Resources

Robert from ARM has inspired me with his confidence in the Micro:Bit as a means to create sensors that will support STEM learning. Robert’s experience in seeing physical computing integrated into schemes of work encourages me to explore this avenue.

https://www.arm.com/resources/education/schools

Our new Code Club will be starting at LPA next week!

It is invitation only this term (starting with KS3, helped by three KS5)

The links page is here

This is the big blue bunny rabbit that our children spotted whilst on holiday in Dorset. It was for sale for the quite reasonable price of 50p. After some debate over who would be making the purchase, he was presently in the bag /  saved from landfill / one of the family.

The parting words of the stall holder rang in my ears, a clarion call to action: “you can connect your phone to it and stuff”

what stuff I wondered. What might it be capable of?

A google later and I had the app. The connection was made to the bunny but there was another connection to make, this time to a news story:

theregister.co.uk/2017/03/01/cloudpets_woes_worsen_mics_can_be_pwned/

oh dear. The batteries were swiftly removed.

Now in the depths of winter I have taken the final step to remedy matters for my son to enjoy his improbably treasured bunny:

and sew it ends!

Demonstrating automated systems to Year 9 with a Raspberry Pi 4, breadboard mounted PIR and resulting monkey on patrol.!

A full weekend of study at Bath University. Being presented with the opportunities and the potential of Raspberry Pi by those who know it best. My thanks to Dan, Mark, Laura and Alan for an amazing time.

Popping into a Year 7 Science lesson I was perplexed to find all the pupils elevating laminated symbols above their heads as their teacher held her phone up to scan the scene.

The data promptly appeared on the white board at the front. This was my first taste of Plickers in action – now I am keen to give it a go!

The high security screen saver has been compromised: busy hands have been adding fish galore!

at least these fish can’t be overfed.!

Testing out a Crowd Beamer unit lent to us by the parent of a pupil. It transmits the video signal (though not the audio) via a dedicated WiFi channel which pupils can then view, zoom in to and capture on their own devices.

Thanks to Andy Andy Andrew Mark and Paul for a great welcome to their Raspberry Jam, hosted at the Waterworth building of the University of Gloucestershire, Cheltenham campus.

We demonstrated the Cigar Box Computer in action and enjoyed trying out the Raspberry Pi creations that were on display.

Space Invaders, using three micro-switches

Paul has built the most amazing assortment of security equipment that can even face-track and monitor overflying aircraft.

Two children are now showing great interest in Scratch, which is a very happy outcome!

One week to go until the first large scale TG gathering of teachers and Computing Coordinators at LPA to hatch our plans to improve the experience for pupils as they move from Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 3. That vital interface point would benefit from a new dialogue – and we hope to provide it!

Everyone is invited, we will remain open to all and free of charge.

Transition Group Invitation

Thanks to Beverly, Shirley and the team for a fascinating series of lectures and workshops in the beautiful surrounds of Plymouth University.

I came away feeling ever more inspired to take Computing further, and to broaden what we can offer in schools

A first play with Code Bug..

Code Bug, it transpires, is capable of producing 9 data sets and will soon feature WiFi & Bluetooth connectivity.

It has huge potential for Connected Technologies , Maker Education and the promotion of real world applications / data-driven decision making skills.

My grasp of core networking theories deepened thanks to Duncan Maidens and his simple-but-brilliant hands on approach to unravelling what data transmission is actually all about.

The whole faculty reverberated with exciting applications of tech.

from dawn to dusk, Plymouth is a beautiful spot.

..and a relay unit..

Beginning to run out of room in the box now! Amazingly the Rav power block continues to provide sufficient mw and voltage level.

Had to dissassemble the Pi 3B to reach the camera connector. Added a double height pin rack for the GPIO to allow access to the pins even with the Astro Pi / Sense Hat reattached.

!

Now that the Year 11s are beginning to unpack what is possible with connectivity kit that is new to them, it is fascinating to see how quickly they can comprehend the potential applications – cue notebooks out for initial design diagrams..

Having enjoyed sharing this with Primary School pupils quite a few times, now it is time to see what Secondary School pupils make of it: answer they mastered the Kodu When / Do  system at lightening pace then proceeded to apply the Microbit control to make a first-person jet flying game in an impressively quick jump – the sky is no limit to Year 11 Computer Science students!

With some of the new circuitry that I have extracted form old toys being in need of higher current switching than I would like to strain a Pi GPIO with, tis time for a relay or two..

• because a Pi surely needs to be portable!

• (note attached Circuit Playground Express – see links for details)

Take on Pi 3B+ and add an Adafruit GPIO header then solder wires for plugging into newly attached breadboard..

• the joys of labeling!