Patricia Harris Ph. D.

Hopscotch is a block programming language designed for the Apple iPad and iPhone that makes learning about code accessible, exciting, and fun. Because coders drag blocks of code to write programs, they can learn the major concepts of coding without having to struggle with the syntax, special vocabulary, or even the typing of text required in text-based languages. In this instructive resource, coders will learn how to create drawings, simple animations, or games they can share with others, and they can have fun doing it.

Readers will learn expert tips to make sure their passwords are secure and their log-in information is safe. They'll also learn more about the cyberwar that happens every day on the Internet as security experts and malicious hackers do battle. Topics include passwords, encryption, network security, and cyberterrorism. Readers will also learn about the power and importance of really, really big prime numbers. Diagrams and accessible text help make this the perfect guide to digital security. Readers will decode the secrets of this book and see if they can crack the security code embedded within.

Elementary students around the globe are taught to count using a base-10 number system. We form numbers using the 10 digits of our base-10 system, which is zero through nine. Readers discover other number systems people have used throughout history. With a binary system, computers only use two digits: 0 and 1. So how does a computer count to 10? Readers will learn the answer inside this book. Also included is a review of hexadecimal numbers, which serve as the old basis of assembly languages and can still be found today setting colors on the web. This volume meets math standards addressing number systems other than base 10.

Computer literacy is nothing short of imperative, and many educators are advocating for students to understand code and even to become coders themselves. This motivating volume doesn't just introduce different kinds of coding, it instills readers with an excitement for coding themselves. They'll learn about special languages and programs that make coding achievable at all levels of proficiency. They'll be introduced to professional coders and learn how coding requires practical knowledge as well as creativity in solving problems. An appealing design adds interest to this already high-interest topic, which supports STEM curricula.

Computer literacy is nothing short of imperative, and many educators are advocating for students to understand code and even to become coders themselves. This motivating volume doesn't just introduce different kinds of coding, it instills readers with an excitement for coding themselves. They'll learn about special languages and programs that make coding achievable at all levels of proficiency. They'll be introduced to professional coders and learn how coding requires practical knowledge as well as creativity in solving problems. An appealing design adds interest to this already high-interest topic, which supports STEM curricula.

Usually we think of coding as something only trained experts and scientists can handle, but not any more thanks to programs like Python. First developed in 1991, Python uses lines of code, letters, and symbols, to create computer programs. Python is easier to read and takes fewer lines of code to accomplish tasks than some programming languages. Python's creator, Guido van Rossum, wanted to create open-source software that used easy-to-understand coding text. His software allows even novice programmers to see results in a short amount of time. Vivid photographs, sidebars, and a graphic organizer help make this STEM-centric volume a dynamic learning experience.

Slavery is a sensitive topic in American history. This book provides resources and lesson plans for a week-long unit covering slavery, the Underground Railroad, and the abolition movement built around an award-winning board game. In Freedom: The Underground Railroad, students will take on the role of abolitionists helping slaves reach freedom in Canada. Background knowledge, primary source documents, and detailed lesson plans on teaching slavery and using the game provide full support for instruction. Customized Freedom mini-game scenarios designed by Brian Mayer and Christopher Harris. Game: Freedom: The Underground Railroad. Brian Mayer. Academy Games, 2013.

Understanding how computer programming works is a critical part of digital literacy for students today. Even students who aren't learning how to code can benefit greatly from knowing how programs work. This book uses highly engaging games to immerse students in the world of logical thinking and problem solving. From programming robots to writing stories that work as interactive fiction games, the lessons in this book provide ways to build digital literacy beyond the computer lab. Games: RoboRally. Richard Garfield. Avalon Hill, 2010. Old Town. Stephan Riedel. Clicker Spiele, 2012. Ricochet Robots. Alex Randolph. Z-Man Games, 2013. Parsley Game System. Memento Mori Theatricks.

It may only be play money, but the games in this book can help students better understand how important financial literacy is in their real lives. Play-based lesson plans in the book cover topics including spending and saving, risk assessment, and return on investment using fast-paced board and card games. A larger capstone game pulls together all of the concepts in a market-driven game that places students in the role of stockholders investing in and managing train companies. Who will use financial savvy to turn the biggest profit? Games: High Society. Reiner Knizia. Gryphon Games, 2008. Can't Stop. Sid Sackson. Gryphon Games, 2011. Panic on Wall Street. Britton Roney. Marabunta, 2011. Chicago Express. Harry Wu. Queen Games, 2007.

We all know the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776, but too often we forget that the colonies were almost a year into the Revolutionary War by the time of the signing. Can you replicate historical success? Or will your colonies fall back under British rule? Building upon 1775: Rebellion, an award winning board game, this book presents a week-long unit with detailed lesson plans, primary source documents, and additional instructional resources for teaching the American Revolution through play. Exclusive print-and-play game Intolerable Acts designed for classroom use by Brian Mayer and Christopher Harris. Game: 1775: Rebellion. Beau Beckett, Jeph Stahl. Academy Games, 2013.

This book provides broad support for using games in middle and high school science classes including Earth science/living environment, biology, chemistry, and physics. The lesson plans and resources support a play-based approach to evolution, ecosystems, cellular organisms, elements and compounds, and vector motion. Though easy to learn, the included games provide detailed scientific accuracy allowing complex simulations and immersive learning experiences. Games: Evolution. Dominic Crapuchettes, Dmitry Knorre, Sergey Machin. North Star Games, 2014. Strain. Avrom Tobias. HungryRobot, 2011. Compounded. Darell Louder. Dice Hate Me Games, 2013. Bolide. Alfredo Genovese. Rio Grande Games, 2005.