2025 EEF HackSPF
Registration for this event is open!
If you have already registered and need to pay, please click here.
Friday, March 7, 2025
Scotch Plains-Fanwood HS
5:30pm - 9:00pm
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The 2025 EEF HackSPF hackathon will introduce computer science enrichment to our 3rd grade through 12th grade community in the Scotch Plains-Fanwood school district through a variety of programming workshops. Participating coders can choose one of six learning tracks to participate in. Each workshop is led by talented SPF high school aged coders. This will be a playful, exploratory computer programming event for all of our HackSPF students!
Coding is emerging as a new literacy for students because it helps them develop problem solving and computational thinking skills. When learning to code, students learn how to break down problems into components that make them easier to solve, and how to create algorithms to solve problems step-by step.
Coding is also increasingly becoming a fundamental skill for careers and educational pursuits outside of traditional “technology fields.” For example, students who want to study science will need to use code to analyze their data. Students who want to study art or design will need code to make their projects digital and accessible on the internet. And students who want to pursue a career in business will need code to create automated email and social media campaigns. Students who learn to code in school will be prepared for the digital world that they will enter when they graduate.
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Fee $25 (Goes to prizes, merchandise, and food)
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scratch
Scratch is a block-based visual programming language that allows coders to create their own interactive stories, games, and animations. Coders designing Scratch projects learn to think creatively, reason systematically, and work collaboratively. Scratch is great for students who are learning to code for the first time.​​
codesters
Codesters is a fun online coding platform that uses drag-to-text guides to build Python text-based coding. Python is a popular programming language that is used to teach introductory computer science courses at high school and university level. Since most students have been introduced to computer science through block-based programming (such as Scratch (https://scratch.mit.edu), adopting Codesters approach serves as a bridge between block-based programming and command text programming.
Web Design
Learn the skills to create your very own website! Web Design is becoming an important skill as there are more Internet users than ever before. Coders will use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create informational, stylish, and interactive websites. Coders will be able to access their finished websites on the Internet.
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earsketch
Learn to code and make music! EarSketch helps coders learn core topics in computer science, music, and music technology in a fun, engaging environment. You learn to code in Python or JavaScript to produce music, while manipulating loops, composing beats, and applying effects to a multi-track digital audio workstation.
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robotics
Programming? Legos? Need us say more? Come check out our introduction to robotics ran by Raider Robotics, the SPFHS robotics team. In this collaborative track, you will work in small groups to design, build, and program Lego robots. We will be using Lego Spike Primes (here) to tackle challenges that will test one's problem solving abilities as well as their programming skills. Lego Spike Primes offer two different ways to code - blocks and Python - making this a great opportunity to learn and practice programming, regardless of your experience.
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java
Join us for an engaging workshop designed to introduce you to the fundamentals of programming through Java, one of the most widely used languages in the world! We'll guide you through setting up an IDE, understanding Java's history and syntax, and exploring how variables, data types, and functions work. You'll learn how to manipulate data, create "Hello, World," and even dive into ASCII art creation. By the end, you'll put your skills to the test by developing a program of your own and presenting it to the group. No prior experience is necessary—just bring your creativity and curiosity!​
Event Schedule
Full event schedule coming soon.
check-in: 5:30pM, SPFHS, Door 12
Closing Ceremonies: 8:45pm
Pick-up: 9:00PM
Email info@eefofspf.org with any questions.