This chat includes a discussion of topics of interest to K-8 teachers who teach and/or integrate computer science.The Computer Science Teachers Association is a membership organization that supports and promotes the teaching of computer science and other computing disciplines. CSTA provides opportunities for K–12 teachers and students to better understand the computing disciplines and to more successfully prepare themselves to teach and learn.
Welcome to tonight’s #csk8 Physical Computing With micro:bits chat! Tonight’s chat is moderated by me, @visionsbyvicky and our guest moderator, @DylanMRyder
Don’t forget to include the hashtag #csk8 on all tweets during the chat so that everyone participating in the chat sees your posts. You could include #Scratch3 on answers tonight, as well.
#csk8 is a structured chat. Questions are numbered Q1 for Question 1, Q2 for Question 2. Your answers should start with A1 for the answer to Q1, A2 to answer Q2, etc.
Before we get started with questions, please introduce yourself: Name, Location, Connection to K-8 CS, and your experience with physical computing. #csk8
Hello! My name is Bill and I support 50+ elementary school CS programs in San Francisco. I only have minimal experience with micro:bits so I'm excited to be here! #csk8
Bradley Quentin, Houston, TX. I teach PK - 5th grade STEM Lab. I do physical computing with #RaspberryPi with my 4th and 5th graders and with micro:bits for 3rd grade. #csk8
Ingrid, 6-12 Instructional Technology Specialist in Cambridge, MA. Been playing with micro:bits, @arduino, @Raspberry_Pi, and loved the original picoboard! #csk8
Good evening #csk8 I'm Vicky, one of the moderators tonight along with the awesome @DylanMRyder I'm a K-8 technology teacher in the Los Angeles area and one of the K-8 reps on the @csteachersorg Board.
Sheena a Computer science teachers in California. Have been teaching #Arduino for 5 years to 6th graders and using #microbit with 5th/middle/teachers for a year #csk8
A1: It's been wonderful to bring code "to life" and take it off the screen. Students have been so proud to show off what they have coded. And it's such an easy entry point/welcoming! #csk8
A1: Affordability and durability of the devices so you don't have to fret about them getting broken. Physical computing is great for students because they can see their code running in the physical world. #csk8
A1: When students learn to code in a programming language like Python or C++ they generally are creating text results. Working with microbits takes you from coding directly to a hands on experience. #csk8
A1: I think physical computing is somewhat "magic" for teaching CS. There are concepts that students just seem to "get" because they tangibly see and hold something. Also, I think it's a great way to teach file management! #csk8
A1: It makes computer science portable! You can interact with the real world and understand how the everyday objects in your life may have been programmed. #csk8
A1: I love that physical computing clearly illustrates the fact that nearly all of their electronic gadgets are actually computers, with input, output, processing and storage. #csK8
Hi Dylan! Yes thanks for the plug. I have a beautiful website with project ideas on how to use the book in the classroom, and sample projects etc . See https://t.co/J83bIlPqJU
A1: micro:bits are tools that offer low-floor high-ceiling accessibility. Young children can snap blocks together and understand how a program works. High schoolers can gather data from the sensors and do complicated math! #csk8
Hi Dylan! Yes thanks for the plug. I have a beautiful website with project ideas on how to use the book in the classroom, and sample projects etc . See https://t.co/J83bIlPqJU
A1: I also love the affordability of micro:bits and the fact that it has built in sensors, lights, etc. which makes it easier to make things with it. #csk8
A2: I loved handing over these Scratch/micro:bit cards over to my 5th grade students for some exploration and experimenting with Scratch 3.0 back in December: https://t.co/H7spEQUtSc#csk8
A2: For your older students: https://t.co/NowykUj5wj The help button takes you to a good documentation library for learning Python with your micro:bit #csk8
https://t.co/Oqt96Qd9Oy community produced unofficial micro:bit magazine. Not everything is for K-8, but lots of awesome. Free to download as a PDF #csk8
A2: I have done a few "micro:bit 101" workshops. Feel free to use what I put together for these https://t.co/DM4vIL1Zje This is also the basic order I use to intro micro:bits to my students.#csk8
A2: I like the 14-week curriculum Sheena sent out. This is the one I wrote with LaunchCS - it's a 10-lesson(ish) curriculum for older elementary, younger middle school kids just learning about computer science. https://t.co/UTuFq9QPeg#csk8
I have not had success since the full launch of Scratch 3.0. Did great on my personal MacBook in beta but now I can’t get the micro:bit to connect Bluetooth to windows laptop using Scratchlink. #csk8
@kboyceq and I are having issues with the bluetooth on our district machines connecting #scratch3 and micro:bit, but only when at school. super weird. #csk8
In reply to
@VisionsByVicky, @DylanMRyder, @kboyceq
Were you able to connect Scratch 3.0 easily with micro:bit - have not tried it, but heard it is tricky and so just simpler to use Make Code. Would love to hear on what computers/browsers you have used it... is the extension easy to set up #csk8
Q3: What grade levels have you used micro:bits with and what grade levels do you feel it’s best for? Which programming languages have you tried and which is your favorite? #csk8
A3: I have always thought of micro:bits as for middle school and up, but now ti the #scratch3 blocks, I'm becoming more interested in exploring their use in 4th and 5th grade #csk8
A3: I use them grades 2-5 and I think those grades work great and it can extend higher. I was so excited for that Scratch update since that is what my Ss main programming language is but I’ve also used micro python w/ 4/5 and it’s been fun! #csk8
I think they're great for students that understand loops, conditionals, and variables with makecode or Scratch. There are even lessons that specifically tie into @codeorg 4th & 5th grade curriculum. #csk8
The extension on Macs worked well because I planted in the "login items" (like the Windows startup folder) on our kids machines. It's bluetooth only, so no code loading... or long distance travel. Take that for what it's worth. I liked not having to drag-and-drop .hex files #csk8
A3: 5th graders with the block based @MSMakeCode 7th and 8th graders with #MicroPython and new to CS teachers with both . Make code just works so well, that I tend to use that each time. Some of my 7/8 gr students switch over to JavaScript and copy/edit from there #csk8
I have used micro:bits with 3rd - 5th grades, always w/ @MSMakeCode to program them. It's is great for all grade levels because it's so versatile, but my favorite thing is to use it with 3rd grade to introduce physical computing. Sets them up for #raspberrypi in 4th & 5th #csk8
A3: Have used them w/5th-8th using makecode 2 students used JavaScript & the rest using blocks. This year I am going to try out Python with 7th & 8th and have 5th & 6th continue with blocks on makecode I don't know that there's a "best" - there are just different projects #csk8
A3: The file handling required for copying downloaded files onto the microbit itself keeps me from wanting to do too much with the devices in the early years, but we use the simulators with glee! I keep the Hardware for grade 5 and up. #csk8
A3: I want to add I do a lot of work with Arduino with my students... and find that micro:bit offers a lot of the same learning as the Arduino platform but is easier and faster to work with. Just clip on some alligator clips, snap blocks together, drop the hex file and go. #csk8
Ok - so looks like I need to do some extra work ahead of time on the machines. I actually like the drag and drop of hex files and making students think of transferring the code to test, especially since our emulator does not work, - they have to work more carefully #csk8
A3: 5th graders with microPython in the Mu editor (previous 2 years), but this year we tried Scratch 3.0 beta. Here's a link to my microPython-based unit plan with embedded activities and slides: https://t.co/FksMWP5pb6#csk8
The simulator site is a ,io domain and is blocked by our school currently- makes it a bit tricky. I can show it on my laptop, but kids can't use it. #CSK8
You can definitely introduce variables in 5th grade - and the micro:bit can be a good way to do it... just keeping score as they press the button for example. #csk8
In reply to
@billmarsland, @VisionsByVicky, @codeorg
A4: I've never spent "real money" on accessories. But I believe some must-haves are: alligator clips, piezo buzzers or headphones, foil, LED's. If you have a little more money get servos. #csk8
I do also love the @MSMakeCode language for the micro:bit. I showed it to 5th's after using the Scratch 3 beta for weeks. They loved all the detailed, custom block compared to Scratch at this stage. #csk8
The plan is to introduce variables through a score or health meter in 5th grade, but we have found that the concept can be difficult to fully grasp until students learn about it in 6th grade in science and math (alongside CS) #csk8
I was planning on introducing variable w/3rd gr - they need a "fail" variable - basically a score keeper for the frustration game. Easy for them to see in action. #csk8
In reply to
@Sheena1010, @billmarsland, @VisionsByVicky, @codeorg
Currently lacking in accessories other than the LED cards I made for them to use the pins. Would love to get some of the add ons @pimoroni makes like the scroll:bit and enviro:bit https://t.co/g8TlaiN06u#csk8
A4: Not sure what you mean by accessories - but love using LEDs - quick, cheap, can get different colors to impress the students, and if there is time, they can learn to breadboard to be able to light up several LEDs without wiring all to ground separately. #csk8
A4: I think if I had a *little* more money I would add neopixels to the list. I haven't tried them yet but have seen some beautiful micro:bit projects with neopixels and I think girls especially would find them enchanting. #csk8
Hmm. I’ve found my Ss are able to understand when they build basic timer or score games in @scratch .. when they see it in action it just clicks. Also code monkey island is a great unplugged game that intros the concept! #csk8
In reply to
@billmarsland, @VisionsByVicky, @scratch
Yes, and I think there is a lot more there than in Scratch 3 extension. My 7th and 8th graders loved making a game with the Game - Sprites part of micro:bit and one students went and read up on the Radio and she got it working with one to many communication . #csk8
Rock, Paper, Scissors w/micro:bit is great for teaching variables and has always been a hit! This year my plan is do it in Scratch and then do it again on the micro:bit. #csk8
A5: This is killing me, I lost a bunch of my old pictures, but I have had some awesome projects from kids. One group of kids made a chair-tipping warning system that beeped loudly at you if you tipped too far. #csk8
A5: 5th graders made board games with the micro:bit SMART game piece, they also made fun 3D sculptures with a LED and motor - example a moving Pizza shop sign, a box robot that moves a laser sword. etc... sorry cant find photos on this computer #csk8
A5: Kids have made fitness trackers of many varieties. My favorites would track steps with the accelerometer, and when you pushed a button they would count jumping jacks or pushups for you. #csk8
Let's see - I've done some of the first tutorials with my 5th graders, and last year's 7th graders built a motorized chassis for the micro:bit. We use @MSMakeCode as they aren't familiar with Scratch and not adept enough for text-based programming yet. #csk8
In reply to
@DylanMRyder, @VisionsByVicky, @MSMakeCode
We went all in on Makey Makey sets before micro:bits got big, so all of our K-5 teachers have access to them, but I'm considering what it could look like to build out lessons using either #csk8
In reply to
@Agatorbites, @Sheena1010, @VisionsByVicky, @codeorg, @microbit_edu
A5: I've seen quiz games, storytelling apps, one student made a clever locker-alarm system that would send him a message over the radio if someone opened his locker. #csk8
My 3rd graders are making micro:bit animals which I ahve found is a fun way to incorporate digital and phyical making. This is the blog post I wrote up after last year's group: https://t.co/KGWc5EcGMH#csk8
A4: my excellent colleague (and office nemesis 🤣) @joshburker helped me make these custom, 3D printed neopixel holders. You can code RGB values with microPython’s neopixel library #csk8
A5: She asked me last week when we would be able to use Microbits with Scratch. She says, "I don't get Scratch, but I get Microbits." This project was a holiday song with lights and sound. #csk8
After learning some basics, students were challenged to create something - micro:bit had to be removable. https://t.co/McW6lWjZrh
Instructions & links to some tutorials for student use for creating projects https://t.co/v8NH5qImKJ#csk8
A5: at the @scratch conference this summer I learned from the @LesleySTEAM team the idea of programming interactive poetry.. this is a must-do project this year! #csk8
A5: One girl wanted to make a present for a friend, so she coded the micro:bit so that when the light sensor detected light (like the locker was opened) the device would play happy birthday. #csk8
Cool, is it accurate enough to measure steps? I would like to add that - again a good counting project , and maybe use the plot graph to show over time? We tried the light sensor to turn motor on, not sensitive enough to be very successful. #csk8
I start w/Makey Makey in 3rd - they code a maze using arrow keys and then use a Makey Makey to do the maze, for example. We also use Makey Makey in 4th with other games/activities that use arrow keys. Then we move on to micro:bit in 4th & 5th #csk8
In reply to
@billmarsland, @Agatorbites, @Sheena1010, @codeorg, @microbit_edu
Q6: What tips do you have for managing shared micro:bits? Any tips for class time management: handing out micro:bits and other materials, coding , building a physical project, cleanup, etc.? #csk8#microbit
My goal is to mix micro:bit and raspberry pi in 4th/5th.. expose them to a variety of tools that have similar functions and platforms — from scratch to python, if you will. #csk8
In reply to
@VisionsByVicky, @billmarsland, @Sheena1010, @codeorg, @microbit_edu
A6: label! I put the names of the devices on the outside or I give each kit a number and the Ss use their number device each time. Tomorrow I’ll take a pic of my organizational system! #csk8
I like that! We just do light touches of Makey Makey across 3-5, but I've started wondering if that's enough, and if I add more to our curriculum, if 3 years of Makey Makey will be too much. #csk8
In reply to
@VisionsByVicky, @Agatorbites, @Sheena1010, @codeorg, @microbit_edu
A6: Have extra batteries on hand at ALL TIMES. Some battery packs connect so firmly to the micro:bit that it's better to pry the batteries out of the holder than disconnect from the micro:bit itself. Train your kiddos to remove batteries when class is over. #csk8
I only get to do light touches as I’m balancing all CS topics plus Edtech- my thought is show them as much as I can to spark interest. Also middle school does a micro:bit and pi deep dive so Ss need experience. #csk8
In reply to
@billmarsland, @VisionsByVicky, @Sheena1010, @codeorg, @microbit_edu
A6: Have a few extra micro:bits on hand. The USB connectors sometimes fail and then the device is useless. The two most breakable parts were the battery connector and USB connector. #csk8
A6: I put all stuff into separate boxes, have kids come to a 'buffet' line to pick what they need. No handing out anything. For physical project, plan for lots of time. @stemloyola has done a lot of the work with Physical projects in our schools, she is the expert #csk8
A6: I recently started storing my micro:bits and Makey Makeys in these photo storage boxes. Idea by @gravescolleen. Because they're clear you can see pretty easily if everything is in the box when students return it. https://t.co/J6epJ4MtKx#csk8
yes, on the time. I always have to say, you have x number of classes and that is IT so plan accordingly. Then there is lots of coming in at lunch and after school to finish. :) #csk8
A6: I often have multiple classes sharing one set of micro:bits. For their projects, the micro:bit must be removable. No permanently attaching to anything. #csk8
I bought a couple big Iris photo keepers- they have a bunch of little pencil type boxes inside. I put the microbit, usb and battery in each one and pass them out that way. Easy to keep track #CSK8
A6: And if kids are doing projects that involve crafting... have basic materials like cardboard, foil, fabric, thread, hot glue available. Use labeled gallon-bags for project supplies and keep student projects in progress on a dedicated shelf. #csk8
Agree! I think drawing out the project and where the wires will go - how long are the wires etc. helps to make sure you can actually power and connect everything before you make large cardboard gadgets. #csk8
A7: When you teach inequalities it's a perfect time to include boolean expressions. For example if (accelerometer.get_x() > 500) then display.scroll (Image.HEART) #csk8
We need your lists! Thank you for keeping track of all the ideas out there for every topic. Not sure what CS K8 educators would do without your organization and effort. #csk8
A7: I am a huge fan of using computing to teach variables & expressions in math and those lessons can be used for all ages. For example program a micro:bit to convert steps to calories. #csk8
