Unplugged Activities for Future Coders

A single error in a line of code can cause a computer program to go haywire or stop working entirely. Luckily coding has a process for dealing with errors: debugging. Debugging consists of finding and fixing errors in code. You don't have to work as a coder to develop your debugging skills, though. The simple activities in this book help readers develop their logic skills and an eagle eye for spotting errors, both of which are indispensable in coding and helpful in many other areas as well.

From the simplest applications to the largest networking centers, algorithms are the heartbeat of computer science. The beauty of computers is their ability to automate processes, and algorithms are the tools coders use to make that possible. They employ core computational thinking skills, including logic and problem solving to make software tick. Through a series of thoughtful activities, readers will learn what algorithms are, what they are used for, and how to make their own algorithms using pseudocode and flowcharts. These interactive, game-like projects provide an accessible path to understanding algorithms, even with little or no computer science experience.

The dozen activities in this book don't require a computer, but will help readers become masters at computational thinking. This volume stars out with activities highlighting the necessity of giving clear, direct instructions. It continues to include instructions that introduce readers to concept of computer languages, commenting on codes, number systems, and the importance of binary in coding. Fun illustrations and informative sidebars help make the volume engaging, while back matter elements like a glossary and further reading section reinforce what readers have learned and offer ways to learn more about thinking like a coder.

Computers have become enmeshed in almost every aspect of modern life. While this development has made our lives easier and more convenient, it also opens us up to all sorts of security risks. The dozen activities in this volume emphasize the importance of computer security and delve into the steps that both coders and ordinary users of technology can take to improve their computer security. Individual activities explore topics such as encryption, coming up with secure passwords, two-step verification, phishing, and fingerprint identification.

Though code is what makes software run, its user experience (UX) is what makes it a success. Designing a user experience requires a combination of computer science skills and an artistic eye, especially when it comes to the user interface (UI). What users see and interact with will greatly influence their reaction to a piece of software. This book teaches the importance of UX and UI designers and introduces the practices of good software design, all while stimulating readers with unique, engaging activities.