Washington County Library hosted our first Teen Hackathon last November. Around 100 teens, volunteer mentors, and library staff spent the day playing with code to develop projects around wearable technology. 

Next month, we're inviting teens to combine coding and construction at our first Mini Hackathon on Saturday, April 27 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Park Grove Library.

The mini hackathon is a free, afternoon event for techies of all ability levels in grades 7 through 12. Volunteer mentors will work with each group to help brainstorm, research, and troubleshoot challenges. 

Teens who are new to coding can build and adapt pre-designed projects using Microsoft MakeCode, while experienced coders can start from scratch to build something new. Projects like a ping pong ball launcher, light-up snow globe, or robotic inchworm are perfect for learning the basics. More advanced programmers can create their own unique projects by directing lights, microphones, speakers, motion and temperature sensors, and more.

Want to see how it works? Check out some project examples online at makecode.adafruit.com.   

Snacks will be provided throughout the afternoon. The event is open to 50 teen participants, and registration is required by April 19. You can register for the Mini Hackathon in our online calendar.