Inspire Creativity and Confident Risk-Taking with this Low Cost Robotics Kit
WHO
- Library
- STEAM/Maker Space
- Computer Science Education
- Interdisciplinary
WHY – Read Colour Tower
Getting Started
- Micro:bit –$17.50 (unless you buy this 10 pack for $149)
- MicroBlocks programming language – Free
- MicroBlocks activity cards – Free
Why use micro:bit?
The micro:bit is a tiny programmable computer that makes STEM, computer science, and coding easy and fun. With this one device, students can start taking creative risks in nearly any subject. Check out www.microbit.org for free lesson plans and student project ideas.
Why use MicroBlocks?
MicroBlocks is a small, fast, human friendly programming language specifically designed for tools like the micro:bit. MicroBlocks is perfect for libraries, maker spaces, and anywhere with lots of people and resources coming and going.
Just plug your micro:bit into your computer, open MicroBlocks, and click the gear icon to “update firmware”. That’s it. Double-check to make sure the USB icon has a green circle behind it to show the connection is good. (See it in action below.)
Note: This 16 second video has sound.
A Little More
- Add a basic:bit to the kit above – $3.90 – The basic:bit comes with a piezo speaker built in.
You can do a lot with the buttons, sensors, and display built right into the micro:bit, but you can also do more by adding accessories. The basic:bit is one way to easily add accessories.
Attach your micro:bit to the front of the basic:bit with 5 screws that come with the basic:bit. (See photos below.) Use the same battery pack that came with your micro:bit to power it all. MicroBlocks makes it easy to start programming your basic:bit instantly.
(Note: If it is difficult for your school to order basic:bits from that website above, try this one: https://chicagodist.com/products/elecfreaks-basic-bit-for-micro-bit-three-way-i-o-expansion-mini-version. The price goes up a bit, but the transaction should be smoother.)
Rainbow Ready
- Add a NeoPixel strip to the basic kit and basic:bit above – $3.90
(Note: If it is difficult for your school to order from that website, try this one https://chicagodist.com/products/neopixel-rainbow-led-strip-and-gvs-conector-10-leds. The price goes up a bit, but the transaction should be smoother.)
Attach your NeoPixel strip to the basic:bit. The MicroBlocks NeoPixel activity card makes it easy to learn. Because the basic:bit comes with a piezo speaker built in, try using the sound and NeoPixels together. The MicroBlocks sound activity card will help you.
Note: This 4 second video has sound.
Puppets
This project was made using the winch and crank build videos at the BirdBrain Technologies Build page. This puppet uses two position servos: one in the eyes and one in the mouth. The MicroBlocks servos activity card makes it easy to get started with servos. Also, this puppet is being powered by the ring:bit instead of the basic:bit. You can make a puppet with a basic:bit, but the extra battery in the ring:bit will help your puppet last longer. However, the ring:bit doesn’t have a piezo speaker built in like the basic:bit does.
Note: This 5 second video has sound.
Everything You Need
Getting Started
- Micro:bit –$17.50 (unless you buy this 10 pack for $149)
- MicroBlocks programming language – Free
- MicroBlocks activity cards – Free
A Little More
- Add a basic:bit to the kit above – $3.90 – Remember, the basic:bit comes with a piezo speaker built in
Rainbow Ready
- Add a NeoPixel strip to the basic kit and basic:bit above – $3.90
Puppets
- Add at least one position servo to bring your puppet to life. Consider using a ring:bit instead of a basic:bit to add more power to your puppet (The ring:bit doesn’t have a piezo speaker built in like the basic:bit does.)
- position servo– $3.56
- ring:bit – $6.90
- Use these free build videos from BirdBrain Technologies
A teacher builds a model bridge with a micro:bit powered servo driving a car back and forth. The project is programmed using MicroBlocks.
Contact me Katie@katiedays.com with questions.
