GW calendar logoOur economic landscape is changing and traditional grade school education doesn’t always respond quickly enough. A strong foundation in technology, particularly in the Pacific Northwest, can put students way ahead of the curve.

That’s the philosophy behind the Hour of Code event at the Museum of History & Industry, Dec. 13. Students in grades 2 to 6 are invited to this one-hour introduction to computer science. The event is designed to cover the basics and demystify the world of coding.

Code Fellows logo - UPDATEDAlthough the MOHAI installment of the Hour of Code is hosted by local programming bootcamp Code Fellows, it’s part of a larger global grassroots movement. Code.org, a non-profit designed to expand computer science participation, launched the Hour of Code last year in celebration of Computer Science Education Week and the response was overwhelming. 15 million students worldwide participated and more girls tried out computer science than in the past 70 years.

Laptops are required for students attending MOHAI’s Hour of Code, though a limited number of computers will be loaned out to students in need. The event begins at 11 a.m. Register for free here.

That’s one of the selections from our GeekWire Calendar, our curated list of the Pacific Northwest’s top tech events. Keep reading and visit the full calendar for more.

Responsible Innovation in the Age of Robots and Smart MachinesJeroen van den Hoven

As we become increasingly reliant on smart technology in aeronautics, cars, computers, and more, it’s impossible to ignore the ethical questions that arise. Drones can make a life-saving difference in emergency response but they can also reduce military accountability. Connected cars are helpful for hands-free navigation but they can also create dangerous blind spots.

These are some of the issues that Ethics and Technology professor Jeroen van den Hoven will cover in his upcoming talk at UW. Van den Hoven will also discuss artificial intelligence and responsible innovation, drawing on the ethics model used by the European Union. Guests can register for this free lecture here.

When and where: Dec. 2, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. UW Kane Hall, Seattle.

Jesse Jackson
Jesse Jackson

An Evening with the Reverend Jesse Jackson at UW

“It’s the locking out of Black people and other minorities, women and poor Whites, and their exposure to the economic violence of denied opportunities in our society, schools, industries and in our economic and political life that has resulted in Ferguson and the other ‘Fergusons’ that exist all around the nation,” wrote Reverend Jesse Jackson in anticipation of the grand jury’s decision not to indict Darren Wilson for the shooting of Michael Brown.

Jackson, an outspoken civil rights activist, has been an active voice throughout the trials in Ferguson, Missouri following Brown’s death. He continues to turn the conversation to structural inequalities that foster this kind of tension.

Now, the former presidential candidate will focus his campaign for equality on the Seattle tech sector. On Monday, Dec. 1, Jackson will visit the University of Washington for a special guest lecture. He will discuss women and minorities in technology, civil rights, and student participation in the democratic process.

When and where: Dec. 2, 6:30p.m. – 8:00p.m. UW Kane Hall, Seattle.

Home Automation Demo Day home automation

For the past three months 10 startups have been incubating in Microsoft Ventures’ accelerator and now the Seattle tech community has the opportunity to check out the fruits of their labor. The entire class has been focused on home automation solutions — from intelligent wearables, to home security, to energy efficient systems.

Guests will hear presentations from each of the 10 startups, followed by a networking reception. “Whether you are an investor, an aspiring or accomplished entrepreneur, or just passionate about IoT and innovation, we invite you to soak in their presentations, meet the teams, and be part of the journey as they bring their products to market,” write event organizers. Register for free here.

When and where: Dec. 10, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. 415 Westlake Ave N, Seattle.

tieStartup Critical Success Factors Workshop

Getting a startup off the ground is no easy feat but TiE Seattle and 9Mile Labs want to help. They’re collaborating on this 4-hour workshop designed to offer guidance to startups in any stage of growth. 9Mile co-founders Sandy Sharma and Kevin Croy will serve as mentors during the event. Space is limited to 10 startups, selected from the applicant pool. Learn more and apply here.

When and where: Dec. 12, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Seattle University, Seattle.

Contact GeekWire’s Monica Nickelsburg at monica@geekwire.com. Listings for this feature are picked from the GeekWire Calendar, where you can submit free listings for technology-related events in the Pacific Northwest. 

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