Computer science event set for Saturday

School children who want to learn more about computer science will not want to miss out on hours of fun this Saturday.

WyoCSZone is hosting a computer science event at the Sweetwater Events Complex Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

According to the website wyocszone.com, “WyoCSZone is a Wyoming CS teacher community dedicating our efforts to fellow teachers and students within Wyoming. We act as a bridge for teachers, students, our communities and the professional world by helping them gain confidence and build CS skills necessary to become community and business leaders.”

Carla Hester Croff, Western Wyoming Community College information technology associate professor, said this is the second year this event has been hosted and it’s a way to educate the community and make residents more aware of what computer science really is.

Croff is part of the Wyoming Computer Science Task Force. She said the task force has been working with the Wyoming Department of Education and the Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board and one area they are working on is getting the community and parents a better understanding of what computer science is by hosting various events throughout the state.

“This is our biggest one,” Croff said.

With the support of both Sweetwater County School Districts No. 2 and No. 1, the event will offer numerous stations for children from kindergarten through 12th grade to participate in. Some of the stations children can visit, include virtual reality, Makey Makeys, coding, drones, computer games, a gaming tournament, robotics and computer science unplugged. Computer science unplugged is a why for students to learn about computer science without using and electronic device.

Croff said a lot of people don’t realize what goes on behind the scenes of modern technology. For example: those who created the Google Maps app never get a break because as streets are added and cities and towns expand, there is a person behind the scenes constantly updating the app so it’s up to date.

On Saturday, students will be encouraged to try every station to try everything, however, if they find a station they really want to spend more time at, they may do so.

“This generation of kids don’t know anything else but technology,” Croff said. “We don’t have enough people to fill technology positions out there.”

Croff said it was for this reason that the Wyoming Legislature passed a bill making sure computer science is offered in all Wyoming schools.

Last year, about 350 students along with their siblings and parents attended the event. This year, the sponsors have provided money to give away cash prizes, sets of Bloxels and Makey Makeys.

“Come and have a good time,” Croff said. “It will be fun.”

 

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