Submit a pull request on github
Fork a GitHub repository with adult guidance, make a small change to a file, commit it, and submit a pull request explaining the change.
Step-by-step guide to submit a pull request on GitHub
How to merge a pull request | Introduction to GitHub
Step 1
Ask an adult to help you sign in to your GitHub account in a web browser.
Step 2
Ask the adult to open the repository link on GitHub or type the link into the browser address bar.
Step 3
Click the "Fork" button at the top-right of the repository page to copy the project into your account.
Step 4
Wait for GitHub to finish forking and then open the forked repository in your account.
Step 5
Click the file you want to change so it opens in the file view.
Step 6
Click the pencil icon (Edit file) to open the web editor for that file.
Step 7
Make one small change in the file such as fixing a typo or adding one clear sentence.
Step 8
In the "Commit changes" box type a short commit message that explains your single change.
Step 9
Click the "Commit changes" button to save your edit to your fork.
Step 10
Click the "Compare & pull request" button and write a simple description that explains what you changed and why.
Step 11
Click "Create pull request" to submit your change for review and then share your finished creation on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use instead if we don't have a computer or our own GitHub account?
If you don't have a personal GitHub account or a computer, use a parent's or teacher's supervised account or a tablet/phone browser to open the repository link, click Fork, and use the web editor (pencil icon) to make your change.
The Fork or pencil icon isn't working — what should we try next?
If the Fork button or pencil icon won't work, first confirm you are signed in with the adult (step 1) and viewing your forked repository (your username in the URL), then refresh the page or try a different browser.
How can we adapt the steps for different ages?
For younger children, have the adult handle signing in and clicking Fork while the child chooses a simple typo fix in the README and dictates the short commit message, and for older kids let them edit files in the web editor, write a descriptive commit message, and submit the Compare & pull request themselves.
How can we extend or personalize this pull request activity after completing the steps?
To enhance the activity, personalize your contribution by editing the project README to add one photo or one sentence about yourself, then add a clear commit message and update the pull request description to explain the outcome before sharing on DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to submit a pull request on GitHub
How to Create a Pull Request in GitHub | Step-by-Step Guide
4 Videos
How to Create a Pull Request in GitHub | Step-by-Step Guide
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How to create a pull request in 4 min | GitHub for Beginners
How to Create Pull Request in GitHub | GitHub Tutorial 2025
Facts about Git and version control for kids
📁 Forking creates your own copy of a repository so you can safely experiment before sending a pull request.
🔧 Git was created by Linus Torvalds in 2005 to help manage development of the Linux kernel.
🐙 GitHub's mascot is the Octocat — a friendly cat with octopus arms!
🔁 Pull requests were popularized by GitHub and are now a standard way to propose changes to a project.
👩💻 Many first-time open-source contributors start with a tiny pull request that fixes a typo or README line.
How do I help my child submit a pull request on GitHub?
What materials do I need to submit a pull request with my child?
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What are the benefits and safety tips for kids submitting pull requests?
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