Pandemic Programming

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FRC Team 449, The Blair Robot Project, presents to you PANDEMIC PROGRAMMING!

What is Pandemic Programming? Who are the organizers? Pandemic Programming is a comprehensive coding curriculum that offers free virtual classes in Scratch, Python, and Java to K - 12 students anywhere. Classes are offered through Zoom by High School members of FIRST Robotics Team 449, The Blair Robot Project.

Composed of students and alumni from Montgomery Blair High School and Montgomery County, our team continues to expand and attract new members since its establishment in 1999. We compete in the annual For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) Robotics competition, a highly acclaimed event dedicated to encouraging students to pursue STEM and engage in the exciting field of robotics.

The mission of the Blair Robot Project is to solve complex problems in a collaborative environment to promote personal and intellectual growth, promote a student-led and mentor-guided environment, and build and compete successfully with a well-designed and fabricated robot. Additionally, through our outreach programs, we encourage youth to pursue degrees and careers in STEM.

What classes will be offered and what grades are our courses reccomended for?

Scratch: K - 4
Python: 4 - 12
Java: 7 - 12

What prior knowledge should I have to take these classes?

Scratch: None
Python: Proficient in Arithmetic
Java: Proficient in Pre-Algebra and Python is Recommended, but NOT Required

The grade levels indicated are recommendations. If you want to discuss what is best for you/your child, send us an email at blair.robot@gmail.com.

Important Dates:

First Day of Classes: July 15th and July 16th (based on if you have class on Saturdays or Sundays)
Last Day of Classes: September 16th and 17th (based on if you have class on Saturdays or Sundays)
Closing Ceremony (demonstration of final projects): September 17th 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM

Class Timings:

Scratch - SATURDAYS 5:00 to 6:00 PM
Python - SUNDAYS 5:00 to 6:30 PM
Java - SATURDAYS 3:00 to 4:30 PM

Are classes FREE? Our classes are absolutely FREE!! We just ask for your full commitment to our program; this includes, but is not limited to, consistent attendance (with a 24 hour notice before a predicted absence), completion of coursework, communication if additional support is needed. All softwares included in classes are free of cost as well.