TOP PICKS | 35 TOOLS
Best Coding Tools for Middle School
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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.
Tynker
Approachable, powerful coding curriculum covers much ground, provides support
Bottom line: Tynker empowers students of all ages and experience levels to create custom coding projects for a variety of platforms.
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.
Sphero Edu
Cool robots and creative play make programming irresistible
Bottom line: Hub for Sphero robots draws crafty kids who love making into coding, and it empowers them to be collaborators.
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.
Codesters
Differentiated text-based coding makes for truly authentic experiences
Bottom line: The well-designed Python lessons and user interface make this a great choice for serious coding instruction.
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
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.
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.
Codemoji
Emoji-based coding tool demystifies web design and animation
Bottom line: Emoji-based lessons engage and empower kids to explore web design and animation, with instant website creation.
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.
Google CS First
Middle school CS curriculum has stellar resources, room for creativity
Bottom line: A high-quality introductory CS curriculum where students can be creative, collaborate with others, and express themselves, in the classroom or at home.
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.
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.
GameMaker Studio 2
One of the best creation tools available for aspiring game developers
Bottom line: Provides teachers with the best choice for a full unit or class on game design, and gives students a tool to help them realize their game-making dreams.
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.
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.
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.
Hardware and Offline Elements
Unruly Splats
Game-making platform fuses coding and physical play
Bottom line: This platform could appear gimmicky at first, but in practice it blends SEL, movement, collaboration, and STEM learning in clever, compelling ways.
Evo by Ozobot
Versatile mini robot tailor-made for teaching coding
Bottom line: Evo encourages students to be creative, emphasizing that coding is a tool in your pocket, not the end game.
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.
