5 Fun Unplugged Coding Activities for Hour of Code Week 2023

For many kids, the Hour of Code is their first exposure to coding. And while it's a great introduction to the basics of coding, it's important to remember that coding can be done without a computer.

In fact, there are plenty of unplugged coding activities that kids can enjoy. From building towers out of cups to creating a human version of the classic game Snake, these activities provide a fun and hands-on way for kids to learn about coding concepts. And best of all, they can be done anywhere - no computer required!

So if you're looking for ways to get your kids interested in coding, why not try some unplugged coding activities? They're sure to have a blast - and they might learn something along the way.

What is the Hour of Code?

The Hour of Code is a global initiative every December to promote computer science education. The initiative provides opportunities for students of all ages to try coding for one hour. The goal is to show that anyone can learn the basics of coding and to encourage more people to get involved in the field.

The Hour of Code has been running since 2013 and has reached over 100 million students in 180 countries. Many organizations, including the likes of Apple, Microsoft, and Google support the initiative.

So far, Hour of Code has been a great success in getting more people interested in coding. According to a study conducted by Code.org, more students are now interested in computer science.

The Hour of Code is a great way to get started in coding. If you've never coded before, the initiative provides a perfect opportunity to try it out. And if you're already familiar with coding, the Hour of Code is a great way to give back and help promote computer science education.

Unplugged Coding Activities for Hour of Code

In case you have missed it, December is Computer Science Education Month. In recognition, code.org has set up a special campaign called "Hour of Code." The premise is simple: spend an hour learning how to code and help to promote computer science education.

Here are some unplugged coding activities you can do with your students (or kids) during Hour of Code.

1. Feed the Mouse

One of the most popular unplugged coding activities for Hour of Code is "Feed the Mouse.” In this activity, kids work together to feed a mouse. This activity is a great way to introduce kids to the basics of coding, and it can be done with nothing more than a pencil and paper.

To start, draw a grid on a piece of paper and divide it into squares. Next, assign each square a number or letter. Then, have the kids determine what sequence of numbers or letters will feed the mouse and make him happy.

Once they have determined the sequence, have them write it down and test it by moving their pencil along the grid. If they followed the sequence correctly, the mouse should be fed and happy!

This activity is a great way to introduce kids to the basics of coding, and it can be done with nothing more than a pencil and paper.

2. Binary Cards

The Binary Cards is another unplugged coding activity for Hour of Code, which is a great way to introduce the concept of binary code to beginners. The activity is simple: each card has several dots, and the player must match the cards up according to the number of dots.

For example, two cards with four dots would go together, as would two cards with seven dots. The cards can be arranged in any order so long as the number of dots matches up.

This activity is a great way to introduce the concept of binary code, as it helps players to understand that a combination of ones and zeros can represent each number. By arranging the cards in different combinations, players can see how binary numbers can represent different values.

This activity is also a great way to encourage critical thinking and problem-solving, as players must experiment with different arrangements to find a solution.

3. Potato Pirates: Battlechips

Potato Pirates: Battlechips is an exciting unplugged coding activity perfect for Hour of Code. In this activity, players take on the role of potato pirates who are battling against each other using a series of code-like instructions.

The game's objective is to be the remaining player by attacking other players or harvesting energy by trading resources. The harvested energy can be used to purchase Power cards or NFTs from the Spudnet to gain the upper hand. Check out our detailed instructional video to learn how to play Potato Pirates: Enter the Spudnet!

This activity teaches basic coding concepts such as sequencing, loops, and conditionals. In addition, it is a lot of fun and can be played by kids of all ages.

4. If/Then Glow in the Dark Coding Activity

The "If/Then Backyard Coding Game" is a great way to teach kids about coding. The basic premise is simple: the player has to get a character from one side of the screen to the other using a series of code blocks.

Each block represents a different action, such as moving forward or turning left. To complete the level, the player has to figure out the correct sequence of actions. This can be tricky, but it's also a lot of fun.

The game is designed to teach kids how to think like programmers, and it's a great way to introduce them to the basics of coding. The best part of this coding game that it can be played without a computer or internet access; all you need is a pencil and paper.

5. Build Your Robot

One unplugged activity that can be used to celebrate the Hour of Code is to build your robot. This activity is perfect for students who are interested in engineering and robotics.

To build a robot, kids will need basic materials, such as cardboard, duct tape, and markers. Once they have gathered your materials, they must use their imagination to design and build their robot.

They can give their robot any shape or size that they like. They can also decorate their robot with whatever colors and patterns they choose. Once they have finished building their robot, they can add simple coding instructions to make it move.

For example, they could write a program that makes their robot move forward 10 steps, turn left, and then move forward 5 steps. This activity is a great way to introduce students to the basics of coding while also encouraging them to be creative and have fun.

Conclusion

As the world increasingly relies on technology, it is more important than ever to have a basic understanding of coding. The Hour of Code is a global initiative that encourages people of all ages to try their hand at coding, even if just for an hour.

One of the great things about coding is that it can be done anywhere, anytime. This unplugged activity is a great way to get started with coding, regardless of age or skill level. With just a few supplies and creativity, you can start learning the basics of coding.

If you're just starting out on your coding journey, you could also check a list of resources we've vetted and compiled in our article 15 free coding resources or Potato Pirates' free coding ebooks!

So what are you waiting for? Give it a try now!