Get creative by combining the BBC micro:bit and electrical components with Kitronik Craft & Code! Designed by Teachers and tested by Pupils for learners aged 8+
The Kitronik Craft & Code for BBC micro:bit is a fun and engaging way for students to learn about coding as part of wider craft-based projects. Using any version of the BBC micro:bit, this board allows beginners 8+ to design and control various craft projects using MakeCode for micro:bit. MakeCode is an intuitive, block-based coding environment. Everything that is needed is contained within the box, except for the standard classroom craft materials each project requires and the components listed in the 'Requires' section below.
The kit ships with a getting started booklet. The booklet serves as an introduction to the board and the additional supplied parts. It also introduces the user to the micro:bit, the MakeCode editor, writing code with the editor, and how to run programs on the micro:bit. Additionally, the booklet contains two full projects, the documentation walks the user through each project step, including creating the code.
Project 1: Carousel Project - This project will help you craft your tabletop carousel, and then program it to make it run like the real thing! Decorate your carousel with pencils, paint or mixed materials to make it your own. Bonus: We have even included instructions on how to make your own fully-operating safety barrier!
Project 2: Night Light Project - This project will help you to craft your touch-operated night light. Decorate your lampshade with stars, planets or your own design to really make it your own. Touch-operated night lights allow you to choose your brightness level to suit your needs.
Hardware: The kit is supplied with the following hardware; Craft and Code board, a servo, a motor, a pack of crocodile leads, a bulb holder, a bulb, and a finnboard board wheel --for use with the motor in one of the included projects. The hardware is connected to the board using crocodile leads, except for the servo, and the board is clearly marked for connecting the devices.
Power: The board requires 3 x AA batteries (Not included - available separately here.) The board features an AA battery cage on the underside. These batteries power the board, the inserted micro:bit, and the devices attached to the board. The operating voltage of the board is 3.5V - 4.5V, with a max current draw of 470mA (Typical - 350mA). If the board is powered on with no micro:bit inserted, it will draw approximately 9.5mA. To protect the batteries, there is an on/off switch on the board. See the Datasheet for more detailed electrical information.
Coding: The board has been designed for use with the MakeCode Blocks editor for micro:bit. Kitronik has designed a custom MakeCode extension to support the use of the Craft and Code board in the MakeCode editor. This extension contains all of the blocks required to take control of every aspect of the board and the hardware connected to it. It can be added by clicking on the Extensions tab. See the Datasheet for more detailed information on the blocks contained in the extension.
Note:
- A micro:bit is not included. The kit works with both v1 and V2 micro:bits, a V2 micro:bit can be obtained here.
- Batteries are not included. AA batteries can be obtained separately here.
- A USB cable is not included. A USB cable can be obtained separately here.
Features
- It is an innovative environment for beginners to learn about building circuits and constructing projects that incorporate electronics and code.
- The board works with micro:bit V1 & V2.
- The kit is supplied with a servo, a motor, a pack of crocodile leads, a bulb holder, a bulb, and a Finnboard board wheel.
- No tools are required, the included servo connects via a standard connector and all other devices are connected with crocodile leads.
- The board has clear markings to indicate how to connect each device correctly.
- The included printed guide acts as an introduction to the board, MakeCode, coding with the editor, and also includes two projects to work through.
- The projects contain step-by-step guides, including full code examples.
- Kitronik has designed a custom MakeCode extension to support the use of the Craft and Code board in the MakeCode editor.
- The Kitronik Extension features all of the blocks required to take control of the board's features.
- The board requires 3 x AA batteries, which provide power for the board, the micro:bit, Note: Stock is currently available in South Africa for national shipping!
