micro:bit Projects with Python and Single Board Computers: Building STEAM Projects with Code Club and Kids' Maker Groups

Build different components of larger systems using class sets of micro:bits with Python in a truly collaborative way. First you’ll explore ways to harness the capabilities of the humble micro:bit and learn to creatively overcome some of its limitations; learning practical text-based programming along the way. We’ll then move on to building projects that allow multiple micro:bits, and other microcontroller boards and parts like the Raspberry Pi, to communicate with one another, and coordinate their operations to build larger systems. Rather than just being a guide to learning these skills, this book will include tips and stories about implementing the these ideas in classrooms, Code Clubs, and Maker environments. Practical logistics for preparation and easy set-up, as well as, acceptance criteria and accountability for students and participants is included. These ideas were gained over years of running a Code Club and running Maker workshops and events. You’ll learn about programming collaborative solutions and design logic. Then you’ll scale that logic up to more complex projects. By the end, you’ll have added additional electronic and physical components to projects that interact with the world. You’ll create fun inventions together, using hardware, coding, electronics, physical objects, and e-textiles. What You'll Learn Solve problems and create art by modelling solutions and ideas with a combination of Python coding, electronic systems engineering, and creative design. Navigate the logistical and unique challenges that come with running your own Code Club, Makerspace, or feeding these activities into STEAM design and technology curriculums. Take new Makers from simply copying and duplicating through to debugging and understanding. Who This Book Is For Makers and instructors interested in starting group projects while learning to code and gain other Maker skills along the way. Essential information is provided in a form that enables beginners and intermediate Makers to get hands-on quickly, but with enough depth to keep building on these projects and pushing the boundaries. Table of Contents About the Author About the Technical Reviewer Acknowledgments Introduction Chapter 1: Getting Started A Quick Tale: Several Years of Mistakes – Numbers, Passwords, Computers, Accountability, and More What Is Your Baseline – Where Are You Starting From? Tasks for Establishing a Baseline Identify Some Prewritten Content to Start With Sit Down with Other Teachers and Volunteers to Discuss What You All Want to Achieve Work Out How Many Kids Your Team of Volunteers Can Comfortably Handle Resist the Temptation to Accept Too Many Kids at First Discuss How to Manage the Expectations of the Kids and Their Guardians Health and Discipline Issues Work Out What You Want the Code Club or Maker Group to Be Work Out Your Initial Scope: What Are Your First Milestones? Equipment and Initial Setup Computers/Laptops Optimizing Your Environment Onboarding at the Start of Each Year Computers and IT Support Login and Password Basics Another Alternative – Make Your Space Portable The Tech Stuff: Learn by Applying Two Examples of Problems and Solutions Troubleshooting and Debugging Strategies for Volunteer Collaboration Graphical vs. Text-Based Programming Summary Chapter 1: Cheat Sheet Sources for Free Content and Support Short-Term Goal/Milestone Examples Long-Term Goal Examples Questions to Ask When Helping Kids Troubleshoot Their Code Other Useful Tips for Troubleshooting Checklist for Volunteer Onboarding Checklist for Participants and Guardians Chapter 2: Getting Our Hands Dirty with MicroPython A Quick Tale: Jumping In with Our Code Club Tracking Progress What Can We Do in One Hour? Introducing the BBC micro:bit Setting Up an Editor Scaling Up: Adding Challenges Challenge Discussion and Solution Ideas for Even More Features Going Further: Adding External Components Adding an amplified speaker Summary Chapter 2: Cheat Sheet Introduction to the micro:bit Editors/Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) Completing Initial Learning Projects Creating New Projects Add Features with Challenges Terminology Chapter 3: General Python Programming A Quick Tale: Answers to Common Questions – Weaning Off Blocks and Tablets Python Program Structure A Friendly Python Environment on Your Computer Thonny Mu Editor Test Our Environment Installing Python Libraries in Thonny Python Script Structure Going Further: Internet and Other Devices On Your Private Network Using Your Mobile Device The Internet Summary Chapter 3: Cheat Sheet Chapter 4: Getting Tactile with Python A Quick Tale: Keeping It Simple to Build Bigger E-textiles: Building Circuits on Fabric and Cardboard Starting with a Simple Circuit Considerations for E-textile Projects Washability Tools Threading Your Needle What Type of Stitches Are Best? Fixing Sewing Mistakes Knots and Attaching Components Summary Chapter 4: Cheat Sheet Chapter 5: Freestyling with Python: Going Off Map and Applying Skills A Quick Tale: When Progress Levels Diverge Finding Your Own Project – From Start to Finish Beginning with Diagrams: The Self-Watering Plant Project Scaling Up Our Project: Understanding How Things Work and Adding One Thing at a Time Pros and Cons of Simplifying Projects Cost Perception of Difficulty Reducing Challenges Can Limit What We Learn Continuity Scaling Even Further Code Club Alumni Adapting Our Skills: An API Project in Python with Trinket.io Summary Chapter 5: Cheat Sheet Chapter 6: Collaboration: Working with Others A Quick Tale: Devs and Testers What Is Open Source Software? Working Online: Collaborating with Online Tools Code Collaboration Tools Code Collaboration Terminology Other Collaborative Tools Using Programming Terminology to Communicate When Collaborating Testing Yourself: Creating Your Own Game Writing Workshops with What You’ve Learned Communications Security and Privacy When Working Online Separate Your Things Use Layered Defenses Be Careful with What Software You Use Be Careful What You Trust Chapter 6: Cheat Sheet Devs and Testers Activity (2 x 1-Hour Blocks) Open Source Software Collaborating with Online Tools Security and Privacy When Working Online Code Collaboration Terminology Creating Your Own Workshops Chapter 7: Electronics: Basic Skills and Tools A Quick Tale: Getting the Burn for Electronic Projects Basic Electronic Component Primer Electronic Schematics and Datasheets Breadboards and Circuit Boards Through-Hole vs. Surface-Mount Components Resistors Ohm’s Law Symbol for Resistors Transistors Symbols for Transistors Capacitors Symbol for Capacitor Diodes Symbol for Diode Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) Symbol for LED Integrated Circuit (IC) Chips Soldering! Tools You Will Need for Soldering Soldering Iron/Station Solder Tip Cleaner Helping Hands/Mini Vise Cutters/Side Cutters Wire Strippers Heat-Proof Mat Solder Sucker/Desoldering Braid Other Useful Things to Have How to Solder Teaching Kids to Solder Handy Software Tools TinkerCAD Embedded Programming Some Useful Concepts to Understand Microcontroller Breakout Board Common Communication Protocols Approaching a New Microcontroller Electronic Project (Digital) Software and Hardware Support for Proposed Components Support for Languages We Are Proficient In Availability of Parts to Scale Things Up Draw a Diagram, Create a Schematic Breadboard Prototype Going Further Introducing the Raspberry Pi Pico Next Steps Summary Chapter 7: Cheat Sheet Electronic Components Concepts Components Soldering Tools Soldering Software Tools Other Useful Concepts Approaching a New Electronic Project (Digital) Badge Project Next Steps Chapter 8: Putting It All Together Planning a Year of a School Maker Space/Code Club with Python Deciding on Communication Channels Communicating with Parents/Guardians Communicating with Volunteers/Teachers Communicating with IT Staff Setting Expectations Expectations for Participating Kids Accounts Required Display of Projects, Photos, Blog Posts Expectations of Behavior and Conditions of Attendance Setting Expectations for Volunteers A Note About Qualifying/Filtering Volunteers Get a Benchmark of Skills Across the Group for Kids and Volunteers Build Some Basic Skills to Equip Kids to Go the Distance Group Activities Develop and Deliver Workshops with Scalable Projects Club Excursions/Events, Community/School Events Demos Contribute Back Encouraging Alumni to Volunteer Learning from Mistakes and Learning More Keeping Yourself Motivated and Kids Engaged Preparation Scaling Things Up My Experience Highlights It’s Up to You, Now! Chapter 8: Cheat Sheet Communications Expectations Setup Skill Building Interim Group Projects for Those Ahead Workshops Events Start Making Your Own Projects Contribute to Community Projects Encourage Alumni to Come Back As Volunteers Appendix A: Traffic Light Workshops Index Build different components of larger systems using class sets of micro:bits with Python in a truly collaborative way. First youll explore ways to harness the capabilities of the humble micro:bit and learn to creatively overcome some of its limitations; learning practical text-based programming along the way. Well then move on to building projects that allow multiple micro:bits, and other microcontroller boards and parts like the Raspberry Pi, to communicate with one another, and coordinate their operations to build larger systems. Rather than just being a guide to learning these skills, this book will include tips and stories about implementing the these ideas in classrooms, Code Clubs, and Maker environments. Practical logistics for preparation and easy set-up, as well as, acceptance criteria and accountability for students and participants is included. These ideas were gained over years of running a Code Club and running Maker workshops and events. Youll learn about programming collaborative solutions and design logic. Then youll scale that logic up to more complex projects. By the end, youll have added additional electronic and physical components to projects that interact with the world. Youll create fun inventions together, using hardware, coding, electronics, physical objects, and e-textiles. You will: Solve problems and create art by modelling solutions and ideas with a combination of Python coding, electronic systems engineering, and creative design. Navigate the logistical and unique challenges that come with running your own Code Club, Makerspace, or feeding these activities into STEAM design and technology curriculums. Take new Makers from simply copying and duplicating through to debugging and understanding