Newark element14 is providing kits and support to help young people learn the fundamental skills of coding. The company offers products such as Codebug, BBC micro:bit, Raspberry Pi and the newly launched Arduino CTC101 classroom kit.
Key products suitable for coding education at different ages are:
- Codebug is a small coding device for students age 7+. Shaped like a ladybug, CodeBug provides a fun and engaging way to build interactive devices. The device incorporates 25 LED lights, 2 control buttons, and 6 ‘legs’ which can be used to connect croc-clips, banana plugs or even sewn to. Ideas to get started with the Codebug can be found on the element14 community at https://www.element14.com/community/docs/DOC-78413/l/10-codebug-projects-in-10-days
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- The BBC micro:bit was developed to teach students from age 11+. Measuring about 1.5 in by 2 in, it is available in a range of colors and designed to be fun and easy to use. Similar to the Codebug, it can be coded with no prior knowledge of computing. It has more extensive functionality such as motion detection, a built-in compass and Bluetooth technology. Ideas to get started with the BBC micro:bit can be found on the element14 community at https://www.element14.com/community/community/stem-academy/microbit/blog/2016/05/26/10-bbc-microbit-projects-in-ten-days
- Newark element14 has also recently launched several add-ons for the BBC micro:bit. These include the mi:node, which is designed to teach young people the basics of IoT mechanics as interconnectivity becomes part of their everyday lives, and theMBIT-WEARIT- Development Kit, a versatile micro:bit enclosure specially designed to build mobile applications that can be used with a wrist strap, keyring or lanyard.
- Within Arduino’s range of education products stocked by Newark element14 is the Arduino CTC101 classroom kit: a modular program aimed at teaching students, aged 13 to 17, the foundations of programming, electronics, and mechanics through a series of playful projects and experiments.
