DSA supports junior programmers

As part of its commitment to getting young people enthusiastic in learning or studying STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), DSA sponsored ten Calliopes to an elementary school in the region some time ago. These are microcontrollers that were developed for a playful introduction to the world of programming and algorithmic thinking. With the Calliopes, our colleague Daniel Reichlmeier brought a very special highlight to the elementary school children at the end of last year. Because the former teacher had left the school, he slipped into the role of the teacher and offered four double lessons of computer science in each of the two 4th grades.

At the beginning, the curriculum included some basic theory. Afterwards, the children programmed a score counter for the popular school table soccer using the Open Roberta programming interface. The young computer scientists then tackled the task of creating "programmed animals" that could express their needs and emotions via the Calliope after being stroked, shaken, given a drink and fed.

Children and teachers of the class agreed that the lessons were far too short. However, some children put a Calliope at the top of their list of wishes for Christmas. So, the event was a great success and the future programmers and potential future DSA colleagues are certainly already working on their next projects.