Gary Stager’s ISTE 2019 Workshop Resources
BBC Micro:bit
Micro:bit getting started
- Handout: Micro:bit getting started with MakeCode plus connecting external motors, LEDs, & speakers/headphones (PDF)
- Gary Stager’s micro:bit project starter Ideas
- Scratch (project) Cards for micro:bit (PPT format) (PDF format)
Micro:bit software options
- Microsoft MakeCode programming environment for all devices
Using micro:bits with Scratch instructions (including necessary Scratch Link software for Bluetooth Mac/Windows)
- Firmware (.HEX file) for using the micro:bit with Scratch
More micro:bit resources
- Code Club Micro:bit Project Ideas
- micro:bit Foundation Lessons, Project Ideas, Activities
- micro:mag, the magazine of the micro:bit community
- Books, projects, magazines, tutorials, and other programming languages
A New Block-based Programming Environment (Alpha version – try it out!)
- MicroBlocks programming environment
The Circuit Playground Express
Micro:bit and micro:bit add-on board suppliers and vendors
- Sparkfun Electronics – Specializes in hobbyist electronic components, tools, and kits. Sparkfun micro:bit boards and add-ons. Ask for educator discounts.
- Adafruit – Unique and Fun DIY Electronics and Kits. Check the Young Engineers section for selections that are whimsical and fun. Ask for educator discounts.
- Robotshop – All your robot needs in one place. Robots for home, school, and professional use, plus drones, wearable technology, kits, toys, parts, and apps.
- PiMoroni – “Tech Treasures” abound from this UK based vendor for Raspberry Pi, micro:bit, and other microcontrollers, plus kits, accessories, and tools. The name? It stands for Pirate-Monkey-Robot-Ninja, of course.
- Kitronik – Makes and sells electronic project kits for micro:bit, e-textiles, robotics, and other maker needs. UK-based.
- (Australia) Education Technology Specialists. Micro:bits, add-on boards, and related products.
Hummingbird Bit Robotics
Software for Hummingbird Bit
- Tutorials for using the Hummingbird Bit with MakeCode
- Microsoft MakeCode for the Hummingbird Bit (direct link – otherwise add Hummingbird via Extensions)
Download the Bluebird Connector
Hummingbird project ideas
Tutorials for using multiple Hummingbird Bits or micro:bits with a Hummingbird Bit, including cool ideas for a rover and calibrating the compass.
Related Materials
- Why we love the Hummingbird Bit Robotics Kit
- Books for creative educators from Constructing Modern Knowledge Press
- The micro:bit Matters – a guide to understanding the micro:bit
- The Invent To Learn Guide to Block Programming
- Complete Invent To Learn Workshop Kit/Handout
- Maker Resources for Educators – All the Invent to Learn workshop handouts, posters, and shopping lists.
- Gary Stager’s blog
- The Daily Papert
Veteran educator Dr. Gary Stager is co-author of Invent To Learn — Making, Tinkering, and Engineering in the Classroom and the founder of the Constructing Modern Knowledge summer institute. He led professional development in the world’s first 1:1 laptop schools and designed one of the oldest online graduate school programs. Learn more about Gary here.