micro:bit

The Strawbees Classroom platform is now accessible to any educator, and the Strawbees team has made a bunch of improvements to the LMS. Now, teachers can try a giant library of Strawbees example activities, share their own project guides, and directly assign new challenges. With access to the portal, engineering and exploration in elementary STEM is much easier.

The Finch 2.0 and its range of classroom-friendly features help teachers to create more accessible STEM experiences for students who might learn in different ways. There’s also a huge range of options for using the Finch 2.0 to introduce children to coding. Starting in kindergarten with FinchBlox and up through high school with Java, the Finch 2.0 helps provide lots

Many robotics tools also have virtual options, which help allow students to continue learning and programming while they’re at home or perhaps after school. In fact, many of those platforms often help improve accessibility of technology by removing the need for a physical robot, increasing equity in multiple ways. So, read on for our recommendations for virtual CS tools.

You might already know that the micro:bit is an extremely versatile STEAM tool. It’s also, however, compatible with a bunch of other technologies, like the Finch Robot 2.0, Hummingbird Bit, GiggleBot, and more. Those are not the only STEAM solutions on that list, however, so, this week, we explored one of those other in-depth EdTech kits in the Strawbees micro:bit

Among the wide scope of micro:bit V2 projects, students can incorporate its newest built-in features—a microphone and speaker—and develop valuable programming and computer science skills using the MakeCode editor! Speaking of the MakeCode platform, if you’re new to this coding environment, it works with plenty of other STEAM tools, too.

Coding and art education may not seem like they really go together but, thanks specifically to the Hummingbird kits from BirdBrain Technologies, students can certainly combine them. Plus, with the fully capable Finch Robot 2.0, students in all K-12 grades can code and create with ease. And, educators can access highly effective PD materials, too!

In our latest webinar, we were joined by Katie Henry, micro:bit’s Head of Partner Engagement, and Diane Horvath, a technology specialist. The pair discussed many of the educational possibilities when it comes to using the micro:bit in the classroom and attendees from around the world joined in and contributed to the great discussion. Find the recording here!

For his award, we will be providing Justin and his students with some micro:bit V2 kits to use in their STEAM program. Since the micro:bit’s allow students to complete standalone activities as well as take part in new experiences that are tied to their existing PBL units, they’ll make a great fit as Justin expands CS opportunities for all.

Not only can students use the micro:bit to learn about coding basics using MakeCode, it has a ton of secondary applications in STEM education. Join us on Thursday, March 4 as we team up with our partners from micro:bit to discuss integrating the micro:bit and its new features in remote, hybrid, or in-class education!

Whether students are coding with the micro:bit and MakeCode or using it with other STEAM tools, it’s a powerful tool for CS education in any grade. Speaking of its integrations, the micro:bit is compatible with a number of other technologies, allowing students to add exciting elements to various STEM projects!