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Over the winter break, Lockhart Elementary School hosted a free three-day computer camp for 60 students in a coding club sponsored by Schlumberger, a global technology supplier. The camp was also sponsored by KidsXplore, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching kids about Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

Students in grades 4-6 learned how to build computers using a new computer platform called Raspberry Pi. The students connected wireless keyboards, monitors and speakers to their CPUs (central processing units).  Once their computers were built, students connected them to a Wi-Fi network where they were able to load Scratch and other computer programming software. Students also participated in a circuits workshop to explore circuit design.

“It was great to see the kids so highly engaged and focused from beginning to end,” said Sonia Jordan with KidsXplore.

The classes were taught by KidsXplore as well as teachers and students from the Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy and the Mickey Leland College Preparatory Academy for Young Men.