

Description
We learn when we work with our hands, hearts, and minds. This class blends coding with electronics on a digital learning platform: the BBC Microbit. The Microbit is a tiny programmable computer designed to make learning easy and fun.
Each student gets their own Microbit to make projects that combine hardware and design with coding. Create with ideas and physical materials. Students make games and simulations, participate in group activities, and experiment with digital art projects. They learn programming concepts such as loops, conditionals, variables, and events along with hardware concepts such as sensors, resistance, analog versus digital data, and wireless communication.
Note: Students bring their own laptop to this class - Windows / Mac / Chromebook (or rent a laptop for a one-time fee). Start Code provides all other hardware used in class.
- Who: 3rd-5th Grade Students
- Duration: Six weeks
-
Decatur - Toco Hills Schedule:
Saturdays 9:00-10:15am or
Wednesdays 4:30-5:45pm -
Next Start Dates:
Saturday, February 22nd or
Wednesday, February 26th - Tuition: $179, includes Microbit to take home
Scroll down for more details.
About the BBC Microbit:
Each student in this class takes home their own Microbit. The Microbit is an educational tool in the world of programming and was created by the BBC (yes, the same people who brought us Dr. Who and Sherlock). It allows students to create interactions between the real world and various sensors embedded on it with lights, buttons, sensors, and wireless communication. Coding is accomplished with either a block-based tool, Javascript, or Python.
Designed for educators and beginners, the Microbit is a good way to get into the very basics of programming and reading sensors. It can be expanded and built-upon with robotics kits and add-on boards. After deploying the Microbit in UK schools, the BBC commissioned an impact study that found:
- 90% of students said the micro:bit showed them that anyone can code.
- 86% of students said the micro:bit made Computer Science more interesting.
- 70% more girls said they would choose Computing as a school subject after using the micro:bit.
What's Next?
After attending our Digital Electronics Lab, students can join our Elementary Intro to Programming lab to try more coding projects and fun group activities. Or they can join our Python Coding with Minecraft or Roblox Studio classes to build 3D worlds while learning to code with a typing language.
Older students entering middle school can join our more advanced Starter Labs with tools like Python, JavaScript, Java, and Unity3D.
Payment & Security
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