentals of rocketry where users design, construct and test a rocket of their own creation. Universe Sandbox puts the user in charge of the cosmos with control over planets, stars, and even black holes! Spore allows users to create their own alien species and adapt and evolve to survive.
Practice Digital Citizenship with Minecraft
November 2, 2024
Battle a dastardly villain in the online world with Minecraft for Education’s Cyber Fundamentals lessons. Learn about online etiquette, safety, and cybersecurity, and try to overcome the attacks of a mysterious enemy that’s trying to overthrow your school’s network.
Algo Bot
November 23, 2024
Explore the mystery of a damaged spaceship as a coding robot in Algo Bot. Work with your fellow automatons to save the human beings sleeping on your ship using coding after a mysterious accident. Will you be up to the task?
Computer Science Education Week
December 14, 2024
Join us in celebrating Computer Science Education Week with Minecraft Education’s Hour of Code where Innovators will learn about computer science fundamentals by solving mysteries and completing puzzles in fun story maps.
Learn to Code with Scratch!
January 4, 2025
Dip your toe in the wonderful world of programming with Scratch, a block coding program created by MIT. Innovators will get to choose from a series of coding projects including creating animations, games, and music.
Experience Engineering with Polybridge
January 25, 2025
Construct your way through a series of physics puzzles with the game Polybridge! Learn about engineering as you construct different types of bridges on a budget. Can you meet the budget and make a stable bridge with your smarts alone?
Crack the Code with Minecraft!
February 15, 2025
Have you ever wanted to send a secret message that could only be read by the people you wanted it to? Learn about internet safety and privacy with Minecraft for Education’s Cyber Expert lessons. Practice encryption, decryption, and defense against cyber attacks and protect your castle from invaders!
Practice Typing with Epistory
March 8, 2025
Celebrate National Make a Book Day by brushing up on your typing skills with Epistory! Explore an origami world and fight a plague of insects to save your home, all while practicing your typing etiquette.
Minecraft Game Design
March 29, 2025
If you’re interested in making your own video games one day, try out creating your own arcade-style game with Minecraft. This immersive and innovative approach to coding will ignite the passion for creative coding for students as they become inventive game designers.
Glitchspace
April 19, 2025
Reprogram the world and solve puzzles in Glitchspace! Make your way through an abstract world and manipulate the environment around you by discovering key programming concepts through the puzzles you solve. How deep into the realm of technology can you go?
Crack the Code with Minecraft!
May 10, 2025
Have you ever wanted to send a secret message that could only be read by the people you wanted it to? Learn about internet safety and privacy with Minecraft for Education’s Cyber Expert lessons. Practice encryption, decryption, and defense against cyber attacks and protect your castle from invaders!
PC Building Simulator
May 31, 2025
Take a walk on the hardware side by learning the ins and outs of the computer you play on. In PC Building Simulator, take on your own computer repair company and repair, build, and reprogram computers using real-world parts and tools.