Coding for Kids
Table of Contents
Tynker Joins Forces with Barbie® on Hour of Code Programming Experience to Inspire Girls to Explore Coding
Barbie “Pet Vet” Programming Experience Integrates Barbie Storytelling with Leading Kids Coding Platform
MOUNTAIN VIEW Calif., December 1, 2017 —Tynker, the game-based platform that is teaching over 60 million kids how to code, announced a new collaboration with Barbie to expand access to coding and computer science for girls around the world. The partnership combines Tynker’s unique, creative computing platform with Barbie, to inspire girls through the new Barbie™ Pet Vet programming experience. The program is being introduced as part of the 2017 Computer Science Education Week Hour of Code™ and is available for free at Tynker.com/BarbieHourOfCode.
The Barbie™ Pet Vet programming experience is designed for beginners (grades K and up). It gradually introduces young learners to basic programming concepts by casting them as veterinarians alongside Barbie. Younger kids solve Pet Vet puzzles in visual programming blocks while older kids can switch to more advanced programming languages such as JavaScript or Python within the same Pet Vet experience. Teachers who engage students in Hour of Code learning in their classrooms can track their students’ Pet Vet activities, which map to Common Core English and Math standards.
“Introducing girls to careers which require STEM skills is directly in line with our mission of helping every child develop the programming and critical thinking skills necessary to become architects of their future world,” said Krishna Vedati, Tynker’s co-Founder and CEO. “Barbie is an iconic brand and we are honored to partner with Mattel on this Barbie Hour of Code experience which we hope will inspire children of all ages to discover both veterinary science and computer science through a fun and engaging activity.”
In the Barbie™ Pet Vet programming experience, kids can personalize their Barbie by selecting from a set of avatars that showcase Barbie’s diversity, and can then experience becoming a vet by taking care of kittens, puppies, and even a pet unicorn. The player decides all of the pets’ movements in these activities through the use of visual programming, helping kids to learn computational thinking skills—such as sequencing and pattern identification—along the way. To complete each level, kids have to use programming concepts that they learn, such as loops and conditional logic, and also learn debugging, problem solving and logical reasoning—all STEM skills that are fundamental to a variety of careers.
A U.S. Department of Commerce study shows that the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) workforce is crucial to global competitiveness. Although women fill close to half of all jobs in the U.S. economy, they hold less than 25 percent of STEM jobs and the report’s findings provide evidence of a need to encourage and support women and girls in STEM.
“We know that kids learn through play and we’re thrilled to partner with Tynker to introduce girls to coding with fun, engaging content with a character they know and love,” said Sejal Shah Miller, VP of Global Marketing for Barbie. “With less than 25% of U.S. STEM jobs currently held by women, this partnership encourages girls to explore STEM and articulates the importance of computational thinking as part of a girl’s journey to self-discovery.”
Tynker and Mattel have previously worked together on programs for Hour of Code through Hot Wheels and Monster High. This is just the first initiative in a larger partnership between Barbie and Tynker.
About Tynker
Tynker’s award-winning creative computing platform helps children develop computational thinking and programming skills in a fun, intuitive, and imaginative way. The platform is used by one in three U.S. schools and over 60 million kids, spanning over 200 countries. Tynker was founded by a seasoned team of technology entrepreneurs who share a passion for giving children the critical life skills needed to become leaders in the technologies of tomorrow. Global partners include brands such as Apple, Microsoft, Mattel, PBS, Sylvan Learning, and more.
For more information, please visit www.tynker.com, like us on Facebook (facebook.com/GoTynker), and follow us on Twitter @GoTynker.
About Mattel
Mattel is a global learning, development and play company that inspires the next generation of kids to shape a brighter tomorrow. Through our portfolio of iconic consumer brands, including American Girl®, Barbie®, Fisher-Price®, Hot Wheels® and Thomas & Friends™, we create systems of play, content and experiences that help kids unlock their full potential. Mattel also creates inspiring and innovative products in collaboration with leading entertainment and technology companies as well as other partners. With a global workforce of approximately 32,000 people, Mattel operates in 40 countries and territories and sells products in more than 150 nations. Visit us online at www.mattel.com.
