littleBits, Big Ideas

  
Thanks to the PTA, we were able to grow our littleBits collection to include pieces such as pressure sensors, sound triggers, slide dimmers, sound mixers and oscillators. With these pieces, students are able to control the power input of their creations.  It wasn't long before some discovered that when the pressure sensor is connected to the motor, the speed can be controlled by changing your grip on the sensor.  In making these seemingly small discoveries, larger ideas grow. They are tested, altered, tested again, sometimes scrapped, and other times develop into something that functions and serves a purpose - an exciting moment! 

The week of December 7th, students tried out their computer coding skills in conjunction with International Hour of Code on December 10th. We used the websites Code.org and Scratch to complete challenges, as well as design original characters with animation. Both sites use basic Python and Java programming languages, with drag and drop block commands.  Below are some student trials from our first day of coding.