” The IoT market will grow to $520B in 2021, more than double the $235B spent in 2017. “
Bain
The world is more connected than ever, and that’s only going to grow. We live in the age of the Internet of Things. It’s not just computers and smartphones that are digitally connected. From fridges to TVs, alarms to smart meters, more and more devices are finding their way online – and the future belongs to the individuals that understand how it all works.
If you have a child or teen interested in inventing and connectivity, you can foster that passion. Here are some of the ways they can explore electronics, physical computing, and problem solving.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT COURSE TO LEARN ELECTRONICS
Invent to learn using popular platforms that will bring code into the physical world with electronics.
Arduino
The Arduino microprocessor is one of our favourite platforms to explore electronics and physical computing - where software meets hardware. With code, breadboards, and loads of fun components, you can create devices with sensors and outputs able to interact with the world. Beyond the basics, there are wearable and IoT platforms that also use Arduino technology, and Arduino is widely used in programmes like the Design Engineering degree programme at Imperial College. Working with Arduino shows teens how things work, and brings code to life. Our students can explore Arduino in our Intro to Arduino course and our Python and Electronics with Minecraft course.
Makey Makey
The Makey Makey is an inventor's kit for everyone. This simple microprocessor turns anything conductive into a computer keyboard. That means that we can build our own games controllers as Minecraft Makers, and build electronic musical instruments using high fives or drum kits with bare feet and paper plates (and a bit of copper tape). Creativity is limitless with Makey Makey as kids create physical environments that they can code with Scratch or any other program and we think it's the best way ever for kids to take a first look at circuits, conductivity, and making.
micro:bit
Micro:bit is our favourite way to introduce physical computing and has what our hero Samuel Papert called "low floors, wide walls and high ceilings." Easy to start, lots of space for creativity, and interesting for beginners all the way through to advanced makers. With its own "brain", 25 LEDs, two buttons, temperature sensors, a compass, radio and Bluetooth communication, and edge connectors to add most any kind of component, the micro:bit packs a punch. Its web-based programming uses blocks, JavaScript or Python, making the micro:bit the guts of endless maker projects. The micro:bit foundation's impact studies have shown that 70% of girls said they would choose Computing as a school subject after using micro:bit, and 86% of students said it made Computer Science more interesting. We have seen the impact first hand in our Saturday clubs, our Junior Inventor course, and our new Junior Python course.
Alice's Fire Tech Journey
Before Fire Tech
Alice didn't know much about electronics or programming and wasn't sure she if she would like it or not.
After Fire Tech
Alice loved the small group sizes and spending the week deep-diving into one subject. She especially loved the tutors "because they inspire you to never give up." Now Alice wants to go much deeper and hopes to study engineering at Imperial College.
Electronics Jobs
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Senior Software Engineer
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Design Engineer
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Product Marketing Lead
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Data Scientist - Internet of Things
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IoT Product Manager
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IoT Developer
Meet Pam
Pam is doing a PhD in Computer Science at Imperial College London. Her real passion is teaching young people the latest technologies shaping their world and watching their confidence grow.
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