We inspire Kids in Hacker Schools
“Can I work as a hacker when I’m grown up? Is that a job? I would love it!”
When I was in school, one of my math teachers challenged me to write code to solve my homework assignments. I eliminated a lot of boring hand-writing, started to love the systems of linear equations, and for the first time, I addressed a real-world problem on my computer. I was deeply inspired.
A few weeks back, we supported a STEM education event in Karlsruhe. Hacker School invited us to join a large-scale experiment at the Ernst-Reuter-Schule. A whole school with 300+ kids participated in tinkering and coding projects for one day.
Hacker School
As part of facilitating Hacker School courses, professional software engineers share their knowledge and experience as “Inspirers”. Usually, two “Inspirers” and ten kids form a team. Fun, practical application and a highly collaborative culture are of primary importance.
At the end of each Hacker School event, the hackers step up and proudly share their projects and learnings.
At LogMeIn, we decided to run visual programming workshops with MakeCode and micro:bit microcontrollers. Together, we programmed name tags, electronic dices, and Rock–paper–scissors. We used an ultrasonic sensor and speakers to build a musical instrument and controlled a Santa Claus using radio signals.
Mission Possible
The Mission Possible program helps LogMeIn employees find meaningful ways to volunteer and engage with their local community and pays for their volunteer time. Among other things, we are encouraged to support education & youth programs like Hacker School.
With such great support from the company, it only took a tiny spark to get more colleagues on board. I introduced the micro:bit and spread some hardware. Real makers and builders could not resist. With a team of 19 excited engineers from all departments, we headed out to inspire 90 kids in a single day!
The Hacker School courses should be fun and inspiring. They should be hands-on and show young people how to do practical, real things — with programming. Hardware/Electronics related topics are also allowed.
While this day at school was surprisingly exhausting, it was also rewarding. My highlight was a shy girl who had no clue about coding in the beginning. She was curious and learned quickly. At lunch break, I had a hard time to pull her away from the development environment. Later she proudly presented one of her programs in front of the whole school and made plans to start “hacker” career.
Let us inspire more kids, and introduce them to the world of coding. We already have plans for our next event.
See you at Girls Day 2019!
