Electronics Courses For Kids

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.

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 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.