What happens when you give kids a robot, a challenge, and the freedom to figure it out for themselves? A lot of fun, and a whole lot of learning!
This fall, the Iowa Children’s Museum is bringing Cracking the Code to local libraries thanks to our friends, Alliant Energy! Pre-K and elementary-aged kids will get a chance to build, experiment, play, and think like computer programmers, all without needing a computer.
What Will Kids Get to Do?
Kids can jump right into hands-on activities that turn coding and problem-solving into something they can see, touch, and try.
Activities include:
- Visit the hive to play with the BeeBot and practice giving directions to help the robot get where it needs to go.
- Play “Ball” with the Finch Robot and experiment with commands while keeping the game moving.
- Plan Pete the Turtle’s path through The Iowa Children’s Museum, thinking ahead and figuring out which steps will get Pete where he needs to go.
- Build an obstacle course with a pattern, then test it out and see if they can follow the sequence.
Learning That Feels Like Play
With Cracking the Code, the learning happens while kids are busy having fun. They get to build something, test it, change it, and try again. There’s no pressure to get it “right”, just lots of opportunities to experiment, think creatively, and discover what works.
Kids are practicing early coding and problem-solving skills as they:
- Spot patterns and sequences
- Break challenges into smaller steps
- Predict what will happen next
- Try different solutions
- Learn from mistakes and try again
And there’s not always one right answer. Kids get to be the problem-solvers, making discoveries and finding their own way through each challenge.
Come Play With Us… For Free!
Cracking the Code is a FREE series at local libraries, and all are welcome! Whether your child already loves robots and building or simply loves pushing buttons, making things, and trying new challenges, this is a fun, hands-on way to explore early coding concepts through play.
No coding experience needed. No computer needed. Just come curious and ready to play!
Find a FREE Event Near You
Join the Iowa Children’s Museum at a library near you:
Oct. 7 | 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Victor Public Library
Oct. 9 | 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Belle Plaine Community Library
Oct. 7 | 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Victor Public Library
Nov. 18 | 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Keck Memorial Library
Dec. 12 | 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Hiawatha Public Library
Dec. 28 | 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Busse Branch- Cedar Rapids Public Library
Feb 6 | 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Washington Public Library
