Code with Chompers
Code with Chompers is a computing outreach initiative of the Department of Computer and Information Science at Allegheny College. Through this program, Allegheny students bring hands-on computer science, robotics, engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and game design activities into K–12 learning spaces. The goal is simple but meaningful: help young learners see computing as something creative, accessible, and connected to the world around them. Early exposure helps students understand technology and use it safely.
The program grows from a collaboration between Allegheny College and local schools, including Crawford Central schools, to provide students with consistent and developmentally appropriate exposure to STEM learning. Rather than presenting computer science as something only for advanced students or future programmers, Code with Chompers introduces computing early through activities that emphasize curiosity, teamwork, problem-solving, and experimentation.
The curriculum includes standalone K–6 activities as well as structured six-week modules. Students explore topics such as pattern recognition, binary numbers, sorting algorithms, block coding, debugging, robot navigation, online safety, AI bias, machine learning, and game design. These activities are designed to make computing approachable, creative, and fun while helping students develop problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and critical thinking skills.
Computing Outreach Fellows
Allegheny students participate in Code with Chompers as Computing Outreach Fellows. Fellows help prepare and lead activities for K–12 students, often working in classrooms, workshops, events, and small-group settings. They review lesson outlines in advance, understand the tools and materials, support students during the activity, and help adapt the lesson to the age and experience level of the group.
This role gives Allegheny students a meaningful opportunity to practice leadership through service. Fellows learn how to explain computing concepts in a language younger students can understand. They guide students through challenges, encourage persistence when something does not work the first time, and help create a classroom environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, trying again, and learning from mistakes.
For Allegheny students, becoming an Outreach Fellow is also a form of professional development. Fellows strengthen their communication, collaboration, creativity, adaptability, interpersonal, and leadership skills. They learn how to facilitate groups, manage activities, work with school partners, and connect technical knowledge to real people and real classrooms. These experiences are valuable for students interested in education, software development, research, community engagement, graduate school, or any career where clear communication and problem-solving matter.
Our Teaching Philosophy
Hands-on learning is central to the program. Students use robots, maps, code blocks, games, worksheets, and physical materials to explore abstract concepts in concrete ways. A robot that turns the wrong direction becomes an opportunity to debug. A sorting activity with paper strips becomes a way to understand algorithms. A game design project becomes a way to practice logic, creativity, and storytelling.
Collaboration is built into the learning experience. Many activities ask students to work in pairs or small groups, share ideas, compare strategies, and reflect together. This helps students learn that computing is not an isolated activity. It is often creative, social, and team-based.
Lessons are age-appropriate and adaptable. Younger learners may focus on movement, sequencing, patterns, and simple choices. Older learners may explore conditionals, loops, debugging, robotics, cybersecurity, AI, and game design in more depth. Fellows adjust the activity so students are challenged without feeling overwhelmed.
Learn More About Code with Chompers
Explore the curriculum, activities, outreach opportunities, and educational resources on the official Code with Chompers website.