6th-8th grade girls can explore topics like ‘You Can Code!,’ Minecraft, and Robotics in an effort to reduce the gender gap in tech fields.
In an effort encourage young women to enter technology fields, Bucks County Community College is hosting free “TechGirlz” workshops for middle school girls at its Newtown Township campus.
TechGirlz is a national nonprofit group dedicated to reducing the gender gap in technology occupations. It holds TechShops aimed at giving middle-school girls hands-on experience with different kinds of technology. The workshops also give the girls the opportunity to interact with women who have carved out successful careers in technology fields. Registration is open to girls in grades 6, 7, and 8.
Space is still available for “You Can Code!” from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, February 7. Students will learn how to use “drag and drop” coding languages to interface with the memory of the computer, including tinkering with puzzles, mazes, and games of various types to explore sequential events, selection, and repetition.
Registration is also open for “Introduction to Minecraft” from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, February 21. Students will learn how to install the software, create an avatar, and explore a domain in this popular “open world” computer game. The class will also look at two advanced topics, using the Java high-level programming language in Minecraft, and creating texture packs.
Future dates and topics for TechGirlz TechShops at Bucks County Community College include:
- March 14 – Game Maker
- March 28 – Robotics
- April 11 – To be announced
- April 25 – Raspberry Pi
- May 9 – Intro to Environmental Sciences
- May 16 – Environmental Sciences Fieldwork
Space is limited and registration is required. To register, parents should visit www.sites.google.com/site/techgirlzbccc/. The workshops are held at the campus at 275 Swamp Rd., Newtown, Pa., 18940. For more information, contact Professor Arta Szathmary at [email protected].
