
Students built a variety of structures, from residential homes to windmills, open pillared buildings, and even a plexiglass walled home, complete with ceiling fan. To see further details of their particular home projects, please visit the student blogs for Spring 2014.
I found this activity extremely accessible for students new to electronics and circuitry. While LittleBits might in some ways misguide a learner on the concept of circuits (not seeing the circle of the circuit), we had a pre-lesson on how a battery works, and what the flow of electrons looks like as it travels through a circuit. Adafruit's B is for Battery video is a great illustration of this concept for younger audiences. Beyond the electronics piece, this activity provided lots of opportunities for students to get creative in design and making. I do hope to follow up with the use of the laser cutter and 3D printer later in the trimester.
Below are some photos of the current buildings.