For seven weeks, Jefferson County 4-H opened a plethora of experiences for over 120 inner-city youth.  Students learned and practiced coding, by utilizing Ozbots in weekly lessons.  For the past two years students have worked with Ozobots using the color-coding method. Ozobots have color sensors which recognize color patterns students draw on paper with markers to control the actions of the robot.  The Ozobot will follow a solid black line but when students add short color sequences that match any of the “color code” patterns, the behavior of the robot changes in response. 

This year 4-H introduced coding using the OzoBlockly method.   This method allowed youth to explore coding on a computer.  Students spent one day exploring the program completing programming tasks that showed that they understood how the program works.  After their OzoBlockly introduction, the remainder lessons required students to use their critical thinking skills to complete tasks.   Students had to work in small groups (2-3) and use their critical thinking skills to collaborate and achieve the goal of each daily challenge.  Students were forced to look at things from a different perspective and utilize the cause-and-effect technique.  The benefits of this program allowed students to think in areas of logical thinking, problem-solving, persistence, collaboration, creativity, and communication.  

After completion of the program, 80% of the students felt this program will help them think more critically in the classroom.  90% of the students gained a new interest in technology.  90% of the participants are interested in learning more about coding.  One of the most academic and behaviorally challenged students shared that he really enjoyed learning about coding and being able to code his robot.  He did not think he could complete the tasks.  Since his first successful launch, his family purchased him an OzoBot with hopes to continue his learning path in coding.