Code Like A Girl Launches Tech Puzzles For Problem Solvers

Social enterprise, Code Like a Girl (CLG), has today announced the launch of its Tech Puzzles for Problem Solvers – a web app that introduces girls aged 8 and up to code in a playful and creative digital environment.

The app shows how technology and code can be used for everything from music and game design to ecology and medicine! In collaboration with Studio Talu, the app is designed to target girls specifically and plays a key role in Code Like a Girl’s overarching mission to close the gender gap in tech.

Code Like a Girl founder Ally Watson built the web app as a way for girls to continue learning about the power of code even while CLG’s school holiday coding camps have been put on hold, due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

As soon as the concept was born, Ally reached out to STEM education media and design duo Studio Talu to lead and execute the creative direction of the platform.

Code Like a Girl Founder and CEO, Ally Watson said, “It was a no-brainer to join forces with Studio Talu. They’re widely known for their fantasy story worlds that inspire girls into STEM fields and our missions could not be more closely aligned. We love their illustrative style and the way they represent women in their stories as heroes with non-stereotypical plotlines. It’s been such an enjoyable collaboration!”

The web app will include a variety of themed challenges. Like levels in a game, players will complete a set of themed coding challenges and get a digital badge. Themes will include magic, music, ecology and medicine.

Just in time for the Easter holidays, Code Like a Girl has released a sneak-peak of the platform. They’ve collaborated with organisations around Australia for a digital Scavenger Hunt. Each company has hidden a “bug” in their code and will require girls to inspect the code to complete the Scavenger Hunt.

Girls who complete the Scavenger Hunt can go into the running to win a computer in a prize- giveaway from Code Like a Girl’s key sponsor Lenovo.

In the coming weeks, Code Like a Girl will release the first themed puzzle series focussing on MedTech – Head, Shoulders Knees and Code. This first puzzle will expose girls to the use of artificial intelligence in modern healthcare. They’ll also get to support our GPs by coding a bot that increases the number of patients being diagnosed, and they’ll be introduced to some real MedTech heroes making a difference in our community.

On why Code Like a Girl will be releasing MedTech as the first theme, Ms Watson explains, “We know kids are worried about COVID-19 too. So rather than shy away from the topic, we want to empower girls with STEM skills that will help them make a positive impact in the future.”

When asked about the objectives for the platform, Ms. Watson describes her goals as two- pronged: “Tech Puzzles for Problem Solvers first aims to ignite a new curiosity and passion to learn to code. But in close second, the goal is to provide free online coding education for girls, combining problem-solving and purpose with storytelling and creativity to develop real coding skills.”

To keep this new platform free for all during a time when kids need it most, Code Like a Girl is inviting the community to donate the cost of a coffee to support the ongoing development of the web app.

Tech Puzzles for Problem Solvers is available to kids around the globe: https://puzzles.codelikeagirl.com/.

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