Summer Learning Resources for Parents

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Turtle Art

Turtle Art

Great programming environment for turning mathematical ideas into beautiful art.

The BBC micro:bit

$15-20 programmable technology for electronics, robotics, art, and physical computing projects. The newer v2 of the micro:bit and original version are hard to source for the time being. The first version is plenty powerful. Kintronik, a fast-shipping UK distributor is your best bet, but you can search Amazon.com too. Just make sure you get a micro:bit, USB cable, and battery box.


Micro:bit getting started materials

Micro:bit software options

Other stuff to buy (for our workshops & beyond)

More micro:bit resources

A New Block-based Programming Environment (Alpha version – try it out!)

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.
Design your own game and take it with you!

Program Your Own Gameboy!

Would you believe that it’s possible to not only program arcade games (and learn a lot by doing so), but to play them on inexpensive game machines that fit in your pocket? Learn how and get the gear!

Scratch

Programming environment for creating games, animations, interactive stories used by millions of kids sharing tens of millions of projects that may be remixed.

Scratch Books for Kids

There is a growing library of Scratch books being published, but these are the four I recommend. The first two choices may be the best since they were specifically written for the current generation of Scratch, Scratch 3.

25 Scratch 3 Games for Kids: A Playful Guide to Coding by Max Wainewright is a beautiful new book of Scratch 3 game programming projects presented in a highly visual style. (grades 4-7)

Super Scratch Programming Adventure!: Learn to Program by Making Cool Games is a terrific graphic novel filled with Scratch projects. (grades 4-7)

Scratch For Kids For Dummies by Derek Breen is a terrific project-based approach to learning Scratch. Note: This was written for Scratch 2.0, but remains a valuable resource, particularly for teachers.

Another Must-Have

Natalie Rusk’s terrific The Official Scratch Coding Cards (Scratch 3.0): Creative Coding Activities for Kids are a great getting started resource.

Lynx

Browser-based multimedia version of the Logo programming language allowing for an infinite range and type of projects to be created by kids.

Fun Summer Reading

A novel for kids filled with math and problem solving!

The Number Devil: A Mathematical Adventure

The Best Tablet/Mac/PC Game Ever

The Zoombinis is an exceptionally fun, challenging, and rewarding game for kids of all ages. Successful game play requires a great deal of logic, mathematical thinking, pattern recognition, and code breaking. If your kid is going to have an tablet, this game should be on it. The Zoombinis has the extended play value of chess, but appeals to a wider audience.