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LittleBits

 

 

What are LittleBits?

LittleBits are colour coded electronic building blocks that snap together to provide students with the opportunity to safely explore the world of circuits and electronic prototyping and connect this learning across the curriculum.

The blocks or bits are colour coded as follows:

  • Blue - Power (a battery connector or rechargeable bit)
  • Pink - Input (these control the circuit and could include controllers such as buttons, switches and sensors)
  • Green - Output (these react or do something and could include reactors such as buzzers, lights and motors)
  • Orange - Wire (basically like an extension lead. These enable students to construct their prototypes and designed solutions where they want to!)

Students computational thinking skills are immediately engaged as they determine the order and flow of the bits to create a working solution or prototype.

NOTE: There are many versions of LittleBits available and some may have a different colour coding key to the above, but will operate in much the same way.

Why would I use LittleBits in the Classroom?

Without the need to connect to a computer or tablet device, LittleBits provide an easy entry point in to the world of Digital Technologies and Computational Thinking in a somewhat unplugged environment. Students are easily engaged in work across STEM disciplines. The flexibility of LittleBits allows them to integrate easily into existing curriculum and program frameworks and stimulating a problem based, or design thinking classroom. LittleBits can be applied in classrooms from stages 1 to 5, increasing in complexity in the secondary classroom. Extra components include an Arduino Bit that adds the ability to program your LittleBits (see the FUTURE.tech article on Arduino for more information).

Curriculum Connections

In addition to computational thinking outcomes highlighted by NESA in Coding across the curriculum, LittleBits allows students to explore concepts of circuits and electricity in Science, develop and prototype solutions in Design and Technology and use technology to solve problems in Mathematics. In addition they provides a connector to enable cross curricular projects in a Problem Based or Design Thinking classroom.

There are many resources available to help you get started with LittleBits. Firstly, there's an Educator's guide to help you get started in the classroom, that looks at how to link them to curriculum as well as exploring how they can assist in a pedagogical transformation. This site also contains a number of stories directly from the classroom to inspire you and your students along your LittleBits journey.

  • Science and Technology - Circuits and Electricity
  • Mathematics - Working Mathematically
  • Design and Technology - Designing solutions
  • Coding and Computational Thinking - For further information on the links between coding, computational thinking and the NSW Curriculum, please consult this resource from NESA.

 

 

Stage Suggestions: 1-5

Device Compatibility: N/A

Links to Future Focused Learning

LittleBits support several of the Future Learning Themes. As an experimentation tool, it enables the experiential classroom. Used in a group setting, they support collaboration. As an easy tool to develop, design and prototype, they will aid independent learning in a problem-based classroom.

LittleBits

Stories from schools

There are many schools across New South Wales, Australia and the world that have embraced LittleBits to engage students in problem solving and computational thinking across their curriculum. Merryn Whitfield from Bald Face Public School has been working with LittleBits for many years and connects them to learning in Science, History and Mathematics. To learn more about Merryn's journey take a look at her story on the T4L Engage website.

Types of LittleBits

There are many types of LittleBits on the market, at a range of prices, with a host of unique features and varying degrees of durability. There are also new products with similar functionality coming on to the market all the time, many as kick-starter projects. When assessing alternatives, remember to consider practical aspects such as durability and battery life/recharging as well as their interoperability with other tools and resources. In addition to making curiculum implementation easy, look for curriculum connection documents and educator guides.

Tips and tricks in the T4L environment

In the majority, LittleBits do not require a connection to a computer or the internet. As a consequence there should be no impediments to their effective and seamless operation in a T4L environment. When considering using the Arduino bit, make sure you consult the information in the Future.Tech article on Arduino to aid installation of the Arduino software.

Working with LittleBits

Safety considerations

When using any technology in the classroom please make sure you:

  • Read/comply with all manufacturer’s instructions for safe use
  • Observe and comply with age range recommendations
  • Consult your school's WHS representative
  • Consult the Equipment Safety in Schools (ESIS) register to check for implementation advice

For further information contact the T4L team: T4LNews@det.nsw.edu.au

NSW DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DIRECTORATE