Tan micro:bit Projects with Python and Single Board Computers

Building STEAM Projects with Code Club and Kids' Maker Groups
1. Auflage 2023
ISBN: 978-1-4842-9197-9
Verlag: APRESS
Format: PDF
Kopierschutz: 1 - PDF Watermark

E-Book, Englisch, 349 Seiten, eBook

Reihe: Professional and Applied Computing

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.

Zielgruppe

Professional/practitioner

Autoren/Hrsg.

Tan, Martin

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Chapter 1: Getting Started

-       A quick tale: Years of mistakes - numbers, passwords, computers, accountability, and more

-       What is your baseline: where are you starting from?

-       Work out your initial scope: what are your first few milestones?

-       What will you need? Equipment and other resources.

-       Find a place: Set up a great space to learn and create!

-       Another alternative: Make your space portable!

-       The tech stuff: learn by applying

-       Chapter 1: recap summary

Chapter 1 cheat sheet

Chapter 2: Getting Our Hands Dirty with MicroPython

-       A quick tale: Jumping in with our Code Club

-       What can we do in one hour? Why is one hour a good amount of time to spend on a first project?

-       A first project: BBC micro:bit emoticon switcher using buttons

-       Upgrading: Using the built-in sensors

-       Scaling up: Adding another micro:bit and using radio

-       Scaling up further: Using a class set of micro:bits

-       Going further: Using an external components and always adding challenges

-       Electronics101: Voltage dividers resistors, power smoothing with capacitors, and other electronic idiomsJ  

-       Chapter 2: recap summary

Chapter 1 cheat sheet

Chapter 3: Learning More About Python in General

-       A quick tale: Questions teachers ask and weaning off blocks and tablets

-       Benefits of using Python in getting started

-       Setting up Python for your school or maker group computers for a kid-friendly environment

-       Python program structure, loops, input/output: Calculate some numbers

-       Adding more Python functionality: Importing Flask to make a web interface

-       Tying it all together: Connecting Python to the Internet and my devices

-       Python for everyone: The most useful quick Python script uses

-       Chapter 3: recap summary

Chapter 3 cheat sheet

Chapter 4: Getting Tactile with Python, e-Textiles, Copper Tape, Paint, Pens, and Crocodile Clips

-       A quick tale: Keeping it simple to let us build bigger - whack-a-mole, the Curiosity Show, group projects and collaboration in our Code Club

-       Cardboard, aluminum foil, wires, copper tape, and conductive thread: Where to integrate these into projects

-       Making a basic circuit and connecting a micro:bit: LEDs are strangely popular, so this project shows how to emulate switches and control LEDs with some Python and a micro:bit and still keep it washable.

-       Scaling up e-textiles: Connecting projects to collaborate with an e-textiles project.

-       Audio, visual, and tactile: Adding more input and output to our projects

-       Case studies: Smart City and robot arena

-       Chapter 4: recap summary

Chapter 4 cheat sheet

Chapter 5: Freestyling with Python — Going Off-Map and Growing Your Own Skills

-       A quick tale: When progress diverges in a group and everyone progresses in their own pace and direction - our false starts

-       Finding your own project from start to finish: Keeping track of our skills and finding our strengths and weaknesses, with examples

-       A first project without exact instructions: An API project in Python with trinket.io

-       Using diagrams: the self-watering plant project

-       Scaling up our project: Understanding how things work and adding one thing at a time

-       Learning how to teach yourself: When you want to add something brand new

-       Chapter 5: recap summary

Chapter 5 cheat sheet

Chapter 6: Collaboration - Writing Code With Others

-       A quick tale: Devs and testers activity with Scratch projects

-       Open Source software: What is Open Source -  opportunities for reporting bugs, learning, collaboration, and keeping projects alive

-       Working online: Communicating efficiently, accurately, and securely with online tools

-       Keeping others involved: Questions to ask, and verbalizing your thoughts while debugging and helping and teaching others

-       Pairing up: Using programming language to communicate while programming with a partner

-       Testing yourself: Creating your own game-writing workshops with what you’ve learned

Chapter 6 cheat sheet

 

Chapter 7: Electronics - Basic Skills and Tools, and Scaling Up for Groups

-       A quick tale: Getting the burn for electronic projects

-       Basic components and what they do: A quick introduction about some common components that will be useful in your first projects

-       Embedded Python: Looking at MicroPython, CircuitPython, and other alternatives

-       Communications: Things to know about I2C, SPI, serial, and more

-       Learning to solder: Purchasing and setting up the tools and skills you need to get started with electronic kits

-       Microcontroller boards: A quick rundown on the types of microcontroller boards and how to choose the one you need for your project

-       Setting up a project for a group: Example project you can build and how to scale this for groups

-       Chapter 7 recap summary

Chapter 7 cheat sheet

Chapter 8: Putting It All Together - Setting Up a Makerspace or Code Club

-       A quick tale: Mistakes we’ve made redux

-       Useful online tools: Free and pay online tools that are useful for planning and communicating, especially when people require flexibility or are volunteering

-       Keeping participants accountable: How to track progress and help everyone efficiently without losing your mind

-       Administrative tasks: Storage and setup of tools and data and dealing with human requirements

-       Planning: Determining your group capabilities and planning your year, and upcoming events

-       Challenges: Apart from logistical and administrative issues, there’s some challenges that often come up within maker groups and code clubs.

-       Exposure: Getting involved in community events, and other groups

        Chapter 8 recap summary

Audience: Beginner

Über Autor(innen)

Martin Tan wrote the first Code Club Moonhack projects in Scratch and Python, used by over 10,000 kids in Australia. He has taken kids to demo robots and coding projects in parliament, delivered training to Code Club Australia, and contributes to various Maker communities online. Martin blogs on Maker topics, runs a Maker store, and works in IT security, contributing to various open source projects and community conferences. Most of his endeavors feed into his hobbies, which also include music, locksport, and various techy pursuits.