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)
- Microsoft MakeCode
- microBlocks (ingenius alternative to MakeCode for programming microcontroller development boards like the BBC micro:bit)
- Lynx (Web-based multimedia version of Logo)
- Makers Empire, terrific 3D design software for Mac, PC, Chromebook, and IOS designed for K-8 classrooms
- Beetleblocks (3D Snap! programming that exports to a 3D printer)
Essential Reading For Institute Participants
- A Plethora of Curated Progressive Education Resources by Gary Stager (discussed during fireside chat)
- Twenty Things to Do with a Computer by Cynthia Solomon and Seymour Papert
- Computer as Material: Messing About with Time by Seymour Papert and George Franz
- Logo History
- What’s the Big Idea? Toward a Pedagogy of Idea Power by Seymour Papert
- What is Logo? And Who Needs It? By Seymour Papert
- Constructing Modern Knowledge – Uncompromising Constructionism for Teacher Development (This article describes the method behind our institute approach.)
- Invention Literacy by Jay Silver
Physical Computing with the BBC micro:bit and Hummingbird Bit Robotics Kit
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
- Programming Neopixels with MakeCode and the BBC micro:bit
- Super collection of Scratch and micro:bit activity cards and project ideas. (2021)
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
- New programming environments for learning (Fall 2020)
Other Stuff To Buy (For Our Workshops & Beyond)
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
- Hummingbird Bit Web Site
- The Invent to Learn Quickstart Guide to the Hummingbird Bit Robotics Kit
- Super cool Hummingbird Bit mechanism and robot construction ideas
- Hummingbird Bit Curricular Project Ideas
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)
- Tutorials for using Snap! with the Hummingbird Bit
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
- Program your Own Gameboy! (MakeCode Arcade opportunities)
- 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.
Making Games
Steve Dembo’s Making Games Slide Deck from the Chicago 2021 Invent To Learn Institute
- Self-paced lessons for ages 11-16
- Cheat Sheets for educators, from @stulowe80
- MakeCode guided cards, from @CoraEdTech
- Lessons for educators, parents and students from Microsoft Ireland
- Official documentation from Microsoft, including CS Courses
Basic Computer Games books (classic inspiration in pdf form)
- Basic Computer Games (first edition 1973)
- More Basic Computer Games (1980)
Arcade game collections created by Invent To Learn Institute participants (August 2021)
- Http://padlet.com/teach42/chase
- Http://padlet.com/teach42/projectile
- Http://padlet.com/teach42/tilemap
- Http://padlet.com/teach42/platformer
Mathematics, Coding, and Computer Science
Invent To Learn Quickstart Guides
Free Classic Turtle Geometry E-Books
Barry Newell’s books, Turtle Confusion and Turtle Speaks Mathematics
Invent To Learn Web Sites
- The Daily Papert (archives of Papert writing and media)
- The Invent To Learn website (oodles of resources)
- Constructing Modern Knowledge Press (publisher of books by creative educators for creative educators)
- Gary Stager’s blog, Stager-to-Go
Constance Kamii Math Resources
Constance Kamii math videos (multiple videos)
Constance Kamii Direct vs Indirect Ways of Teaching Number Concepts at Ages 4-6
A comprehensive lecture explaining Piagetian ideas showing that although number concepts cannot be taught directly, they can be taught indirectly by encouraging children to think.
Kamii Games for Developing Number Sense
- Arithmetic Games with Playing Cards
- Modifying a Board Game (Sorry) to Foster Kindergartners’ Logico-Mathematical Thinking
- Lining-Up the 5s – A Card Game
- Kamii Game Cards to download and print
- Kamii on Games over Worksheets (article)
- An important paper by Constance Kamii – Selected Standards from the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics, Grades K-3: My Reasons for Not Supporting Them
The Case for Programming Slides by Gary Stager
