Multiple Studios = Overlapping Powerful Ideas = Common Tools = Fluency image by Sylvia Martinez
Our Favorite Software
Turtle Art (program beautiful designs with this block-based Logo microworld that may be exported to cutters) Use this version if the other seems buggy on your computer.
Turtlestitch (program embroidery with this dialect of Snap!, based on Logo)
Scratch (popular block-based programming language and community for learning to code)
Snap! (block-based web-based programming language for serious computing and the Hummingbird Bit)
Inkscape, Inkstitch and Turtlestitch Inkscape is open source and free software for vector drawing – it is a viable alternative for Adobe Illustrator.
Inkstitch is an extension / add on for Inkscape, which converts vector drawings to embroidery files.
Turtlestitch has the ability to export drawings in SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) which is the native format for Inkscape. It is not uncommon to make a Turtlestitch drawing that is too large for the embroidery machine to use, but Inkscape can be used to scale such drawings and then Inkstitch can make a file that can be used.
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.
These activities designed for MicroWorlds EX should be applicable to other programming environments, like Turtle Art,Scratch, Snap!, and especially Lynx. If you translate any of these activities for other languages, please let me know!
Hello World – A magazine for teachers and kids about making and computing. Free to download, also free by mail to UK educators.
HackSpace Magazine – Although published in partnership with the Raspberry Pi Foundation, this magazine offers open source projects for a wide variety of physical computing and fabrication projects. All issues can be downloaded for free.
Basic Computer Games books (pdf form) – great ideas for beginner programming projects.