STEM Club - BBC micro:bit

Who is this free event for?

Anyone who wants to know more about the BBC micro:bit. I am setting up a STEM club focused on coding with the micro:bit to begin with. In the future I hope to integrate more creative technologies like:

• more physical computing (e.g. Raspberry Pi, ESP32)
• 3D design and printing
• 2D design and laser cutting

Who is the STEM club for?

It depends who is interested. I would be glad to do a STEM club - or clubs - for adults, young people or children. I expect upper primary and secondary age young people to be the most available - but would be just as glad to have a group of retirees!

To begin with, any participant needs to be able to use a computer comfortably and independently (preferably with a keyboard and mouse - which makes development much faster). Tablets can also be used. Participants need to bring their own device (e.g. computer, tablet). There are plenty of power sockets.

Participants do not need to know coding, although some basic knowledge would be very beneficial. For example, being able to understand what is happening in the first 4 videos of my micro:bit program projects series (first video 'Shake Smile' is below) would be a great start.

What will happen in the event?

09:00 - 09:15 - A presentation about the BBC micro:bit and me.

09:15 - 09:30 - A live demonstration to show how easy it is to use!

09:30 - 09:55 - An opportunity to see and get hands on with some micro:bit programs, and also ask questions or discuss STEM club.

Is there parking?

I have been advised of the following places to park: Magdelene Avenue, Broomside Lane, St Mary's Road. Please don't park in the car park by the Spar.

How will a club, or clubs, be made?

I will look at the people who are interested and try to make an appropriate group, or groups. This will be based on age, ability and interest. I will then contact people who have expressed interest and you can decide if you would like to sig up.

Likely details of the first group:

• Day and time: Saturdays, 09:00 - 12:00
• Content: Group focus (9 to 10), Skills focus (10 to 11), Project focus (11 - 12).

What about the summer holiday?

I would love to do a summer holiday camp. This would probably focus on:

• weekly theme (sport, zombie apocalypse, unicorn dreamland)
• set challenges which can be achieved in different ways using coding and electronics ⚡
• group and individual work ?
• having fun ?
• getting stronger ? (better skills, more determined, more focused)
• outdoor time ?‍➡️?‍♀️‍➡️

It would probably be the following:

Time: 09:00 - 12:00

Days: Monday - Friday

Location: Belmont Parish Hall, DH1 2QR

Host or Publisher Martin Archer