Toys
The LittleBits Code Kit is a terrific educational package meant to be used in schools; families can buy it too, but it may be overkill for some.
We're fans of LittleBits modular electronics kits; we've awarded them several Editors' Choice awards, most recently to the second edition Gizmos & Gadgets Kit. The company's latest offering is the Code Kit. It's designed to be used in education settings to introduce kids from 3rd to 8th grades to programming principles, by creating games through coding. LittleBits encourages parents to urge their schools to buy the kit. But if you really want to get your kids involved in coding and are willing to take an active role in the process, you can purchase the kit for yourself—and we evaluated it on the basis of potential home use. It's a robust solution and an effective tool. At $299.95 (for one to three kids), though, it isn't the cheapest way to go.
Introduction to coding and electronics using a variety of games/activities leading up to using little Bits coding kit to complete app based tutorials. Students will then complete two design challenges using the iterative design process and then share their creations with classmates and potentially with parents. Duration: 3 hours GRADE LEVEL. Input Bits accept input from you or the environment and send signals that affect the Bits that follow. Output Bits do something — light up, buzz, move Wire Bits. Wire Bits connect to other systems and let you build circuits in new directions. Power Bits always come first and Input Bits only affect the Output Bits that come. LittleBits Pro Library Kit (30-student classroom) Lets you explore over 5000 invention possibilities online and on the app Includes basic and complex Bits that bring together hands-on coding, STEM, music, and logic Ideal for beginner or advanced inventors of all grade levels Ages: 8+. The kit comes with 16 Bits, 30+ accessories and student/teacher getting-started guides, plus tons of digital resources including videos, tutorials, shareable online docs, and the computer-based littleBits Code Kit App with step-by-step invention instructions, coding tutorials, and more. Create your own Droid™ and bring it to life! Using littleBits electronic blocks and instructions in the free Droid Inventor app, you’ll create, customize and code your Droid from the ground-up. Everything comes in the littleBits Droid Inventor Kit box to create your first Droid. As its creator, you’ll teach your Droid new tricks and take it on 22+ missions. Along the way, you’ll level. Sphero makes undeniably-cool, programmable robots and STEAM-based educational tools that transform the way kids learn, create and invent through coding, science, music, and the arts.
What Do You Get?
For those unfamiliar, LittleBits is an electronics kit system built around small devices called Bits that connect magnetically. Each Bit represents a function—an input button or a light sensor, say, rather than an individual component such as a diode or resistor. They're color-coded to indicate their purpose: input, output, logic, or power.
Components that are new to the Code Kit are the CodeBit—basically a small computer with inputs and outputs—and the LED Matrix Bit for displaying images, scrolling text, and animations. The Code Kit also comes with an updated Speaker Bit, a mounting board to secure all the Bits you're using for a project in one place, a USB dongle for wireless connectivity, a rechargeable battery, and more. There are 16 Bits and 30 accessories altogether.
Little Bits Coding App
SEE ALSO: Hands On With Ultrasabers' Custom Stunt Lightsabers
You also get a free computer-based app with the kit. The Code Kit app supplies the programming environment. It uses Google Blockly–based code; with Blockly, developers create their own visual block-based programming languages. So instead of typing in each line, you drag code blocks together to form command strings. Once the code's ready, you upload it wirelessly to the Code Bit to bring your project to life.
The app also leads you to available online educational resources, including an intro project; tutorials on loops, logic, and other programming fundamentals, with supporting projects; four game-coding customizable projects (Inventions) that have the classic LittleBits DIY feel to them; and a project that challenges students to invent a game that can help kids' communities. Also included are lesson plans, handouts you can print, and other materials teachers will appreciate.
Learning to Code
The introductory project is called 'Hello, World,' in a nod to a tradition in the coding world of introducing novices to a new programming language. A video in the app shows you how to snap together a simple circuit that leads to the LED Matrix Bit. You're then sent to the coding screen within the app. You can code the scrolling text message of your choice, and then you're shown how to color each individual LED and create an image or animation. Creativity is encouraged from the get-go.
![Little Bits Coding App Mac Little Bits Coding App Mac](/uploads/1/2/6/1/126119967/173387518.png)
The four Inventions (games) are extended versions of the same process. You're shown how to build the necessary electronics circuit, and given the code string you need, then encouraged to customize it. When you're ready, you wirelessly upload the code to your Code Bit. Each Invention also includes a Craft Time segment, where you use analog materials—paper, magic markers, scissors—to create components you'll need to play the games.
For example, in the Ultimate Shootout Invention, you create a soccer-like desktop game. After building its circuit, you make a net for your goal out of cardboard, markers, a hole puncher, and twist ties. LittleBits suggests ways to 'level up your game' by customizing the code; you can create your own images for the LED Matrix, add sound effects, and invent new games to play with the setup.
I made another invention, the Rockstar Guitar. First I put together the necessary circuit—and it couldn't have been simpler or quicker (unlike the very elaborate but worth-the-time Lego Boost Creative Toolbox catbot I built a few weeks earlier) and pressed the completed circuit onto the mounting board. Then I cut an electric guitar shape out of poster board, colored it with markers, and twist-tied the mounting board onto the body of my 'guitar.' (Craft Time took me way longer than putting the electronic circuit together.)
Once I had my guitar body, I connected my PC to the Code Bit, cleared the leftover code, and uploaded the prewritten Rockstar Guitar code. When I pressed the Button Bit, electronic sound emerged; I could change the pitch with the Slide Bit. Then the jamming commenced.
The lesson goes on to show you how to change the notes you play by changing the code, how to swap out components to make it sound more like a real electric guitar, and even how to create an entirely new invention—a DJ turntable. In the process of learning new ways to adapt their creations, kids are learning the principles of programming.
Conclusions
Not every child will want to pursue a career as a software engineer. But many (if not most) careers in the future will require some understanding of how programming works. While meant to be used in schools, the LittleBits Code Kit can serve as a learning experience at home as well. The price includes a lot of supporting educational resources that might be overkill for some families, though. The Lego Boost Creative Toolbox ($159.99) is a less expensive alternative for those who don't need all the school-oriented components of the Code Kit, and our Editors' Choice.
(Redirected from Little Bits)
Founded | September 2011 |
---|---|
Founder | Ayah Bdeir |
Headquarters | New York, New York |
Website | littlebits.com |
littleBits is a New York City-based startup that makes an open source library of modular electronics (open-source electronics), which snap together with small magnets for prototyping and learning.[1][2] The company’s goal is to democratize hardware the way software and printing have been democratized.[3] The littleBits mission is to 'put the power of electronics in the hands of everyone, and to break down complex technologies so that anyone can build, prototype, and invent.'[4] littleBits units are available in more than 70 countries and used in more than 2,000 schools.[5] The company was named to CNN’s 10 Startups to Watch for 2013.[6]
![Little Little](/uploads/1/2/6/1/126119967/918826578.png)
History and funding[edit]
littleBits began as a small project in 2008 that Ayah Bdeir, the company’s founder and CEO, created for a group of New York designers.[7] She launched littleBits in September 2011.[8] In June 2015, littleBits raised $44.2 million in Series B funding led by DFJ Growth.[9] In November 2013, littleBits received $11.1 million in funding led by True Ventures and Foundry Group, with participation from Two Sigma Ventures, Vegas Tech Fund, and Khosla Ventures, among others.[10] In 2015, littleBits raised $44.2 million in Series B funding led by DFJ Growth.[11]
Products[edit]
The LittleBits synth kit
A system assembled using littleBits modules
In August 2013, the company released the Base, Premium and Deluxe Kits, the first kits to feature the current bits and modules. The goal is to make getting started with littleBits easier and containing the most important modules than other kits.
Girl playing with littleBits.
In July 2014, littleBits introduced cloudBit, a WiFi-enabled module that lets builders add Internet connectivity to their designs.[12] The goal is to give 'the average person an easy and open way to contribute to the Internet of Things'[12] using an open-source platform comparable to Linux or Android[13] to build such things as a remote control for coffee makers, heating/cooling systems, or other appliances.[14] In November 2014, the company released the Smart Home Kit, designed to let builders 'hack together versions of familiar smart-home concepts—connected coffee pots and presence-aware lamps—or create solutions of their own devising.'[15] Using the modules, builders could test smart home gadgets of their own designs to 'feel out this new territory for themselves' instead of 'taking some company’s word on what your smart home should be.'[15]
Uses and partnerships[edit]
LittleBits consists of small circuit boards with specific functions built to snap together with magnets[16] without soldering, wiring, or programming. Each bit has its own specific function, such as light, sound, sensors, or buttons.[2] There are 'trillions of billions of combinations' possible in the littleBits open source library.[5]NASA has collaborated with littleBits to design projects for a littleBits ‘Space Kit.’[17] Projects include building a model Mars Rover and the wireless transmission of music to a model of the International Space Station.’[17] In October 2014, the Space Kit won a Fast Company 'Innovation by Design' award.[18] In 2013, littleBits partnered with the Museum of Modern Art Stores in New York to build two window displays, which included a giant ferris wheel 'propelled by a miniature cyclist' and a 'mad scientist controlling a nearly life-sized puppet.'[19] Also in 2013, littleBits collaborated with KORG to create the Synth Kit, allowing users to build a DIY synthesizer or create musical instruments.[20] In 2018 LittleBits STEAM Student Set was certified by the Education Alliance Finland for pedagogical quality[21].
Marketplace and retail store[edit]
In September 2014, littleBits announced bitLab, a marketplace for products built using littleBits kits and modules.[22] The 'app store for hardware' is the 'first marketplace for user-generated hardware' (according to Bdeir)[23] and has the potential to become 'the most extensive platform for hardware creation and innovation available.'[24] In July 2015, littlebits opened a retail store in Soho, Manhattan. The store has an innovative retail model that allows users to either use the littlebits product for free in-store ('Inventions to Stay'), or to build something, pay for the components, and take it away ('Inventions to Go').[25][26]
Role in Maker movement[edit]
The first launch of littleBits was at Makerfaire 2009. littleBits won Editor’s Choice awards in 2009 and 2011 from MAKE magazine.[27] The company has organized a series of hackathons and workshops to encourage active participation in science and technology.[5] CEO Bdeir was named to Popular Mechanics’ 25 Makers Who Are Reinventing the American Dream in 2014,[28]Inc.’s 35 Under 35 Coolest Entrepreneurs,[3] and Fast Company’s Most Creative People of 2013.[29]
Sphero Acquisition[edit]
In August 2019, Sphero completed acquisition of LittleBits for an undisclosed sum, giving Sphero a combined portfolio of over 140 patents in robotics, electronics, software, and the internet of things (IoT).[30]
References[edit]
- ^Loizos, Connie. 'LittleBits Raises Big $44.2 Million Round'. TechCrunch. Retrieved 2017-04-16.
- ^ ab'What is littleBits?'. littlebits.cc. littleBits. Retrieved 20 February 2015.
- ^ abLagorio-Chafkin, Christine (24 June 2014). 'LittleBits: On a Mission to Make Electrical Engineering Fun'. Inc.com. Inc.com. Retrieved 20 February 2015.
- ^McHugh, Molly (18 November 2014). 'The home of the future is inside littleBits' Smart Home Kit'. The Daily Dot. The Daily Dot. Retrieved 20 February 2015.
- ^ abcTsotsis, Alexia (24 April 2014). 'littleBits And NASA Bring Space Down To Earth With New 'Space Kit''. TechCrunch. TechCrunch. Retrieved 20 February 2015.
- ^'The CNN 10 Startups'. CNN. CNN. Retrieved 20 February 2015.
- ^Nguyen, Nicole. 'Why We Love LittleBit's Rock Star Founder'. Pop Sugar. Pop Sugar. Retrieved 20 February 2015.
- ^Kolodny, Lora (18 July 1830). 'Helping People Play With Electricity, LittleBits Closes $3.65M Series A'. WSJ.D Venture Capital Dispatch. The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 20 February 2015.
- ^Loizos, Connie (25 June 2015). 'LittleBits Raises Big $44.2 Million Round'. TechCrunch. TechCrunch.
- ^Lunden, Ingrid (20 November 2013). 'LittleBits Connects With $11.1M To Transform Its Electronics Kit Business Into A Hardware Platform'. TechCrunch. TechCrunch. Retrieved 20 February 2015.
- ^'LittleBits Raises Big $44.2 Million Round'. TechCrunch. Retrieved 2020-06-24.
- ^ abBuckley, Sean (23 July 2014). 'LittleBits' latest module lets you connect your creations to the internet'. Engadget. Engadget. Retrieved 20 February 2015.
- ^Estes, Adam Clark (23 July 2014). 'LittleBits Now Lets You Build Your Own DIY Smart Home'. Gizmodo. Gizmodo. Retrieved 20 February 2015.
- ^Senese, Mark (23 July 2014). 'LittleBits New CloudBit Module Simplifies Internet-Controlled Projects'. Makezine. Makezine. Retrieved 20 February 2015.
- ^ abVanhemert, Kyle (18 November 2014). 'LittleBits' New Kit Lets You Create Your Own Smart-Home Gizmos'. Wired. Wired. Retrieved 20 February 2015.
- ^Papadopoulos, Pantelis M.; Burger, Roland; Faria, Ana (2016-12-19). Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Education. Emerald Group Publishing. ISBN9781786350671.
- ^ abWilson, Richard (19 May 2014). 'NASA success for littleBits platform'. Electronics Weekly. Electronics Weekly. Retrieved 20 February 2015.
- ^'Design Is Changing How We Innovate'. Fast Company. Fast Company. Retrieved 20 February 2015.
- ^Bautista, Camille (9 April 2013). 'LittleBits Brings Big Installations to the Museum of Modern Art'. Mashable. Mashable. Retrieved 20 February 2015.
- ^Aguilar, Mario (8 November 2013). 'LittleBits Makes Building a Modular Synth as Easy as Lego Time'. Gizmodo. Gizmodo. Retrieved 26 May 2015.
- ^'Education Alliance Finland'. Catalog of certified products. Retrieved 12 May 2020.
- ^Greenfield, Rebecca (16 September 2014). 'With BitLab, LittleBits Wants to Become the App Store for Hardware'. Fast Company. Fast Company. Retrieved 20 February 2015.
- ^Bercovici, Jeff (16 September 2014). 'LittleBits Launches An App Store For Hardware'. Forbes. Forbes. Retrieved 20 February 2015.
- ^Stinson, Liz (16 September 2014). 'LittleBits Asks Users to Invent Its Next Product for a 10 Percent Cut'. Wired. Wired. Retrieved 20 February 2015.
- ^Dale, Brady. 'Invent Stuff and Leave It for Others at New Soho LittleBits Store'. The Observer. Retrieved 11 September 2015.
- ^Lawson, Sarah. 'How LittleBits Went From Educational Tool To High-End Retail'. Fastcompany.com. Fast Company. Retrieved 11 September 2015.
- ^'We won a MAKE Editor's Choice Award...again!'. LittleBits. LittleBits. Retrieved 20 February 2015.
- ^Raymond, Chris. '25 Makers Who Are Reinventing The American Dream'. Popularmechanics.com. Popular Mechanics. Retrieved 20 February 2015.
- ^Campbell-Dollaghan, Kelsey. 'The DIY Champion'. Fast Company. Fast Company. Retrieved 20 February 2015.
- ^'Sphero acquires modular electronics company LittleBits'. VentureBeat. 2019-08-23. Retrieved 2020-06-24.
External links[edit]
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