[Edu-sig] Speaking of summer hols...and the curriculum conundrum

[Econoprof@aol.com]

Does anyone know of any camps for kids (in the US this summer) which will be 
teaching python to ten year olds?  I'm discouraged by the price of something 
called "American Computer Experience" that is advertising programs at 
Universities all over the country; they want over $500 for one week of DAY 
CAMP. 

I'd like to add that you won't get general acceptance until you have plans as 
well as a critical mass of teachers who can do Python.  At the elementary 
level, many teachers still don't have much math training.  The computer 
programs I've seen are often run by the "Technology Resource Specialist"  who 
may be waiting still for HTML training, much less OO-anything. Meanwhile, 
there are pockets of kids chomping at the bit to learn programming, with no 
one to teach them.  So they teach themselves, as much as possible.  Or they 
bug their parents.  My child learns this stuff so quickly, I can't begin to 
keep up.  

Also, a gentle reminder.  Try running some of the Alice demos on an old box 
that crashes every few selections!  I know that advanced modeling is cool 
stuff, but make sure there are beginner's options for kids with old gear.  
That goes for the HTML versions of everything, as well.  

And what about some Linux-style installathons?  What about testing the 
various curriculum proposals/materials in public library facilities?  Free 
programming classes in public schools at night?  

Joan