Block- and Text-Based Code
Code.org
Popular games, big names get kids and teachers pumped to program
Bottom Line: A thoughtfully planned, produced, and curated set of free resources bound to get kids hooked on learning to code.
Code for Life
Comprehensive coding platform has impressive resources for teachers
Bottom Line: This learn-to-code program has the breadth and depth required to meet the needs of almost any teacher.
Microsoft MakeCode
Bring code to life with circuits, robots, Minecraft, and more
Bottom Line: Once you purchase the hardware, MakeCode opens doors to an incredible diversity of coding applications.
CoSpaces Edu
Impressive AR/VR creation tool with lots of lesson plans and possibilities.
Bottom Line: With a little learning up-front, this tool is a great choice for creative collaboration and projects.
Machine Learning for Kids
Authentic AI-powered projects make kids' creations feel like magic
Bottom Line: It takes a topic that would be difficult to teach in any practical way and makes it accessible for the classroom.
micro:bit
Code games or fun displays with mini piece of hardware
Bottom Line: This versatile tool for learning how to program with blocks or text is a nice fit for STEM classes and clubs.
Block-Based Code
SAM Labs
Kids use block code and wireless blocks to program, design, and create
Bottom Line: With some perseverance, it's a great fit for PBL and STEAM, helping students learn programming skills and engineering concepts through invention.
Itch
Full-featured tool makes teaching with Scratch easier than ever
Bottom Line: Here you'll find resources for teaching with Scratch and a complete management tool to support student learning.
Pencil Code
A useful intro to block-based coding for motivated learners
Bottom Line: Teachers will need to do some scaffolding and act as tech support, but if that works for you, this can be a good beginner coding sandbox.
Scratch
Creative sandbox opens the door to coding in any subject area
Bottom Line: Scratch draws students of all types into coding and lays a foundation for future learning.
KOOV
Robotics kit makes design possibilities virtually limitless
Bottom Line: For schools with healthy budgets, KOOV helps kids design and code interactive robots with blocks, sensors, and imagination.
Kai's Clan
Innovative STEAM package takes robot coding to the next level
Bottom Line: A nearly perfect spin on STEAM coding that combines a bunch of technologies into one, and effectively fuses the real and virtual worlds.
Human Resource Machine EDU
Challenging puzzles will grab the imagination of any coding enthusiast
Bottom Line: For teachers with some coding background, this is a great game-based tool for learning to code.
Cargo-Bot
Challenging game helps kids learn to think like programmers
Bottom Line: Cargo-Bot is a simple concept that packs a challenging punch and teaches valuable programming skills.
LearnToMod
Modify Minecraft with this fun, applied use of coding
Bottom Line: For students who already know and love Minecraft, this is a valuable way to hook students into coding.
Algo Bot
Simple coding game a fun intro to algorithms
Bottom Line: This coding game is a fun and helpful introduction to basic algorithm development, but other resources will be needed for more depth.
Appinventor.org
Great, free mobile app creation site has solid teacher resources
Bottom Line: A fantastic and complete introduction to programming concepts and app creation.
Lightbot : Programming Puzzles
Simple design, but challenging fun for budding programmers
Bottom Line: Challenging programming game best for motivated learners.
The Pack - NYSCI
Deceptively gentle coding game really packs a problem-solving punch
Bottom Line: This gorgeous, immersive programming game encourages novel solutions.
Thunkable
Build a working iOS or Android app, even without coding experience
Bottom Line: Fun, practical way to get kids programming, though teachers will need a clear plan to support them in the process.
7 Billion Humans
Amusing puzzler challenges kids, teaches programming principles
Bottom Line: This high-quality puzzle game is a fun way for students to learn effective and efficient programming skills.
GameSalad
Great interface, flexible publishing options make game-making a snap
Bottom Line: This engaging platform will empower budding game designers, but the price tag could be a deal-breaker for tight school budgets.
Text-Based Code
CodeCombat
Dungeon-crawling adventure where code is king
Bottom Line: While not everyone loves fighting ogres, CodeCombat offers a classroom-ready platform and an authentic learning experience.
CodeMonkey
Puzzler's use of real code fills niche in crowded learn-to-code genre
Bottom Line: A great intro to coding that, with solid teacher support, gets students using real programming languages.
Swift Playgrounds
Brilliantly designed iOS coding app great for newbies or pros
Bottom Line: If you have iPads or Macs, this is an inspired choice for learning how to create and tweak code.
Unity Learn
Complete game creation curriculum gives students real-world experience
Bottom Line: It's a slick, fun, and effective way to get students building games right away, with plenty of room for depth.
Zulama
Teach a vast number of CS concepts with quality, depth, and choice
Bottom Line: Zulama will help any middle or high school implement a comprehensive computer science program.
Code Avengers
Challenging puzzles teach with real code; best for more advanced kids
Bottom Line: A superb programming tutor, well worth the effort to keep students going.
CodeHS
Computer science curriculum offers great feedback, fun challenges
Bottom Line: Effective tools and clear lessons teach real programming, but you'll have to spend some cash to help kids master it.
Construct 3
Ideal 2D game builder supports students to create, innovate
Bottom Line: Limitless game options, reasonable cost, and extensive support make this programming environment perfect for an educational setting.
Grasshopper: Learn to Code
First-class free app for learning to code with JavaScript
Bottom Line: This app will no doubt help individual, motivated learners see how coding works using real programming language.
Hack 'n' Slash
Zelda-inspired puzzler lets players peek behind the code curtain
Bottom Line: A great intro to variables and how algorithms work, this game would shine as a supplement to a larger unit on programming.
Codecademy
Excellent text-based coding site a great way to learn real-world skills
Bottom Line: For both introductory and higher skill levels, it teaches the breadth and depth of skills for programming careers.
Codea
Well-thought-out coding platform for real game programming
Bottom Line: Codea is a professional tool that has enough help features that kids can learn programming hands-on.
Roblox
Popular game development platform has classroom potential, pitfalls
Bottom Line: Creating games for an authentic audience encourages coding and design skills, but real risks require extra caution.
TapCoding
No games, just clear tasks for learning to code in Swift
Bottom Line: Like an interactive textbook, TapCoding wastes no time to get older students programming.
Vidcode
Cool coding tool tuned to teens' passions aids creativity
Bottom Line: Women-created platform expands the traditional scope of coding to visual elements students interact with online everyday.
Treehouse
Fun, self-paced web development and coding lessons offer high value
Bottom Line: A solid learning solution for self-starting students who want to grasp the wide array of programming topics.
