Disney Interactive and Code.org just unveiled a computer science tutorial featuring heroines Anna and Elsa from Frozen.
The tutorial kicks off the second-annual Hour of Code campaign, a worldwide effort to broaden participation in computer science—especially by girls—during Computer Science Education Week (taking place December 8–14). Students around the world will learn to write code that enables Disney Infinity versions of Disney’s Frozen characters Anna and Elsa to draw snowflakes and snowmen and perform magical “ice craft” in Code.org’s signature lesson for the Hour of Code 2014. Additionally, the tutorial aims to teach logic and math and nurtures creative thinking through introductory computer programming.
Role-model technologists and celebrities—including Polyvore CEO Jess Lee, Microsoft engineer Paola Mejia, app developer and model Lyndsey Scott, and model Karlie Kloss—also provide short video lectures to guide students through the one-hour activity. Participants can share their artwork online or with friends through a unique link as well.
“As a parent, I know firsthand how excited kids are over Disney’s Frozen,” Hadi Partovi, co-founder of Code.org, said during the announcement. “Our entire team is grateful for Disney Interactive’s tireless support of the Hour of Code, which provides students an entry point into the world of creativity that opens up when they build technology for the first time.”
“Disney Interactive shares Code.org’s passion to unleash the creative potential within all of us and we’re proud that the Disney characters will help children grow and learn important skills,” Jimmy Pitaro, president, Disney Interactive, said. “Computer science and coding literacy are vital to our children’s future and we applaud Code.org for making computer science education more widely available.”
Along with this collaboration, Disney is donating $100,000 to support Code.org’s efforts to bring computer science education to after-school programs nationwide. Next month, we’ll also host special Hour of Code events for local students in our Los Angeles, Palo Alto, Seattle and Kelowna, British Columbia offices.
Titled “Artist with Anna & Elsa,” the tutorial is Code.org’s newest addition to its online learning platform, Code Studio. Starting as early as kindergarten, students can learn the basics of computer science through Code Studio, which is used in more than 50,000 classrooms. Try “Artist with Anna & Elsa” now by visiting Code.org/Frozen.