WHITTIER – Rio Hondo College’s Computer Science Club guided 210 students at Scott Avenue Elementary School in creating the magic of a “Frozen” wonderland during a recent coding camp held for seven fourth- and fifth-grade classes at the East Whittier City School District campus.

The camp was part of an ongoing outreach effort led by Rio Hondo College computer science professor Dr. Shin Liu. It included eight students from the 30-member club as well as club adviser, Microsoft’s Sam Stokes.

Team members worked with groups of two and three students, using code.org to help them design snowflakes and patterns for a winter scene based on the Disney movie “Frozen.” The game-based approach and familiar movie setting help encourage students to tackle what might otherwise appear to be tough tasks, Liu said.

“Professor Liu and her team are helping to communicate the joy of creation through their coding camps while teaching students critical skills,” said Superintendent/President Teresa Dreyfuss.

“It’s a great example of the support Rio Hondo College provides throughout the community.”

Liu has held camps at Montebello, Artesia and Cerritos schools to showcase science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) topics critical to preparation for college and careers.

“Rio Hondo College works hard to encourage students in our community to envision the possibilities for their careers – a process best started well before they begin their higher-education journeys,” said Board of Trustees President Madeline Shapiro.

The club holds its next coding camp on Tuesday, Nov. 17 at Mill Elementary School in Whittier.

CAPTIONS

SCOTT_CAMP: Rio Hondo College computer science professor Shin Liu, Computer Science Club members and club adviser Sam Stokes guided students in creating a winter wonderland during a coding camp held recently at Scott Avenue Elementary School.

GAHR_CAMP: Rio Hondo College computer science professor Shin Liu held a coding camp last year for students at Gahr High in the ABC Unified School District.