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From Block-Based to Python: Navigating the Coding Journey with SPIKE Prime
Coding is seldom a “fun” subject when you’re getting started. For beginners, coding lessons take a while before they can ‘do’ or create things. Because of the steep learning curve, it's a while before it becomes interesting, and until then, you’re just learning things in the hopes that it will someday be useful.
Adults often understand the benefits and will stick through the boring part. Kids? Not so much.
To bridge this gap, many other organisations have come up with block-based coding programs for kids.
But how do we get kids from block-based coding and visual programming to text-based coding languages? That’s where SPIKE Prime comes in.
What is SPIKE Prime?
Spike Prime is a STEAM Education tool from LEGO® Education designed to help kids learn STEAM concepts using programming and coding. The kit comes with a variety of sensors, motors, LEGO® bricks, and a programmable hub. The hub can be programmed either through blocks or using Python through the SPIKE app to build exciting models.
The kit comes with lessons designed by LEGO® Education, which follows a unique 5E approach, and can be used in classrooms to teach programming lessons or for kids to learn by themselves at home.
What makes SPIKE Prime a great tool for kids to start learning to code?
One of the main reasons is that SPIKE Prime is from LEGO® Education, and it consists of components and blocks that kids, parents, and teachers will already be familiar with from other LEGO® toys.
LEGO is well known and familiar, and LEGO® Education has been building learning kits for kids for decades. Because of this, SPIKE Prime is likely to be quickly adopted both by teachers and students.
Here are some other reasons why SPIKE Prime will be a great tool for kids to start learning to code:
Research-backed lesson plans
Teachers can start using them in their classrooms right out of the box with little planning. Kids can start learning to code step-by-step without getting overwhelmed.
Most STEAM learning kits don’t have resources for parents to help their kids. They often have to spend more time researching the subjects and constantly check if those lessons are suitable for kids. Parents will also have to ensure that the lessons are aligned with science teaching standards, and that the kids learn useful skills. Most parents don’t have that much time.
SPIKE Prime kits are a complete package with all the tools that parents would need to teach kids to code, from day one.
Multiple sensors and actuators
SPIKE Prime comes with a controller hub, colour, distance, and force sensors, and multiple motors. These diverse components allow kids to play around, experiment, learn, and have fun while doing it. It also allows teachers to come up with additional exercises and challenges for kids once they complete the lessons that come with the kit.
These components also allow kids to test their ideas or build prototypes. They can also serve as a starting point for kids preparing to participate in hackathons and robot-building competitions.
Children can view their code come live
With traditional approaches to teaching coding and programming, it will be a while before students can see their code in action outside the screen. Students will learn a lot, but they will be restricted to their screens for a long time.
With the SPIKE Prime kit, kids would be working with controllers and building projects from day one. They can see how changing the code changes the outcome and learn by experimenting. This keeps the students engaged and active participants during lessons.
Easy learning curve
SPIKE Prime visual block-based approach makes coding much more interesting and offers kids a smoother learning curve.
The block-based approach allows students to understand and implement programming logic without worrying about syntax or having to go through complex (at least by appearance) lines of code and learn completely new languages.
But once the students have understood the concepts, teachers can take them to the next level and teach them text-based coding with Python with the same kit.
How does SPIKE Prime help kids step up from visual or block-based coding to text-based coding?
SPIKE Prime kits are designed to support kids throughout their coding journey, from making a simple emoji appear on the hub screen through block-based coding to making autonomous robots with Python. This approach ensures that kids achieve the desired learning outcomes and that both schools and parents investing in SPIKE Prime get the most value out of them for a long time.
Here’s how the SPIKE Prime helps kids step up from visual or block-based coding to text-based coding.
The block-based coding lessons teach the basic coding concepts
SPIKE Prime visual block-based approach allows students to create interesting projects on day one. They don’t have to sit through long lectures or read tons of material before, but instead learn things through a hands-on experience.
The approach not only allows kids to get started quickly but also keeps them motivated with easy wins. SPIKE Prime gets them interested in the subject so that they remain motivated as the lessons and concepts turn more complex.
Once kids have learned the basics, they can do more with the same kit using Python
Once kids learn the basics of coding, such as variables, loops, functions, arguments, testing, and debugging, they can take it to the next level with text-based programming using the same kit. They can learn Python syntax, test them out, and make advanced autonomous robots using the same kit.
The kit can make your kids ready to take part in advanced robotics competitions.
Get your students started on their coding journey with SPIKE Prime kits at your home.
Atlabshoponline can get SPIKE Prime classroom bundles to your school and support your educators in teaching STEAM subjects. We also offer comprehensive support for SPIKE Prime kits in schools across the UAE and help ensure that the students get the most out of them.
Contact Atlab Shop Online and get SPIKE Prime kits for your school now.
