Unplugged Coding STEM Centers

Teach coding to kids without robots. Coding doesn't have to be intimidating!

These easy-to-use coding centers are perfect for CSEd week, Hour of Code, or any time you want to introduce coding to elementary students. Includes 12 coding centers and creativity activities for you to choose from.

Why STEAM centers?

STEAM centers expose students to many different ideas, materials, and challenges in a short amount of time. These challenges keep students' attention and allow them to pick up those valuable STEM skills little by little as they work through each challenge.

STEAM centers also allow students to work independently or with a partner or small group. Look through the preview to see all of the STEM centers.

How to use STEAM centers:

Each center can be used as a whole class STEAM challenge or you may choose the activities you want students to complete and have them rotate through the activities as centers. If you are doing these challenges as centers we recommend students work for 10-15 minutes per center.

Includes:

• Teacher instructions
• Center place cards for tables
• STEM worksheets
• Engineering Design Process poster
• Examples for each activity
• 12 Coding Activities
• NGSS Standards
• Common Core Standards
• TEKs Standards

Center 1: Stack the Code

Suggested Materials:

• mini cups

Center 2: Crack the Code

Suggested Materials:

• brads
• scissors
• pencils

Center 3: Bug Busters

Suggested Materials:

• pencils/crayons/markers/color sticks

Center 4: Binary Pixel Builders

Suggested Materials:

• printables (included)
• pencils/crayons/markers/color sticks

Center 5: Algorithm Art

Suggested Materials:

• printables (included)
• crayons/markers/color sticks
• blank paper

Center 6: Code Words Match Up

Suggested Materials:

• printable vocabulary cards (Included)

Center 7: Spell It Unplugged

Suggested Materials:

• pencils or crayons
• dry erase pocket and dry-erase markers (optional)

Center 8: Tic-Tac-Code

Suggested Materials:

• pencils or crayons
• dry erase pocket and dry-erase markers (optional)

Center 9: Creative Code Blocks

Suggested Materials:

• creativity printables (included)
• crayons/markers/color sticks

Center 10: Brick By Brick Coding

Suggested Materials:

• Lego

Center 11: Puzzle Blocks Lab

Suggested Materials:

• pencils or crayons
• dry erase pocket and dry-erase markers (optional)

Center 12: Color By Code

Suggested Materials:

• crayons/markers/color sticks