Overview
Course/SkillsBuild for Student Module: SkillsBuild Lab littleBits Intro Learning Plan
Topics: Coding
Length of class: time varies depending on activities chosen
Outcomes: What learners will be able to know, do, or value by the end of the lesson.
- Students will be able to identify Bits and their function.
- Students will create circuits using Bits
- Students will analyze circuit options.
Workplace learning skills:
- Collaboration
- Analytical thinking
- Agility and cognitive flexibility
Opportunities for IBM volunteer engagement
IBM Volunteers can assist students in more advanced activities and can share with students how knowledge of electronics is important in a variety of IBM careers.
Required Learning Materials/ Resources
- littleBits STEAM+ Coding Kit
- Laptop or mobile device
- (Optional) Materials for invention projects
*Suggestion: Since the littleBits STEAM+ Coding Kit comes with only 1 9V battery, it would be advisable to have extra batteries on hand if students are engaged with multiple littleBits projects.
Learning Environment Needs
Table space for the computer and workspace for the kit components and Invention Guide.
Prework for Educators
- littleBits Educator Resource Guide
- littleBits STEAM+ Coding Invention Guide (PDF)
- Creating a littleBits account to access resources (for both students and educators): https://classroom.littlebits.com/persona
- Activity lessons for using the kit components
- The Bitopedia resource explains each littleBit component
- littleBits STEAM Student Set Curriculum Guide (PDF)
- littleBits Basics (video): (2:13 min)
Part 1: Activity
Students should work in pairs for most activities.
First, all students should be directed to create a littleBits account in littleBits Classroom.
Student pairs should then be provided a STEAM+ Coding kit.
- Show the littleBits Basics video (2:13 min)
- Identification and function of each Bit should be explored, using the Invention Guide pages and Bitopedia (in littleBits Classroom) as references.
Next students should be directed to complete the introductory exploration shown on pp. 4-5 of the Invention Guide.
Part 2: Activity 2+
Additional activities from the Invention Guide and Resources on the littleBits Classroom site can be performed, based on time availability.
Please note that some activities may require supplementary materials not included in the Kit.
Part 3: Career Focus
Check for prior knowledge. Ask students questions like “What kinds of careers could involve electronics?” Have students read Different Kinds of Electronics Jobs.
(Optional) Students could also individually or in groups pick a career related to this area to further research. Ask them to complete this Career Research Graphic Organizer. If time allows, students can present their findings to the class. (optional)
Additional Resources/ Deeper Learning
- Downloadable PDF version of the littleBits STEAM+ Coding Invention Guide
- littleBits Community Forum: https://discuss.littlebits.cc/
- Coding with littleBits STEAM+ Coding Kit – lesson plan
- littleBits and Sphero Robots Together– links to activities combining these kits provided on SkillsBuild STEM Labs Overview (https://www.ptech.org/open-p-tech/teacher-toolkit/labs-overview/ )
Assessment/ Evaluation
Based on application, how I will I know learners have met intended outcome?
— KWHLAQ worksheet
— Career Graphic Organizer
— Teacher may wish to create a rubric activities.
Summary/ conclusion
How will I bring lesson to an effective closing?
— Check for understanding and answer any subsequent questions
— Emphasize key information
— Ask the question “What information did you learn that you think you will find important 3 years from now?”
— Remind students that there are more relevant courses on SkillsBuild for Students to continue their learning
Feedback
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