Google developers inspire youth coders at McMaster

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BY Monique Beech

July 27, 2015

Young aspiring coders got a taste of what it’s like to work at one of the world’s biggest tech companies last week.

Google Canada software engineers, Ingrid Fielker and Melissa Dominguez, visited McMaster University’s science and engineering outreach camp, Venture Engineering and Science (VES) Codemakers, and led campers in computer science activities, and took questions on what it’s like to work in their field.

“The kids are so engaged, interested and have great questions” said Fielker. “It’s really nice to see our next generation of software engineers”.

A new program at McMaster, VES Codemakers teaches students in grades six to eight the basics of computer science. Participants learn about the fundamentals of code through engaging activities that bring concepts such as design problems and information traffic jams to life. More than 100 students are participating this summer.

“Coding is my favourite part because you can control robots, and you can make video games” said camper Jai Patel, 11, who attends Echo Place School in Brantford, Ont. “I want to learn to code so I can do it on Minecraft”.

On Thursday students learned about functions and algorithms by incorporating that into making their own recipes for food. Meshing the core ideas of creating code with simple meals, they were able to learn about inputs and outputs at a level they can understand.

“This camp is aimed to create and nurture an interest in computer science, and to engage students in an interactive and fun environment,” said Adam Rocque, VES Codemakers co-coordinator and a McMaster computing software and engineering student.  “Codemakers is an exciting and hands-on computer science experience, teaching the fundamentals of computer programming and new product development.”

Google.org sponsors the Codemakers’ program in partnership with Actua, an organization that delivers science, engineering, technology and mathematics education to students across Canada. Last fall, Google.org announced a grant to Actua to deliver Codemakers to over 100,000 kids, with a focus on girls, Aboriginal, and underprivileged youth.