Computer science workshop for students and parents asks 'Are you smarter than your 5th grader?'

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue University's Department of Computer Science invites parents and children to create digital worlds, work with robotics and design interactive creations together through the Are you smarter than YOUR 5th grader? program.

The program offers programming and graphic design activities for students in grades four through six and their parents or guardians. Parent and student pairs can choose two different activities for each session. 

* The ALICE storytell­ing challenge uses the ALICE 3D graphic design program to create a digital world to tell a story.

*The Pico Crickets robotics challenge uses a kit with lights, motors, sensors and other devices to elicit an action or reaction from a robot based on stimuli.

*The Scratch programming challenge uses the Scratch programming language to create interactive stories, animations, games, music and art and share creations on the Web.

The workshops are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 10 and Dec. 1 in the Lawson Computer Science Building. Participants can choose to attend one or both sessions.

Sessions will be led by local K-12 teachers and supported by current Purdue computer science students. Lunch will be provided for all attendees.

The program is free, but registration is required. Online registration is available at http://www.tinyurl.com/purduesmarter

The Department of Computer Science K-12 outreach staff developed the program. More information is available at: http://www.cs.purdue.edu/external_relations/k-12_outreach/programs/Smarter/index.sxhtml

Writer: Elizabeth K. Gardner, 765-494-2081, ekgardner@purdue.edu

Source: Mindy Hart, 765-494-7802, mindy@purdue.edu