The typical training agenda is as follows:
| 3 Hours | $3,500 | - Welcome, Introduction, What is a Robot - Set Up - Outputs: LEDs - Project: LED Creature - Outputs: motors - Project: Tiny Drummer - Online Resource Roundup +1 free CodeJoy students session! (Scroll for details) |
| Add Qty 2 to the cart for 6 Hours | $7,000 | All of the above, plus: - Outputs: tri LEDs, rotation servo motors - Inputs: buttons, distance sensor - Project: Drummers love a crowd - Project Overview: Robot Petting Zoo, Robot Poetry, or similar |
Asynchronous Learning: Educators will leave the training with a HyperDoc of links to easy-to-use, always available resources and materials including:
- Self-paced, asynchronous PD courses for educators
- 16+ Student video tutorials for programming support
- Printable learning materials
Student Session with CodeJoy: Every training package includes 1 free CodeJoy Students session, serving up to 400 students at once! In 30-45 minutes students learn to code and watch as their code controls real robots in the CodeJoy studio, live! This is an incredibly flexible and unique in-school field trip experience. Learn more and see available session themes, from Robot DJ to Robot Mini Golf, at www.CodeJoy.org .
FAQs
What is the Hummingbird Robotics Kit?
The Hummingbird Robotics Kit serves as a classroom-ready expansion board for the BBC micro:bit, including all the motors, LEDs, and sensors to go with it. It is ideal for 3rd-12th grade classrooms of beginner or intermediate learners. The Hummingbird Kit takes care of the electrical engineering for students, so they can just plug in a component and start coding. The Hummingbird Kit is designed to be combined with common craft supplies to make robots that are crafty, approachable, and fun! Projects span subject areas which makes this an excellent tool for interdisciplinary STEM education.
Is this training good for beginners?
Yes! No robotics, coding, or computer science experience is required. The training is designed to serve teachers who are either A) new to coding and robotics education themselves, with little to no experience in teaching CS; or B) planning to work with students who are new to coding and robotics education.
I already work with other robotics tools. Will this workshop be boring?
Not a chance -- you'll be coding and building alongside us! In addition to a review of the basics of robotics (inputs, outputs), you'll learn building hacks to make mechanisms with recycled materials, and coding tips for working with Hummingbird-specific blocks. Have you ever designed a robotic scene of a poem or a Shakespeare sonnet? We expect that you'll end the workshop inspired to push the creative boundaries of robotics.
What do participants need?
All participants will need a computer, Chromebook, tablet, iPad, or smartphone. We ask that groups choose between either using solely mobile devices (tablet, iPad, smartphone) or solely computers (Mac, Windows, Chromebook). Participants should also have access to a Hummingbird Robotics Kit so that they can actively participate in coding and activities (1 robot kit : 2 educators))
Can participants be in various locations?
Yes! Due to the flexible nature of online teaching, we are able to support up to 25 participants from various locations.
What programming (coding) language will we work with?
The following languages are available: Makecode (computers, Chromebooks), BirdBlox (iPads, tablets), or Snap! (Chromebooks, computers). Our team is happy to recommend one for you in the coordination process.
Questions? Email pd@birdbraintechnologies.com.
Professional development is produced and facilitated by a subcontractor, CodeJoy. Kelsey and Matt from CodeJoy are former BirdBrain Technologies employees, and all content and instruction are fully endorsed and highly recommended by BirdBrain founder and CEO, Tom Lauwers.