Learn the idea
A class has a topic, a clear example, a guided build, and checkpoints. Lessons connect so the same ideas return in larger systems.
School of Code / Computer Lab
The class gives the idea. The Computer Lab gives it a life.
Classes teach ideas in a planned sequence. The Computer Lab is guided open project time: finish a difficult section, change a rule, repair a bug, or build a more ambitious version.
Two kinds of work
Classes and Computer Lab projects serve different purposes.
Follow the problem
The student chooses a useful next move and works with an instructor nearby: add a feature, investigate a failure, rebuild a weak section, or prepare a demonstration.
Choosing the work
Stay with a good problem.
A half-working project may contain more useful questions than a fresh assignment.
- Finish a class project
- Rebuild it another way
- Add one feature
- Test a strange idea
- Repair a bug or edge case
- Follow a challenge card
- Prepare a demonstration
- Help another student after trying independently
The idea changes form
One lesson can lead to very different Computer Lab projects.
How Does the Screen Know Where You Are?
Known position, x/y movement, boundaries, and visible debugging.
How Does a Game Decide?
True/false questions, score rules, branches, and reliable reset.
What Question Is the Sensor Answering?
Measurement, thresholds, decisions, action, and rechecking.
Computer Lab projects
A mission, required systems, and several possible solutions.
Scratch & Game Design
Computer Lab Project
The Suspiciously Emotional Space Pet
Create a virtual pet with needs that change over time and actions that affect more than one value.
See how it works
Scratch & Game Design
Computer Lab Project
Grandma's Intergalactic Taxi
Navigate a space taxi between coordinate-based pickups and destinations.
See how it works
Scratch & Game Design
Computer Lab Project
Astro-Chicken Rescue
Track several drifting chickens, collect them once each, and stay out of the danger zones.
See how it works
Robotics
Computer Lab Project
Conductors and Insulators Lab
Test which materials complete a low-voltage circuit, record the evidence, and investigate readings that do not make sense.
See how it works
Robotics
Computer Lab Project
Robot Patrol Challenge
Design a repeating patrol that notices an obstacle, tries a response, and checks whether the response worked.
See how it worksInstructor role
Help without taking over the keyboard.
The instructor can narrow the problem, ask for a prediction, point to evidence, suggest a test, or offer a challenge card.
The student makes the decision, changes the project, and explains the result.
Working rulesStudents arrive with a project or choose one connected to class. Browsing, videos, and games serve the build; they are not the activity by themselves.
Start with a School of Code program.
Ask how classes and additional project time may fit your child.