Coding with littleBits STEAM+

littleBits are electronic building blocks. Students use littleBits to prototype solutions to authentic problems and implement design solutions. The codeBit included in the STEAM+ Coding Kit provides programming capabilities to Bit circuits.

Course/SkillsBuild for Student Module: Coding with littleBits SkillsBuild Learning Plan

Topics: Coding

Length of class: Activities vary in time allotment, but most can easily accommodate a 40 minute class period.

Outcomes: What learners will be able to know, do, or value by the end of the lesson.

• Students will be able to identity the codeBit and its function
• Students will be able to create circuits using the codeBit and Bits
• Students will create and modify code using the Fuse App and load it onto the codeBit
• Students will analyze and evaluate strengths and weaknesses of a basic instruction set

Workplace learning skills:

• Collaboration
• Analytical thinking

• littleBits STEAM+ Coding Kit
• Laptop or mobile device (Bluetooth-enabled for coding)

* 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.

Table space for the computer and workspace for the kit components and Invention Guide.

1. littleBits Educator Resource Guide
   1. Refer to page 13 for use of the Fuse App
2. littleBits Classroom account access (for both students and educators): https://classroom.littlebits.com/persona
3. The littleBits Fuse App website allows for creation of visual circuits and for programming them (https://fuse.littlebits.com/coding ). No account creation is required!  Programming can be done in either in block or Javascript.

Students should work in pairs for most activities.

Student pairs should be provided a STEAM+ Coding kit and retrieve the codeBit.

All students should be directed to access their littleBits account in littleBits Classroom.

• First day: in Bitopedia, watch the video that explains the codeBit (1:38 min).

Students should access the Fuse App to begin the coding process. 

• 11 coding activities for students are provided to guide them through learning coding of the codeBit through the Fuse App (https://classroom.littlebits.com/curriculum/code-kit-core ).  Each activity can be tackled as time allows.

• For each activity, students should analyze the program instructions to determine if they worked as planned and make any needed adjustments.

Students can now explore more about coding and why it’s a valuable skill in two articles: Is Coding an Essential and Must-have Skill of the Future? and Why Coding is the Most Important Job Skills for the Future.

(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.

• P@55WORD $3CUR1TY lesson
• Downloadable PDF version of the Invention Guide: https://lb-community.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/uploaded_file/asset/2133/STEAM%2B_Coding_Bix_Index.pdf
• STEM CLUB: littleBits STEAM+ Kit Review  https://www.survivingateacherssalary.com/stem-club-littlebits-steam-kit-review/
• littleBits Community Forum: https://discuss.littlebits.cc/

Based on application, how I will I know learners have met intended outcome?

— KWHLAQ worksheet

— Teacher may wish to create a rubric for the activity

— Career Research Graphic Organizer

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

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