We have numerous example of Knowledge Bases and using AI to access the. This is a simple example that answers the question raised on the Home Page.
Can you provide advice for a beginner on how to start using the Innovation Centre using a laptop and Innovation Kit.
You asked for advice on how a beginner can start using the Innovation Centre with a laptop and an Innovation Kit. I’ve reviewed the InnovationBeginnersKnowledgeBase.docx to provide a step-by-step guide, practical tips, and links to resources that will help you get started confidently. [Innovation…wledgeBase | Word]
Getting Started at the Innovation Centre
1. Unpack Your Innovation Kit
- Your kit likely includes a MicroBit, sensors, robotics components (such as a Kitronik Robotics Board), and possibly art supplies or digital tools.
- Make sure you have a laptop with internet access and the ability to install software.
2. Set Up Your Laptop
- Install or access the following recommended platforms:
- Scratch: For coding, animation, and robotics control (https://scratch.mit.edu/)
- MakeCode: For block-based programming of MicroBit and robotics (https://makecode.microbit.org/)
- Mind+: For integrating Scratch with MicroBit and robotics (https://kitronik.co.uk/blogs/resources/tagged/coding-tutorials)
- Machine Learning for Kids: For simple AI projects (https://machinelearningforkids.co.uk/)
3. Begin with Scratch
- Scratch is ideal for beginners and supports both animation and robotics.
- Start with simple projects, such as creating an animation or controlling a robot using Scratch extensions.
- Explore introductory guides:
4. Connect Your MicroBit
- Use the MakeCode editor to program your MicroBit.
- Try basic projects like blinking LEDs or reading sensor data.
- For robotics, connect your MicroBit to the Kitronik Robotics Board and use MakeCode blocks to drive motors and servos. Example code is provided in the knowledge base. [Innovation…wledgeBase | Word]
5. Explore Robotics and Sensors
- Build simple robots (e.g., a car or arm) and control them with your MicroBit.
- Use sensors to monitor environmental conditions (temperature, air quality, soil moisture).
- Send sensor data to Scratch for real-time animation and storytelling.
6. Integrate Art and Storytelling
- Use Scratch’s graphics editor or digital art tools to create backgrounds and sprites.
- Combine coding and art by animating your own characters and scenes.
- Consider using AI image generators for advanced backgrounds.
7. Try a Guided Project
- The knowledge base includes a full lesson plan for a STEAM + AI project: “Wildlife Watchers – Nature Reserve Explorer.”
- This project involves rotating through teams (art, programming, robotics) and building an interactive Scratch animation that responds to real sensor data.
- Follow the session breakdown for a structured learning experience.
8. Use Training Resources
- The Innovation Centre recommends self-directed resources from:
- Raspberry Pi Foundation (https://www.raspberrypi.org/)
- Code Club (https://codeclub.org/en/)
- Kitronik (https://kitronik.co.uk/blogs/resources/tagged/coding-tutorials)
- Arduino Education (https://www.arduino.cc/education/courses)
9. Progress to Advanced Projects
- Once comfortable, try integrating AI (Machine Learning for Kids, Teachable Machine), advanced robotics (Arduino, Raspberry Pi), and digital art (Deepdream, JWildfire).
- Experiment with combining art, coding, and robotics for innovative STEAM projects.
Practical Tips for Beginners
- Start Simple: Begin with basic Scratch animations and MicroBit projects before moving to robotics or AI.
- Use Extensions: Scratch and MakeCode support extensions for robotics and sensors—explore these to expand your projects.
- Collaborate: Work with others at the Innovation Centre, join a Code Club, or participate in group projects.
- Document Your Work: Keep notes, sketches, and code snippets to track your progress and ideas.
- Ask for Help: Use online forums, tutorials, and the Innovation Centre’s support network.
Useful Links
- https://scratch.mit.edu/
- https://makecode.microbit.org/
- https://machinelearningforkids.co.uk/
- https://kitronik.co.uk/blogs/resources/tagged/coding-tutorials
- https://www.raspberrypi.org/
- https://codeclub.org/en/
- https://www.arduino.cc/education/courses
Would you like a printable step-by-step guide, a sample project to try first, or help setting up your laptop and kit? Let me know how you’d like to proceed
Show a simple project for beginners to try
Here’s a simple, hands-on beginner project you can try at the Innovation Centre using your laptop, MicroBit, and Innovation Kit. This project introduces you to coding, physical computing, and digital creativity—all in one!
Beginner Project: Animated Weather Station
Goal
Create a Scratch animation of a weather station that changes its display based on real temperature readings from your MicroBit.
What You’ll Need
- Laptop with internet access
- MicroBit (from your Innovation Kit)
- USB cable (to connect MicroBit to laptop)
- Access to https://scratch.mit.edu/ and https://makecode.microbit.org/
- (Optional) Kitronik Air Quality Board or a simple temperature sensor
Step 1: Program Your MicroBit to Read Temperature
- Go to https://makecode.microbit.org/.
- Start a new project.
- Add these blocks:
- On start:
radio set group 1 - Forever:
- Read temperature:
let temp = input.temperature() - Send temperature:
radio send string "Temp:" + temp - Pause 5 seconds
- Read temperature:
- On start:
Example MakeCode Blocks:
radio.setGroup(1)
basic.forever(function () {
let temp = input.temperature()
radio.sendString(“Temp:” + temp)
basic.pause(5000)
})
- Download the code to your MicroBit.
Step 2: Connect MicroBit to Scratch
- Plug your MicroBit into your laptop via USB.
- Open https://scratch.mit.edu/ and go to “Add Extension.”
- Add the “MicroBit” extension.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to connect your MicroBit.
Step 3: Build Your Scratch Animation
- Create a new Scratch project.
- Draw or import a weather station sprite and a background (e.g., sunny, cloudy, rainy).
- Add code to your sprite:
- When a message like “Temp:20” is received, change the display or say the temperature.
- Use “broadcast” and “when I receive” blocks to trigger different weather scenes based on the temperature.
Example Scratch Blocks:
- When green flag clicked:
- Set backdrop to “sunny”
- When I receive [Temp:20]:
- If temperature < 15, switch backdrop to “cloudy”
- If temperature >= 15, switch backdrop to “sunny”
- Say “Temperature is 20°C”
Step 4: Test and Explore
- Run your Scratch project and watch the animation respond to real temperature readings from your MicroBit.
- Try changing the code to display different weather icons or play sounds for different temperatures.
What You’ll Learn
- How to code with blocks (MakeCode & Scratch)
- How to connect hardware (MicroBit) to software (Scratch)
- How to use real-world data in digital projects
- Basic animation and storytelling
Next Steps
- Add more sensors (humidity, light) for richer data.
- Create your own sprites and backgrounds for a personalised project.
- Work with a friend: one builds the animation, the other builds the sensor!
Would you like a printable guide, or help with a specific part of this project (e.g., wiring, Scratch code, or sensor setup)? Let me know how you’d like to continue!
Note: AI suggests using Scratch, I would recommend using Mind+ to run Scratch where Microbits need to communicate with Scratch and send information to it.
Southport Innovation Centre 