CODE KIT WORKSHOP GUIDE

Transcription

1 CODE KIT WORKSHOP GUIDE Find The littlebits Code Search: littlebits Code Kit Call or

2 DESCRIPTION We plan to adapt a lesson from the new littlebits Code Kit into a 45 minute activity that introduces participants to creating with code and hardware at the same time. They will build and program their own games and inventions using the littlebits Code Kit and the Code Kit app, a digital platform based on Google s Blocky that allows them to program the Code Bit wirelessly. Participants will receive an introduction to the littlebits platform, then work in pairs to build and program a simple game (Hot Potato...of Doom!) from the kit. They will spend the remaining time remixing the game by changing the tones, pixel art, or form. LOGISTICS # of participants: 30 young people who will work in pairs # of Code Kits: 20 # of volunteers: 4 SLIDE DECK VOLUNTEER TRAINING Introductions Name, what org you re from, favorite game Introduction to the Code Kit Unboxing Play Hot Potato...of Doom! Build the circuit Upload the code TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS Review workshop activity + agenda TECH SETUP MATERIALS All kits on tables 2 x project builds Find The littlebits Code Search: littlebits Code Kit Call or custserv@demco.com

3 CONNECTING TO THE CODEBIT Wireless (dongle) 1. Open the app. 2. Insert dongle. 3. Position the circuit as close to the dongle as possible. 4. Click Select your codebit in the bottom right. A list of codebits will pop up. The one with the strongest connection is yours. a. The connection button (the little black one) is laggy, so it s more effective to use proximity. 5. Upload your code when ready! 6. If your code doesn t upload the first time, press Upload again. Wired (USB cord) 1. Remove the dongle if there is one in the computer. 2. Open the app. 3. Plug in the microusb to the TOP of the codebit and the other end to a USB port on your computer. a. NOTE: This will not power the entire circuit. You still need to have a P3 power Bit on one of the inputs. 4. Upload your code when ready! a. NOTE: You do not need to connect to your codebit because you already have a wired connection!

4 WORKSHOP OUTLINE SET UP (5 MIN PRIOR TO STUDENTS ENTERING) Press CLEAR CODEBIT Reset the app back to the home screen Switch out old batteries to charge and give new ones Put all Bits back in the kit WARMUP (10 MIN) Introduction: Name Game Participants get in a circle around the tables Start passing circuit: When the circuit reaches you, tell us your name then pass it to your left Play Hot Potato...of Doom! together. 3 min Review the rules: One person pushes the button to start the game. Each person passes the circuit to their left. If you are caught with the circuit when the skeleton pops up, you re out! (Not really out everyone stays in the circle) Play 1 3 times depending on group size Reflection Questions: 2 min What did you like about that game? What didn t you like about it? What would you want to change about it? INTRODUCTION TO LITTLEBITS (5 MIN) Agenda + Goals You are going to Learn how to make a circuit using littlebits. Build Hot Potato...of Doom! Create your own version of Hot Potato...of Doom! Playtest Share! Explain how the system works: color-coded, magnets, order is important some Bits are adjustable

5 INTRODUCTION TO CODE KIT (3 MIN) Raise your hand: How many of you have coded before? worked in scratch, etc? How many of you have designed your very own game? Overview: What is it? What can you do with it? 2 MIN Learn to code and build games CREATE: BUILD YOUR OWN HOT POTATO---OF DOOM! (8 MIN) Walk through each step with them in the slide deck: Gather the Bits you need from the kit Explain what each Bit does as you move along. TROUBLESHOOTING Press Upload again Disconnect and reconnect the codebit If you are uploading wirelessly, move the codebit as close to the dongle as possible. The codebit with the highest signal strength is yours. Reset the power Wipe down the magnetic connectors DESIGN CHALLENGE (15 MIN) Remix Hot Potato...of Doom! You can try Adding a different input Bit Change the image Change the sound PLAYTEST (5 MIN) Pairs will pair up to test each other s games. REFLECT (5 MIN) What did you like the most? What was the most challenging? How would you change it if you had more time?