Coding and art education may not seem like they go together, but, thanks specifically to the Hummingbird kits from BirdBrain Technologies, students can certainly combine them. The Hummingbird kits, which come in various sizes and with various accessories, including the micro:bit V2, help educators enhance the STEAM experience by giving students the chance to design a robot using craft materials and then program its actions with code. The kits truly help educators create authentic STEAM experiences in different grade levels. More importantly, perhaps, the professional development video resources from the BirdBrain team help make things easier on teachers, too!
The fun and engaging robotics kits provide kids with opportunities to combine MakerEd and programming. First, the Hummingbird Bit is great in schools, camp settings, or at home to help kids learn how to program their robotic inventions in Python, Java, MakeCode, and BirdBrain's own block programming language, BirdBlox. Plus, each solution includes micro:bit compatibility, allowing students to build MakeCode programs and run them through the micro:bit. The BirdBrain team also provides classroom, makerspace, and home learning resources for exploring robotics anywhere.
Hummingbird robotics projects and Finch classroom resources.
Perhaps more importantly, the BirdBrain team has created and published a slew of valuable instructional resources for educators. These include in-depth lists of classroom projects, guides for classroom integration, and their latest professional development resources for the Hummingbird Bit kits. They also have similar activity guides and classroom resources for using the Finch 2.0. They're more extensive and organized by device type and programming language. Here, can find the full list of instructional resources.
We also offer virtual professional development courses for educators to learn more about teaching with the Finch 2.0 or Hummingbird. They make fantastic complements to these robotics tools and you can find each on the BirdBrain section of our store. These 6-hour sessions are designed for up to 20 educators to attend virtually. And, all of the lessons are self-paced and perfect for asynchronous PD if that's what works best for you.
Get to know the BirdBrain Hummingbird bundles.
As for programming, the Hummingbird Bit bundles enable multiple students groups to explore simultaneously. You can also purchase them with or without micro:bit boards and they come in three sizes: small, medium, and large. Using the micro:bit and craft materials, students and makers can turn anything into a programmable robot, enabling use of these kits in just about any academic subject!
The small bundle is perfect for small classes or maybe an afterschool robotics club. It has enough sensors and craft materials for 8-12 students while the medium kit is great for 16-24 students and the large kit is perfect for as many as 24-36 students. Each of the bundles also comes with a corresponding amount of carrying cases and classroom toolsets. These contain wire strippers, Phillips screwdrivers, and pens for students to use in making and experimenting.
BirdBrain's bigger Hummingbird kits.
Then, there’s the Hummingbird Bit Premium Kits, which are perfect for collaborative leaning in small groups. The kits can support 1-4 students, making them great for small-group work or even for students on an individual basis. With these components, teachers can intrigue students who think they're not interested in technology and help them develop STEAM skills. Plus, like the bundles, the kits are available with or without the micro:bit boards.
Now, there's also the Hummingbird Flock, which has come into the fold. One of two all-new offerings from the BirdBrain Tech team, the Hummingbird Flock serves as the class pack version for introducing STEAM and coding with the Hummingbird system. The Flock comes with four Hummingbird Bit Premium Kits, a carrying case, and a classroom toolset. All of the components normally found in the Hummingbird Bit Premium Kits are also included. And, like with the regular Hummingbird Bit packs, educators can choose whether they want to purchase four micro:bit's with their Flock or they can forego this option if they don't need them. With one Flock, for example, educators can support 8-12 students, reuse the materials over and over, and teach programming in all of the same ways—just on a larger scale.
Coding with either BirdBrain robot.
Using the variety of materials in the kit, teachers and students can create some pretty in-depth art, design, engineering, and programming experiences in or out of the classroom. Among the components in the box are a Bit controller, a terminal tool, LED lights, servos, LEGO adapters, a light, sound, and distance sensor, a user manual, and a storage case. The one thing it doesn’t come with, however, is the Hummingbird Bluetooth Dongle, which students currently need for programming Hummingbird robots using Snap!, Python, or Java. But, don't worry—you can find the dongle on our store, too.
There’s also the Finch Robot 2.0 from BirdBrain. This upgraded model is also powered by a micro:bit V2 and officially replaced the original Finch Robot in 2020. The Finch 2.0 is incredibly versatile and a true grade-agnostic solution for teaching robotics, coding, computational thinking, collaboration, and more. It's compatible with six programming languages, including FinchBlox, which the BirdBrain team developed specifically for this robot. FinchBlox is icon-based and perfect for introducing coding in kindergarten or early elementary school. The other languages include BirdBlox, MakeCode, Snap!, Python, and Java.
The Finch 2.0 Flock and its value.
And, you guessed, it the Finch Robot 2.0 Flock is also now available. This classroom solution comes with five Finch 2.0 Robots and the option to also purchase five micro:bit's to power them. Like with the Hummingbird Flock, educators can forego purchasing the micro:bit's if they prefer. The Finch Flock also comes with a USB charging hub, a 5-pack marker set, and a robot carrying case. Since the Finch 2.0 has a built-in, centralized marker slot, students can certainly combine art and coding. They can also program their robots to draw pictures, designs, and more using whatever language they're most comfortable with. Plus, the Finch 2.0 features wireless Bluetooth capabilities and a rechargeable battery that lasts for up to six hours.
We invite you to check out the various options for BirdBrain’s robotics kits available on our store below. Also, if you enjoy using technology to boost SEL, we'd definitely recommend checking out the replay of a recent webinar we hosted with our friends from the BirdBrain team. We covered creating SEL connections, integrating the five pillars of SEL, helping students express themselves, and more. As always, we'd be happy to provide you with a quote and, of course, fulfill your order once you're ready! If you have any questions about any of the Hummingbird or Finch kits, please feel free to get in touch with us and be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more!
