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Emmy in the Key of Code - Kindle edition by Lucido, Aimee. Download it once and read it on your Kindle device, PC, phones or tablets. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading Emmy in the Key of Code.

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The Science of Breakable Things by Tae Keller

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The Science of Breakable Things by Tae Keller

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The Science of Breakable Things [Keller, Tae] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. The Science of Breakable Things

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The Unteachables [Korman, Gordon] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. The Unteachables

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The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl by Stacy McAnulty

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The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl by Stacy McAnulty

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The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl [McAnulty, Stacy] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl

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Girls Who Code: The Friendship Code (#1) By Stacia Deutsch

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Girls Who Code: The Friendship Code (#1) By Stacia Deutsch

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The Friendship Code #1 (Girls Who Code) [Deutsch, Stacia, Saujani, Reshma] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. The Friendship Code #1 (Girls Who Code)

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The Fourteenth Goldfish by Jennifer L Holm

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The Fourteenth Goldfish by Jennifer L Holm

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The Fourteenth Goldfish [Holm, Jennifer L.] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. The Fourteenth Goldfish

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See You in the Cosmos [Cheng, Jack] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. See You in the Cosmos

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Amazon.com: Danny Chung Sums It Up: 9781419748219: Chan, Maisie, Quek, Natelle: Books

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The Amelia Six: An Amelia Earhart Mystery

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The Amelia Six: An Amelia Earhart Mystery - Kindle edition by Gray, Kristin L.. Download it once and read it on your Kindle device, PC, phones or tablets. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading The Amelia Six: An Amelia Earhart Mystery.

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My Life as an Ice Cream Sandwich by Ibi Zoboi

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My Life as an Ice Cream Sandwich by Ibi Zoboi

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My Life as an Ice Cream Sandwich [Zoboi, Ibi] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. My Life as an Ice Cream Sandwich

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Rock Star: Jada Jones by Kelly Starling Jones

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Rock Star: Jada Jones by Kelly Starling Jones

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Fans of Princess Posey and Ivy and Bean will enjoy engaging with science-loving Jada Jones in this easy-to-read chapter book.

When Jada Jones's best friend moves away, school feels like the last place she wants to be. She'd much rather wander outside looking for cool rocks to add to her collection, since finding rocks is much easier than finding friends. So when Jada's teacher announces a class project on rocks and minerals, Jada finally feels like she's in her element. The only problem: one of her teammates doesn't seem to like any of Jada's ideas. She doesn't seem to like Jada all that much, either. Can Jada figure out a way to make a winning science project and a new friend?

The early chapter book bridges between leveled readers and chapter books for fluent readers adjusting to the chapter book format. At about 5,000 words, with short chapters and two-color art on almost every page, it will appeal to this unique reader. The two-color art throughout will help readers transition from the familiar four-color art of leveled readers and ease them into black-and-white chapter books.

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Rock Star #1 (Jada Jones) - Kindle edition by Lyons, Kelly Starling, Brantley-Newton, Vanessa. Download it once and read it on your Kindle device, PC, phones or tablets. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading Rock Star #1 (Jada Jones).

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Amazon.com: EngiNerds (MAX): 9781481468725: Lerner, Jarrett: Books

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To make beautiful geodes in your own kitchen you need more patience and time than anything else! Here is the basic recipe to start you off in the world of beautiful geodes.

Project estimate & recipe:

3 Tablespoons Borax, about $4.00/box

1 Cup boiling water, on hand

Food colouring, on hand or $1

Pipe cleaners, on hand or $1

Large jar, glass or pitcher, on hand

Dish cloth, on hand

Skewer, butter knife, chop stick, on hand

Fishing line or curling ribbon, on hand or $1

Total: about $4 and up
The colour of the pipe cleaner is what decides the colour of your crystals. For example, I used dark blue to get the sapphire colour. If you only have white pipe cleaners, you can use food colouring in the water to dye them. Metallic pipe cleaners work best.

Shape the pipe cleaner(s) and thread fishing line or curling ribbon through the edge.

Put it in your empty container and using a skewer, butter knife or chop stick, tie the ends around it so that your pipe cleaner shape doesn't touch the sides or bottom of your container. Once you've got it tied off at the right height, remove it from the container before you add your water.

Bring water to a boil and carefully pour into your container. Add the Borax and food colouring (if needed), stirring until the Borax is completely dissolved.

Add your pipe cleaner shape tied to the skewer, butter knife or chop stick and cover with a dish cloth.

Let sit overnight or about 5 hours. Uncover and be amazed!

Carefully pull out the fishing line or curling ribbon from your finished geode.

Don't throw your water away! To reuse it, heat the water to boiling again and add 1 & 1/2 tablespoons of Borax.

I believe that what little affect the food colouring has will fade pretty quickly. Cover your geodes with a coat of clear nail polish if you use food colouring.

The longer your geode is immersed in the water, the bigger the crystals will be.

I strongly suggest curling ribbon or fishing line to suspend your pipe cleaners. I originally used string and couldn't pull it out of my finished geode.

For larger geodes, make a cage out of chicken wire and wrap it with pipe cleaners.

Terrie Burton

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Disclosure: this article may contain affiliate links or other forms of sponsored content. Opinions are 100% the author's.

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Tutorial: DIY Geodes " Dollar Store Crafts

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To make beautiful geodes in your own kitchen you need more patience and time than anything else! Here is the basic recipe to start you off in the world of beautiful geodes.

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Most elementary teachers know just how powerful a carefully selected read aloud can be. Picture books can instantly captivate a squirmy class of first graders, bring wide-eyed wonder to middle elementary, and spark deep and intellectual discussions with upper grades. One of my favorite ways to use read alouds with my little ones is use them to kick off STEM Challenges, and over the years, I've developed some favorites that I return to again and again for many reasons. They're perfect for "setting the stage" for a challenge by sparking background knowledge and promoting a healthy sense of growth mindset.

When searching for a "just right" book for STEM, here are some common themes to watch for:

Ready to build your STEM library with the best picture books? Start Here! Check out my Top 10 all time favorite read alouds for elementary STEM:
About the Book:
In Perfect Square by Michael Hall, an ordinary square of construction paper is transformed into beautiful objects such as a fountain, mountains, and a river. The square is changed by tearing, folding, cutting, and rearranging shapes and pieces in a variety of ways, and at the end transforms into a window that overlooks all of the creations.
Why I Love It:
This book is an instant spark for divergent thinking as students apply extraordinary possibilities to ordinary shapes and objects. It is also a great way to discuss composing and rearranging 2D and 3D shapes and patterns in many different ways. After reading and discussing this book, I like to give out sets of tangram blocks to my students to see how many designs they can come up with.
The Perfect Follow-up STEM Challenge:
Have students create an original "Square Sculpture" out of one square of construction paper. Teach them a variety of paper sculpture techniques such as slots/tabs, 3D shapes, symmetry, and prop-ups to apply to their designs. The full components for this challenge are found in our September Storybook STEM.
About the Book:
To a child, is there anything more inviting than the possibilities of an empty cardboard box? In What to do with a Box by Jane Yolen and Chris Sheban, a child lets his imagination run wild with amazingly creative box creations that serve a variety of playful purposes.
Why I Love It:
In today's digital world, many young children turn to iPads before they turn to imaginative play. A cardboard box instantly serves as a prop or setting for a make-believe scene and stimulates a wealth of creative thought. Not to mention, as children get older, they can create new and innovative uses for boxes such as projectors, art desks, solar ovens, and so much more.
The Perfect Follow-up STEM Challenge:
Have students create something useful out of a box! They can research ideas online or let their imaginations run wild, but their creativity will be sure to amaze you. I often use this project as a Family Project around the holidays (when lots of boxes are around the house) and allow my students to bring their box creations to school to present the class. You can be sure that no two creations will be alike! The STEM challenge below is included in our October Storybook STEM.
About the Book:
In this adorable sequel to I Wanna Iguana by Karen Kaufman Orloff, I Wanna New Room features a boy who desperately wants to be separated from his little brother and have a room of his own. His wild and crazy proposals to his parents about why he deserves his own space, paired with the outlandish features of the room of his dreams, instantly makes my students start imagining their own "dream rooms." The story ends with the endearing construction of a tree house by the boy and his father....the perfect compromise to give him a space of his own.
Why I Love It:
The "Imagine" or planning phase of the engineering design process is clearly featured in this book as the boy draws elaborate blueprints of his dream room. This leads perfectly into discussions about perimeter, area, cost of materials, and realistic design plans.
The Perfect Follow-up STEM Challenge:
Have students create blueprints of their very own "Dream Rooms," complete with every feature they can dream up. Have them calculate the areas and perimeters of the different features of their rooms. The STEM challenge below is included in our May Storybook STEM.
About the Book:
This one is a brand new addition to my STEM read aloud collection and has very quickly become one of my favorites. Special thanks to Courtney from Ramona Recommends for recommending this little gem. In After the Fall by Dan Santat, Humpty Dumpty learns to overcome his fear of heights and falling by climbing to the top of the wall that he once fell from. He creates a paper airplane bird to launch from the top, however, a surprise twist of events at the very end shows Humpty actually hatching from the egg, becoming a bird himself, and flying beautifully with outstretched wings from the top of the wall.
Why I Love It:
Talk about growth mindset at its FINEST, y'all. Not only does Humpty persevere and over come his fear, he challenges himself to construct and test something amazing despite that fear. And at the very end, he learns that all of that paralyzing fear and struggle was worth it when he learns to FLY instead of fall. (I mean, it gives me chills!)
The Perfect Follow-up STEM Challenge:
Paper Airplanes (February STEM) or Egg Drop (April STEM) are both AMAZING follow ups to this story. Both involve careful planning, perseverance, and multiple tests to ensure success. They're also BIG favorites among elementary students of all ages. For paper airplanes, I highly recommend checking out Fold N Fly for kid-friendly instructional steps and videos for a huge variety of paper airplane designs.
About the Book:
I'm a huge fan of Chris Van Dusen's work, and If I Built a House is an amazing STEM read aloud with a focus on engineering. (Also, make sure to check out If I Built a Car.) In this book, a boy named Jack designs the house of his dreams, complete with a racetrack, flying room, and gigantic slide. His creativity and infectious enthusiasm immediately inspire young inventors to imagine their own fantastical designs.
Why I Love It:
Kids are immediately captivated by the possibilities of a "Dream House," and it easily leads into a discussion about smart homes of the future that use cleaner forms energy, withstand natural disasters, and offer exciting entertainment features.
The Perfect Follow-up STEM Challenge:
Have students design and create models of a "Smart Home" ( November Storybook STEM) with features of the future and rooms of their dreams. Have them research alternative energy sources, strong construction materials, and methods of insulation.
About the Book:
Coming in at Number 5 is one of my favorites by the legendary Andrea Beaty. (Who, quite truthfully, sparked my affection for STEM read alouds in my classroom.) In Iggy Peck, Architect, young Iggy uses whatever materials he happens to have at his disposal to construct towers, bridges, and famous international landmarks. Whether it be chalk, apples, or pancakes, he finds a way to create with it, despite his parents' and teacher's disapproval. In the end, he is forced to use his talents to save the day during a field trip mishap by joining with his classmates to construct an elaborate suspension bridge. He even returns to his teacher's class many years later as a grown architect to teach her students about architecture.
Why I Love It:
Despite the wondrous creative abilities of Iggy Peck, I love how this book teaches our students to be resourceful. Just like Iggy, our kids can use whatever materials they happen to have on hand to create great inventions and form of architecture, whether it be recycled materials, LEGO, or even Dixie cups. It also leads to a great introduction to simple 3D shapes found in architecture.
The Perfect Follow-up STEM Challenge:
Have your students create three-dimensional sculptures using only fruit snacks and toothpicks. This lesson is FREE in my store and is a wonderful "first" STEM challenge for hesitant teachers and even the youngest students. Challenge them to first create two-dimensional shapes, then build up to create three-dimensional models.
About the Book:
Ashley Spires knocked it out of the park with The Most Magnificent Thing, the story of an inventive young girl and her dog. We follow the girl through her tests, frustrations, redesigns and renewed enthusiasm for her "most magnificent" invention, and her whirlwind of feelings is easy for our young students to identify with as they navigate the engineering design process. This story offers a perfect example of the rewards of perseverance and creativity, while at the same time reassuring children that it's okay to make mistakes. At the end of the book, the girl puts all her ideas together to create an oh-so-cool vehicle for her dog.
Why I Love It:
Mistakes and frustrations should never be perceived as failures in the engineering design process, but should be viewed a "stepping stones," just as the girl used hers in this story. As Thomas Edison wisely stated, "I didn't fail. I just found 10,000 ways that won't work." This is exactly the type of mindset we should nurture in our students.
The Perfect Follow-up STEM Challenge:
Have your students design and create a prototype for a new (or improved) toy or game using items around the classroom. This open-ended STEM challenge is sure to excite your students and the possibilities are limitless. ( November Storybook STEM)
About the Book:
So simple, yet so captivating, What Do You Do With an Idea? by Kobi Yamada convinces readers that even the smallest ideas can end up changing the world. If you love this one, also check out What Do You With a Problem? and her newest edition, What Do You Do With a Chance?
Why I Love It:
Let's be honest. There are so many things in our world that could be made better. and the little minds and hearts in our classrooms need to realize that the future is in their hands. Change starts with IDEAS and those ideas turn into ACTIONS. What better time to have them start imagining solutions for a better world than inside the walls of our classrooms?
The Perfect Follow-up STEM Challenge:
Have your students brainstorm a list of common problems that they encounter at home, at school, or elsewhere in the world, then use everyday items to design a "Genius Gizmo" invention to solve that problem. They also must create an advertisement for their invention. ( August Storybook STEM)
About the Book:
Andrea Beaty deserves TWO spots on this list because Rosie Revere, Engineer has been a big favorite in my classroom for several years. This book is perfectly conveys the importance of perseverance and creativity during STEM challenges. It tells the story of the struggles and successes of Rosie Revere, a second grade engineer and emphasizes that, "Life might have its failures, but this was not it. The only true failure can come if you quit."
Why I Love It:
I love how this book features a young female engineer and former female flight engineer...both awesome sources of inspiration for the young girls in our classrooms. The consistent emphasis on perseverance and problem-solving are the icing on the cake.
The Perfect Follow-up STEM Challenge:
Have your students plan and present their own inventions. My Rosie Revere pack outlines specific instruction and also offers vocabulary and language arts extensions.
About the Book:
This book has recently taken over the number one spot on my list of favorite STEM books, thanks to the recommendation from my sweet friend, Chloe from A Buckeye Teacher. In Dreaming Up: A Celebration of Building, Christy Hale draws beautiful parallels between everyday constructive play and real-world, extraordinary examples of architecture.
Why I Love It:
The introduction of this book reads, "If they can dream it, they can build it." Can I get an AMEN?!! This book speaks to my heart and passion from the very beginning, emphasizing the power and potentials of creative play and it's connections to our world.
The Perfect Follow-Up:
STEM Bins! Let your students explore the different materials, work together, and engineer basic structures using the everyday items in the bins. Ask them to compare and contrast their structures with real-world structures. To read more about the limitless possibilities of STEM Bins, check out THIS POST.

Which one of these read alouds is your favorite? Which ones do I need to add to my library? I'd love to hear read your comments!

Looking to integrate more literacy with your STEM Challenges? Check out our ever growing collection of Storybook STEM units.

***This post contains affiliate links for Amazon. By purchasing an item on the Amazon site using this link, I will receive a small commission on your purchase.***

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Most elementary teachers know just how powerful a carefully selected read aloud can be. Picture books can instantly captivate a squirmy class of first graders, bring wide-eyed wonder to middle elementary, and spark deep and intellectual discussions with upper grades.

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I love science, I love hands on learning, and I love learning about the weather! But what I love even more than all of that... is projects with a low mess impact on my home. I view science with my kids kind of like a teenager views school work... very very minimalist. This month when we made our own tornado in a jar it was so much fun I just had to share it with you. I promise you, if you make it over your sink, and glue on your lid, you'll have yourself a ten minute miracle project! It's going to teach your kids AND occupy them at the same time! It's pretty much win-win up in here. Just stop reading and hit the pin it flag on the picture below, you know you'll forget about it as soon as your kids come asking you a question... just keeping it real 😉

How to make a tornado in a jar!

What you need to make a tornado in a jar:

Glass jar with a lid (mason jar, pickle jar, jam jar, anything will work).

Water.

Clear Dish Soap (or blue if you have it).

Vinegar.

Blue Food Dye.

Once you have your supplies, you are ready to go!

1. Fill your jar about 3/4 full with water and add in 3-5 drops of blue food dye (depending on the size of your jar and how dark you want the water to be).

2. Add a teaspoon of dish soap and a teaspoon of vinegar to your blue water.

3. Tighten your lid, and if you are concerned about spillage... use a hot glue gun quickly around the rim and quickly tighten the lid before it can dry. This will secure your lid and ensure you don't have blue water all over your white carpet (using my brain, I know!).

Simply hold the jar by the lid and rotate it around in a circle in a smooth, steady motion with your wrist and watch the vortex form. Here is a cute little video to use to create a lesson out of you little science project.

If you loved the simplicity of this science experiment, head on over and check out my cloud in a jar experiment as well! You'll be learning about weather and creating little super geniuses at the same time 😉

If you try this experiment, tag me #rebeccaspoonerpg on Instagram so I can see what you guys have been up to!

What's your favorite, simple science experiment?

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How to Make a Tornado in a Jar: Fun Science for Kids!

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I love science, I love hands on learning, and I love learning about the weather! But what I love even more than all of that... is projects with a low mess impact on my home. I view science with my kids kind of like a teenager views school work...

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Here's a simple open-ended building activity for kids of all ages - Colored craft sticks, wooden cubes, and small plastic cups! Simple materials, and yet we have been having a blast building all kinds of amazing structures with them.

This project is the second project in our Summer STEAM Camp series! This week, we are exploring with the sense of touch.

Here are the materials we used for this project: (Amazon affiliate links)

Who knew that craft sticks, cubes, and cups could be so interesting? Extend the play and learning with these fun engineering challenges.
Challenge #1: Build a structure with one cube as the base. Yes, just one cube!
When I announced this one, the boys told me it would be impossible. So I showed them this construction which I had already built:

So then Owen came up with this:

And Gresham built this:

As long as you add pieces on both sides of your structure simultaneously, you can build some amazing designs!
Challenge #2: Using any size base, build the tallest possible structure.
Stacking craft sticks on top of plastic cups allows you to build a much more vertical structure than what you can make with cups alone.
Challenge #3: Feats of Balance. Make something stick out in an impressive way!
This structure that Aidan built seemed to defy gravity! Those cubes are really lightweight, and it was hard to believe that they could counterbalance the craft sticks and cups sticking out like that. But add enough of them...

How many cups can it hold?

One more...

And one more...

OOPS!

Dad made this one:
Challenge #4: What can you build with just one cup as the base?
More than you might think!
Bonus Challenge: Build a chain reaction!
Remove the first cup, and the sticks fall down in a chain! See how to make it here: Simple Popsicle Stick Chain Reactions
Like these engineering challenges? Here are more with simple materials: 5 Engineering Challenges with Clothespins, Binder Clips, and Craft Sticks Be sure to stop by the rest of the posts in the Summer STEAM Camp series!
Easy and Colorful Magnetic Sculpture - Pink Stripey Socks

Creative Pool Noodle STEAM Fun - One Time Through

String and Bead Puzzle - What Do We Do All Day?

Learning About Slugs - Why Do Slugs Have Slime? - Lemon Lime Adventures

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4 Engineering Challenges for Kids (Cups, Craft Sticks, and Cubes!) - Frugal Fun For Boys and Girls

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Here's a simple open-ended building activity for kids of all ages - Colored craft sticks, wooden cubes, and small plastic cups! Simple materials, and yet we have been having a blast building all kinds of amazing structures with them. This project is the second project in our Summer STEAM Camp series!

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Here's a fun STEM challenge, and the materials couldn't be simpler! Challenge kids to build the longest possible paper chain with just one sheet of paper and tape. That's it!
This math activity will appeal to a wise range of ages. I'd recommend it for kids age 5 to 10. If they can safely cut with scissors and manage the tape, they are old enough to try it.

I found this idea while cruising on Pinterest, but there was no link attached to the photo. Thankfully it's not hard to figure out. This math activity has a little fun competition and feels like a craft, and kids will never realize they're working on geometry and measurement.

We started with colored paper, just for fun. Construction paper or plain white paper will also work just fine.

The kids got right to work! It was interesting to observe whether they had a plan in mind before cutting, or whether they jumped right in. We had some of both.

Here's the kid with the plan. Hmmm...

When the chains were done, the boys measured them to see who won.

Gresham's paper chain was an impressive 6 feet and 6 inches! All of these chains were made with one sheet of paper. The purple one is Janie's (age 3). She wasn't trying to win - Aidan just helped her learn how to make a paper chain (and he did all the cutting).

After the activity, you can discuss why cutting the strips wider results in fewer strips and less chain length. It's a fun project!
More Math Ideas:

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STEM Challenge: One-Piece-of-Paper Paper Chain Contest - Frugal Fun For Boys and Girls

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Here's a fun STEM challenge, and the materials couldn't be simpler! Challenge kids to build the longest possible paper chain with just one sheet of paper and tape. That's it! This math activity will appeal to a wise range of ages. I'd recommend it for kids age 5 to 10.

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My 4-year-old knows how to code. Okay, that isn't entirely true. That would be awesome if he did though. He does know that coding is telling a robot or computer what to do. (Thank you, Blaze and the Monster Machines.) And while that is a simplistic definition of what coding is, he isn't wrong. Coding is telling something what to do. While we usually think of coding as something complicated that goes on behind the scenes with computers, it is something we can start to teach to kids in a fairly simple manner. Legos are accessible and perfect toys for this. Let's learn to code with legos.

What's In This Post?

Lego Coding Activities

Why should you start to introduce the concept of coding to your kids? Well, a big argument is that technology doesn't appear to be slowing its progress any time soon. We are already an online society, and more and more parts of life are going online. Computers are everywhere and those are run by coding. Being at least familiar and somewhat comfortable with the ideas and terminology behind this field will make your child more open to learning more about it. They will feel as though coding is for them. That is key to opening up fields to all kids.

(Learn the benefits of teaching kids about coding-> 8 Reasons Kids Should Learn To Code)

More than just the actual technology, coding teaches a lot of important skills! It teaches persistence, logic, focus, organization, and patience. Oh, and it helps with math and communication skills. Coding is so much more than just math. The math is important, but at the end of the day, you are trying to communicate when you program a computer. So this really is a skill that kids can use in all aspects of life.

The great thing about using legos to introduce coding concepts is that the activities can grow with your children. Start with the simple ideas and games to really lay the groundwork for what will come and you might be surprised with what your children can come up with!

The most basic level of this coding is learning your components. In other words, knowing how to sort your legos. Lego sorting gives toddlers the chance to practice their colors. Start with having your little one separate the bricks based on color. As they get better at that you can add in sorting the size of the bricks. This practices counting. It can be a bit tough for little ones as the bricks are small, but they can do it.

After you have sorted by one trait, just color or just number, try sorting by two traits. Color AND size. For example, can your child make a pile of all the red 4×4 bricks and the blue 2×4 bricks? It is tougher to have to look at two distinct characteristics at the same time.

The next level is recognizing and repeating patterns. Coding involves a lot of pattern recognition. In binary all information is relayed in ones and zeroes, so the computer needs to recognize the pattern and equate that to the meaning. So after sorting is done we need to work on patterns.

Start with simple patterns, things like ABAB. Build the pattern and ask your child to say it to you. Then ask if they can recreate it. This is recognizing the pattern. Let them try a few. After your child can copy the pattern ask if they can predict what is next and repeat the pattern. This is a little harder than just copying. It requires them to think through what has happened and what should happen next.

As your child gets better at this move onto more complicated patterns. Things like ABCABC or ABACABAC. Whatever you can come up with is perfect. This is also a perfect time for older and younger kids to work together. Have older siblings make patterns for their younger siblings to copy and predict what comes next. This is a great way to get kids at different levels working together!

Now that patterns are understood it is time to assign meaning to our patterns. An easy way to start this is to create a pattern that represents a letter in the alphabet. For example, a single red brick represents the letter A. Two represent the letter B, three C and so on. Using this code you can write out words and sentences using Legos!

The one downfall to this sort of simple code is that it gets really long. Plus when computers read code they need to know when a letter ends, meaning how do you know the information being relayed is one letter represented by a string of ten bricks or is it two letters of three bricks and seven bricks? One option to fix this is to create a break code. So if all our letters are represented by a series of red bricks we can insert a blue brick to show that letter is complete.

Another option that compresses a code a little more efficiently is to create patterns that all have the same parameters. For example, we can represent each letter of the alphabet using only 5 bricks with 2 different colors. This way a computer would know that each set of five bricks represents a letter without needing an additional divider.

I have put together a sample code for your kids to try. Have your children try to copy this code and make different letters. Can they make the alphabet? Can they spell out words? As your child gets better you can spell out messages to each other!

Once your child has mastered the code given, it is time to really step it up. Challenge your child to create their own code. The sky is the limit here. How can they use the Lego bricks to represent the letters of the alphabet? They can use a blank pattern sheet to color in and make their own pattern, but this is just one way to do it. Can they use six bricks to represent each letter? Can they create codes for whole words?

This is a fun way to explore your child's creativity and really do some critical thinking to solve a problem. I used a blank letter code form and let Ben color it in to try to make his own code. (You can find a copy in my free printables section!) Your child's imagination is the limit!
What are you going to try next? Here's some areas to check out.
This is just laying the groundwork for coding, there is obviously a lot more to it. But these skills are important for kids and they can use them in daily life! The other important aspect of this sort of activity is that it makes coding accessible to kids. Sometimes STEM topics feel too far off, like they aren't for us. That is so discouraging! Introducing ideas and terminology at a young age takes away some of the mystery behind these topics, which in turn takes away the fear to try them out. Kids can do what we think they can do, and what we encourage them to think they can do. And kids can code.

Want to get printable copies of the sample alphabet code and blank alphabet codes? They are available in my free printables section! All you need to gain access is to join the Team Cartwright mailing list. When you sign up you will receive an email with the password that opens up all the free printables. It also adds you to my mailing list! Grab these worksheets and all the others to help your kids learn and have fun!

Check out these other fun learning activities

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Kids Can Code! Simple and Fun Lego Coding Activities - Team Cartwright

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My 4-year-old knows how to code. Okay, that isn't entirely true. That would be awesome if he did though. He does know that coding is telling a robot or computer what to do. (Thank you, Blaze and the Monster Machines.) And while that is a simplistic definition of what coding is, he isn't wrong.

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These STEM activities & science experiments paired with favorite kids movies are a great way to inspire learning!

I know a lot of families ( including ours!) enjoy watching some of the new kids movies that come to theaters or sharing old film favorites on family movie nights. Has your family seen any of these 12 Inspiring Kids Movies about Inventions?

Today we're sharing a list of favorite kids movies along with STEM-related activities & projects that will keep those minds buzzing!

Family movie nights are a perfect time to watch some of the classic films we may have missed seeing at the theater during the busy school year.

Movies can be very inspirational for kids as they watch creative ideas come to life on the big screen -- which makes it a great way to entice them to do a little science, math & engineering too.

Whether you're a family with movie nights or an educator looking for ideas for your students, you'll LOVE some of these creative, out-of-the-box activities that get kids thinking, exploring and having fun with science, technology & engineering! We're including affiliate links to each of the movies & a few of our favorite STEM items along with links to all the excellent projects!

So get the popcorn ready & let's experiment :)

BigHero 6 STEM Movie Activities

We really enjoyed the science & technology ideas in Big Hero 6 -- so many creative and 'futuristic' items that will peak the kids' interest to experiment!

Create Your Own Tinker Box & Make 'Baymax' Robot Puppets

Make your own Chemistry Concoctions -- Inspiration Laboratories

Make Oobleck & create a chemical reaction -- Maker Mom

Explore robotics with this Robotic Arm Edge kit!

Harry Potter STEM Activities

The cross-over between magic and science really comes to life in many of the Harry Potter films (the early ones are best for younger kids).

Set up an Outdoor Science Lab and experiment like Harry Potter & friends do in Potions class!

Learn about physics, sight and sound with this Harry Potter Spells & Potions Activity set!

Create your own Invisible Ink so writing to just 'appear'! -- Fun a Day

Blow up a Balloon & Blow out a Candle with this 'magic' trick !

And the Scientific Explorer Magic Science for Wizards Only Kit is sure to be a hit too!

The LEGO Movie Engineering Projects

It's not just all fun & games with The LEGO Movie -- as Lego lovers will tell you, there are quite a bit of science & engineering in all that building!

Create a LEGO Catapult -- Science Sparks

Engineer a way to pour your cereal for breakfast! -- Hands on: As We Grow

Design a LEGO Zipline -- Little Bins for Little Hands

Build a LEGO Balance Scale -- Frugal Fun for Boys

Honestly, any type of LEGO Kit is awesome for engineering and a great item to pair with the movie!

Science & Math Activities for Frozen Movie

If you can get the kids to stop singing the songs from Disney's Frozen long enough to try a few of these cold science activities, they'll enjoy exploring the idea of 'frozen' fun! This Disney movie will inspire LOTS of science experiments & STEM activities for young children!

Elsa's Ice Melting Experiment -- Little Bins for Little Hands

Fun Math Learning about Fractals -- Crafty Moms Share

How to Make Artificial Snow -- In the Playroom

Frozen Water Magic Science -- Preschool Powol Packets

Plus kids will love learning the science behind ice with this Light-up Crystal Growing Kit!

Star Wars Science Activities & STEM Ideas

The key line in the movie -- "May the Force Be with You" -- screams science & physics! But there's also so many other ways to learn with the Star Wars movies!

Create the Star Wars Galaxy with this fun math activity !

Light Saber Glow in the Dark Slime -- Little Bins for Little Hands

Lego Star Wars Yoda's Swamp -- Epic Fun for Kids

Explore levitation like a Jedi with this Star Wars Science kit.

R2D2 Perler Bead Patterns -- Brain Power Boy

Creating Star Wars 'Fizzy' Landscapes -- Planet Smarty Pants

And kids will also love learning to create electrial curcuits with the Death Star Electronics Lab too!

Wreck It Ralph

And yet even more Disney themed science & STEM activities! Since Wreck It Ralph was more of a computer/tech movie, you can look for some great coding activities kids will enjoy!

Making a Mentos/Soda Eruption -- East Coast Mommy

Play this IF-THEN Backyard Coding Game -- Left Brain, Craft Brain

Explore a few of these Coding Unplugged Games to introduce kids to computers -- Brain Power Boy

The Code Master Programming Logic Coding Game is also a great way to introduce computer programming concepts to kids!

More Movie & STEM Activities for Kids

9 Totally NOT Boring History Movies with Activities

12 Movies that Will Inspire Kids to Tinker
12 Diverse STEM Books for Kids

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20 STEM Activities Inspired by Kids Movies

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These STEM activities & science experiments paired with favorite kids movies are a great way to inspire learning! I know a lot of families ( including ours!) enjoy watching some of the new kids movies that come to theaters or sharing old film favorites on family movie nights.

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The Coolest Summer STEAM Book List for Kids

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Summertime is here and it's the perfect time of year to explore new STEAM ideas! I'm excited to share with you the top books that should make your summer STEAM reading list. Use these to encourage kids to explore STEAM activities, STEAM inspired fiction, and STEAM non-fiction books.

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Science Experiments at Home! 🔬 Emily's Wonder Lab | Netflix Jr

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