I currently teach seventh graders in Japan. Many of my students are just starting to learn algebraic concepts and seeing word problems, I would definitely recom

I currently teach seventh graders in Japan. Many of my students are just starting to learn algebraic concepts and seeing word problems, I would definitely recommend trying to get their interesting from things they do know: video games. Since you mention you are in the vfx industry I wonder if you might be planning a Maya/MEL presentation? I think that would knock their socks off, since you can see the real time changes to the running system without all the compiling, testing. Personally as an attention grabber I would start out with some of your "eye candy" stuff. "Hi, I'm _____ and my job is to make this [kick ass images] happen" One request I have is don't talk as if this is something for those only naturally talented in math and logical thinking. Teachers want them to see potential in themselves to improve, even if they are behind, if they start hitting the books now they can do something like programming. Lay out in no uncertain terms how one might progress if they are interested in the subject. When I was that age, maybe a bit older, there were some fields I was interested in but it was all just pie in the sky kind of stuff to me. Stuff you learned in college. Not connected with the drivel at junior high level. I second the call to not use the word "hacker" RMS lost that battle to Hollywood a long time ago. The kids will find the true meaning to it later. Coder, Programmer, Technical Director (?) are some ideas.