students next to home made robot

Elementary students across Manatee County recently celebrated Computer Science Education Week by participating in the Hour of Code.

Ballard Bee Game

This global learning event introduces students to computer science through various coding activities.

Ballard Bee Bot

At Ballard Elementary, students used Bee Bots to learn sequencing skills, while others practiced programming with Scratch Jr. on iPads.

Ballard Bee Bot

Students at Moody Elementary and Ballard Elementary explored block coding lessons and activities on Code.org.

Ballard Bee Bot

Block coding provides a visually friendly platform for young students to learn skills that can be applied later when studying programming languages, like Python.

Palma Sola VEX & STEM Robot Tree

Students from Palma Sola Elementary’s STEM and VEX Robotics Clubs used their coding skills to create a VEX Robot tree that waves, which received an award.

They also created a V-Rex to stand beside the tree.

Students with VEX robot tree

Students are experimenting with code that allows their projects to play "Jingle Bells."

Both projects can be viewed at Palma Sola Botanical Gardens during the Winter Nights Under the Lights event.

Ballard Scratch Jr k-2

School District of Manatee County students can learn STEM skills like these thanks to the community’s support of the millage.

Ballard Code

Special thanks to STEM Coordinator Lynne Johnston for sharing this Good News.