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Humming Along

9/25/2014

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Picture
This semester I am using a new tool, the Hummingbird, to introduce the concept of physical computing to Creator's Studio students. After initial use during the Lucas Scholars Program, I realized instantly this platform is more accessible than Arduino for the younger set, allowing students to quickly get up and running. My hope is that it can build a bridge to the deeper programming involved with Arduino if they choose to take that path for their personal project.

Likes
Here's what I really like about Hummingbird. Using the Create Labs Visual Programmer, students can program lights to turn on/off, make servo and DC motors run, and use sensors to react to the environment, in just a few minutes. Students create "expressions" for things that the hummingbird can do (i.e., turn on the green light, make the servo rotate 90 degrees), while "sequences" are collections of expressions that can then be attached to a number of different sensors (light, sound, distance, temperature). The screen interface on Visual Programmer graphically represents what is seen on the Hummingbird board, including all of the ports, so the correlation is clear.

In addition to Visual Programmer, students can also build programs using other languages, including Scratch, Snap, Python, Java and more.

Challenges
The major disadvantage to Hummingbird, when compared to Arduino, or any other microcontroller, is that it must be tethered to the computer (for code and audio) and power (for motors) when deployed. This limits the location for showcasing a final project, and requires more equipment at all times. However, the short learning curve benefits in my opinion outweigh this limitation. The need for tethering is also a great motivator for students to learn about Arduino and its many variants in order to create something that is standalone.

It is important to note that the newest version of Hummingbird, the Duo, is a combination of the current board and an Arduino, so this should bring even more flexibility to the platform.

We've had three sessions thus far with Hummingbird and students are on their way to creating their "robot", which can take many forms. One team is building a dog that will wag its tail and bark when you get close, another is making a person that greets you. A couple of teams have letters and shapes that light up. Other teams are making vehicles with 3D printed wheels. 

Here are some photos of work in progress. 

Resources
I created a couple of items for use in teaching Hummingbird: 
1) Hummingbird Chassis - Available on Thingiverse.
2) Laser Cut Hummingbird teaching panel, as pictured at the start of this post. I used 1/8" plywood. Here's the original illustrator file:
hummingbird_panel.ai
File Size: 1114 kb
File Type: ai
Download File

3) Hummingbird panel supports. These are simple brackets used to support the panel. STL file below:
hummingbird_panel_stand.stl
File Size: 293 kb
File Type: stl
Download File

Follow-Up:
The projects are now complete, please check out the student blog posts from fall of 2014 to read their project reflections and see video of their final product.
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Creator's Studio, Iteration #3

9/10/2014

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PictureArchitect's render: PIRL interior.
As we enter our new school year, I am starting my third session of Creator's Studio. I am excited about the semester and what projects the students will take on. This semester is slightly different than previous ones in that I have a larger group, with six returning students, now in 8th grade. I am curious to see the classroom dynamic of having experienced creators blended in with newbies. I've already had a hint of some positive effects in my first class session, where returning students gave their insight into project design, the iterative process, time management, and the importance of learning patience.

We start the year without the new PIRL space ready. It is in development, and well on its way, so in the meantime we are making due with another classroom. Here are some pics of progress in PIRL, as well as some additional renders. 
  • The first row of photos shows the outdoor learning space getting new concrete and teaching wall. 
  • The second row shows the interior back wall storage cubbies.
  • The third row shows from left to right; indoor teaching wall, flooring options, electrical pull-downs, and sound recording studios. 

The exterior learning space will have a retractable awning, as seen in these renders below. A roll-up garage door will bridge the indoor and outdoor spaces.
The interior learning space will include rollable, fold & nest tables, for quick reconfiguration and flexibility.
Picture
We expect the interior to be complete by October, while the exterior may take a bit longer. I will be sure to post updates throughout the semester.
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    Mr. Umekubo
    "Maker Ordinaire"

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