3/20/2023 0 Comments Contraption maker space madnessAgain, it’s important to note that littleBits are not new around my household, but the instruction manual made her see littleBits in a new way and unlocked some of that magical curiosity we love to see in our younger students. When my daughter started playing with the temperature sensor, she immediately thought it would be cool to see if she could change the temperature reading on the numberBit by blowing on the sensor. However, not all students draw these connections while tinkering, so being included the manual is just bonus awesomeness for me. This is another example of a connection that we, as educators, usually “hope” student make as they tinker with littleBits. My other favorite thing about this manual is the “real world analogies” section for each Bit. I’m hoping these instructions will allow students to tinker and learn with less guidance from an adult. Instead, they gave up on the littleBits concept and tried something else in our makerspace. “output” coloring system as quickly as a younger more playful student might. I’m all for letting students tinker and play to learn, but I’ve seen quite a few high school students that did not grasp the “input” vs. #elemaker #makerspace #makered /PpVg8zlRSj “When I let go (of the button) the electricity is stuck, but when I press on the button, the electricity is not stuck and it goes through (to the fan).” We went on to talk about how this functions sort of like a gate, allowing electricity to move and keeping the electricity from moving.ħ YO thinking about #electricity with new STEM Student Set. I loved the theory my 7 year old had while playing with this section learning about inputs and outputs and how the “button” works. The Student Set manual has great instructions for how each bit works that will really help students slow down and learn about the functionality and usefulness of each component in the kit. Plus, it helped us understand what is inside of a synthesizer and how some of our favorite music has been created. When I did my synth workshop (Thank you, Chad Mairn!!!) at the beginning of the school year, I followed Chad’s footprints, sharing how each Korg littleBit worked, and it really helped the students focus on learning what kinds of sounds we could make. Yes, the maker movement is all about tinkering and playing to learn, but sometimes, you just need basic instructions! I love the larger sized manual and the extensive section on learning how each bit works. It is evident that littleBits has listened to educators and our ever-pressing need for clear instructions. My favorite thing about the kit though is the AWESOME book that comes with it. Lots of cool sensors, the new updated DC motor that makes building cars easier, pulse, an inverter, fork and more. There aren’t any new Bits, but this collection has some of my favorite Science/Space kit bits from littleBits and some great accessories for building some simple inventions. Ayah Bdeir just announced a new kit at SXSWedu today, and I’m excited to share my thoughts on this awesome new STEAM Student Set from littleBits.
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