Our Lower School students participated in the international “Hour Of Code” last December. GSA has been participating in this program for several years and we enjoy the materials provided at www.hourofcode.org.
Since the international Hour of Code is only one hour long, we don’t get a chance to look at all of the coding options available. However, the winter elective “More Than an Hour of Code” gives our computer coders a chance to further explore the programs. These programming activities are game-like in feel, but they also teach coding commands. As each game progresses, new commands are introduced.
As part of this elective, students played, evaluated and curated several of the games. They gave each game a “thumbs up” or “thumbs down,” or even a “thumbs sideways” if the game didn’t truly impress. They made notes about what they liked or didn’t like about the games.
Students were also asked to choose one of their favorite games from the “Hour of Code” website and write a review so that others might be inspired to take a look at the program on their own. Below are two of their reviews for the game “Moana” which can be found at hourofcode.com/moana.
“Moana” Game Review
By Sofia D., 5th Grade
Best for grades 2/3 and up. Requires reading.
In my opinion, my favorite game on the Hour of Code website is Moana. The game Moana is based on a movie that recently came out in 2016. Moana is a very unique game that has you complete small quests in order to help you reach an island and defeat the Kakamora. The game Moana has very clear instructions that are not confusing. I really liked playing Moana and I hope you do too.
“Moana” Game Review
By Samuel, 5th Grade
Best for grades 2/3 and up. Requires reading.
A code game that I recommend is Moana. I recommend it because, first of all, it got three thumbs up on our class list! It has a lot of adventure. It also has good sounds and graphics. I also like the ship with the Kakamora. I also like it because you have to make a choice between two characters, to see who goes on board and who stays behind. Finally, I hope you enjoy sailing through the sea, cutting down ropes and the little dance surprise at the end! HAVE FUN!