Old Bridge, NJ – June 21, 2017 – Children and teens will have the opportunity to explore the popular Finch robots this summer through four new classes at the Old Bridge Public Library. Sessions will be held at both the Central and Laurence Harbor Library branches.
The Finch is a small robot invented by Carnegie Mellon’s CREATE lab to promote computer science education. It was designed to inspire students by providing them a tangible and physical representation of coding. The Finch can support over a dozen programming languages, and can be used by children as young as five years old. The following classes will be offered at the Library:
Meet the Finch Robot: This will be a fun, informal introduction to the Finch for kids ages 7-10 who have little or no experience with computers or coding. The four separate sessions will be held on Mon. June 26th from 7-8pm; Wed. July 12th from 3:30-4:30pm at the Library’s Laurence Harbor (LH) Branch; Fri. July 14th from 4-5pm, and Tues. Aug. 22nd from 3:30-4:30pm at LH.
Intro to Coding with the Finch Robot: Geared for kids ages 8-13, this class will teach how to control a Finch with Snap!, a simple block-coding language. No previous computer experience is necessary for this three-session program. The classes will be offered Thurs. July 20th, 27th and Aug. 3rd from 3:30-4:30pm. In addition, another session will be held Mon. July 31st, Aug.7th and 14th at LH.
Coding with the Finch Robot: This is a slightly advanced version of Intro to Coding, with additional topics introduced as time permits. This two-session program is designed for kids ages 10-13 and will be held Fri. Aug. 4th and 11th from 4-5pm.
Java Coding with the Finch Robot: This is an introduction to Java coding and how it can be used to control a Finch. Geared for kids ages 13-17 with some computer knowledge, the four-session program will be held Mon. – Thurs. Aug. 14-17 at 7pm.
Space is limited and in-person registration is required for all Finch classes. Registration forms are available at the Youth Services Desk at both branches and completed forms must be returned to the Desk. The program is available to Old Bridge Library card holders only.
The Old Bridge Public Library was recently voted one of the three Best Public Libraries in Middlesex County by the readers of the Home News Tribune. The Library is open seven-days-a-week and is located at 1 Old Bridge Plaza at the corner of Rt. 516 and Cottrell Road in the Municipal Center. More information about this and other Library programs can be found at www.oldbridgelibrary.org or by calling 732-721-5600 x5033. The satellite Laurence Harbor branch is located at 277 Shoreland Circle; phone: 732-566-2227.
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