Create Your Own Programming Language

Shared by Girl Day Innovator: NI with Thinkery

Recommended Grades: 3rd, 4th, 5th

The Challenge: Use everyday objects to construct your own symbolic language, basic coding elements, and experiment with the step-by-step process involved in writing and running a program.

Recommended Materials: paper, pencil, stuffed animals, bottle caps, or any materials that have variations between them to create your symbolic language

Instructions: 

Two of our NI engineers worked on the same challenge in the video below. Check out their coding program and follow along for instructions to make your own code! Additionally, you can follow the instructions via our Thinkery DIY Programming Activity Guide (download PDF) for written guidelines.

STEM Connections:

Engineers have to write software, also known as computer programs, to tell machines what they want them to do. Computer programs help us:

  • design rockets
  • make faster cell phones
  • create driver-assist features in new cars

Engineers work in teams to create large computer programs that enable different machines to do a wide range of activities. Some computer programs let machines do a single activity, while others let machines do many things!

NI & Thinkery

www.ni.com | thinkeryaustin.org

NI equips engineers and enterprises with systems that accelerate productivity, innovation, and discovery.

Thinkery is where Austin’s children and their families come to enjoy play-based, inquiry-rich, hands-on learning experiences. Through a variety of hands-on, interactive STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) exhibits and programs, Thinkery encourages physical, emotional and cognitive development for young learners and fosters joyful curiosity for all ages. Our target ages are newborns through eleven years old, but our interactive experiences are designed to engage learners of all ages!

At NI, we’re passionate about the Thinkery’s mission because we believe the next generation of creative problem solvers will help shape humanity for generations to come. That’s why we’ve been a proud partner of the Thinkery for over 15 years, supporting a variety of STEM education programs, volunteering at the museum, and since 2014, hosting Thinkery summer camps at our Austin campus to immerse kids in a deep technology-centered experience. 

We’re here for you, for each other, and for the next generation of innovators who think bigger, aim higher, and go faster. It’s time. Let’s Engineer Ambitiously.

Today's activity was created by the talented Thinkery team!

Additional FREE Programs and Resources

Thinkery At Home: Browse a collection of activities, videos, and resources to bring STEAM learning and connectivity into your home!