LIGHT, MOVEMENT & CODINGExplore the Creative coder through a series of progressive 1 hour sessions using the Tech Will Save Us online MAKE platform.

01 : INTRO &CONSTRUCTION

02 : ANIMATION

03 : GESTURES

04 : SENSORS

05 : TIMER

06 : THEATRE - BUILD IT

07 : THEATRE - THE STORY

08 : THEATRE - DESIGN

09 : THEATRE - DRESS REHEARSAL

10 : THEATRE - SHOW TIME

CREATIVE CODER WORKSHOP GUIDE

Welcome to the Digital Explorer SessionsThis 10 week plan is a curated a set of Makes from the TWSU archive that aims to progress Makers through making with the Creative coder. It is by no means exhaustive, and deviation in response to your groups interests is encouraged!

MakesThe sessions refer to Makes, which are online step by step tutorials on the TWSU Make platform. Click on the images to access them directly.We are constantly adding new Makes to the online archive, all of which are free to use. There are loads more online than are used here, and these are great extension or alternative activities.If there is a Make that doesn’t exist that you think should, let us know. If you want it, others probably do too

https://make.techwillsaveus.com

Make AccountAll Makers can set up their own free Make account to help them store their code and track making progress.

ResourcesEvery session requires that Makers have access to:

• Computer with internet access• Micro USB cable• Creative coder

Additional resources needed are listed at the bottom of each session. KEEP THE CREATIVE CODER BOXES, they will be used as part of some of the makes!

CreativityEvery Make has the potential to be unique and we aim to provide space for Makers to explore their creativity. We celebrate risk taking and failure as much as success.

When things go wrong...We embrace the fact that Making can be as frustrating as it is rewarding, and we hope this is something you can communicate to your Makers too. Making mistakes is a critical part of how we learn, and often allow that ‘Ureka’ moment to happen. Allow the physical and emotional space to make these mistakes.

Cross CurriculumThe very nature of these sessions means that they encompass STEAM through coding, maths, design, physics and cardboard engineering.

SharingCelebrate your Makers work by sharing with your communityWe always love seeing what people Make, so why not send us a photo of your finished projects for us to share online with our own global maker community at:

make@techwillsaveus.com

EnjoyMaking is fun!

CREATIVE CODER 01 : INTRO + CONSTRUCTION

Explore - Inputs and outputs in our world Understand - Where the Inputs and outputs are on the Creative coder Apply - Assemble the Creative coder and test preloaded Apps

Inputs and Output (15 minutes)Pair share/group share ideas about inputs and outputs

What are inputs and outputs?List as many inputs and outputs as you can think of.Which give on/off information, like a switch (binary)Which give scale information, like speed (analogue)Which would you call sensors?

RESOURCES PER CHILD/PAIR:Creative coder

Online Manual: Assemble the Creative coder (25 minutes)

Look at the circuit board identify the inputs and outputs Assemble the Creative coder following online instructionsTry out the first 2 pre loaded Apps (activity and bike light)

ChallengeCan you work out how to get it to show a rainbow?

Notes:

Talk time (10 minutes)Did anyone work out the rainbow mode?Which sensors is this using?What else uses motion sensors

CREATIVE CODER 02 : ANIMATION

Explore - The coding environment by using the light blocks Understand - How to upload their new code onto the Creative coder Apply - Practice uploading new code onto the Creative coder

Make: Rainbow Forever (20 minutes)In a group, look at the Make Platform Follow steps for “Rainbow Forever” together.In pairs, make own first circuit.

Can everyone:• Use the coding platform?• Load a new app to the Creative coder?

RESOURCES PER CHILD/PAIR:Creative coderSticks/twigs LogsTissue PaperA good story

Notes:

Make: Camp fire (20 minutes)

Now they have completed their first code and upload using the spin lights block, they are ready to apply their new knowledge.

Each pair can now explore the other light blocks independently or by following the camp fire Make to make new light sequences to upload.

Talk time (10 minutes)

Use the Movers to build a communal class fireDarken the room. Sit around the Creative coder Fire in a circleTalk together about the session/Tell a spooky story

CREATIVE CODER 03 : GESTURES

Explore - The coding environment by using the light blocks and Gestures Understand - How to upload their new code onto the Creative coderApply - The new code by making a gesture activated light pattern

Make: Moves (20 minutes)

Talk about the code used last weekFollow steps for “Moves” together as a group and then let everyone code their own Move.

Can everyone:• Code a gesture• Upload the code successfully• Activate a gesture

RESOURCES PER CHILD/PAIR:Creative coderPaperPen Scissors

Make: Fortune Teller (20 minutes)

Now make your own fortune teller. What are you going to make as your options?Coloured lights or white?How fast will it spin?

So many options...

Notes:

Talk time (10 minutes)

Share some of the work done in the sessionWhich ones have worked well and why?How else could you use a code like this?

CREATIVE CODER 04 : SENSORS

Explore - the sensors and if & loop blocks in the coding environment Understand - how they can detect which way the Creative coder is facing Apply - by making a spooky story telling light

RESOURCES PER CHILD/PAIR:Creative coder

Notes:

Make: Explore the Sensors (20 minutes)

As a group, run through the sensors, up, down, left right, forwards backwards. Everyone should then get to know how the Mover’s sensors respond to actions and can be used in code. The best way to do this is by the scientific process of isolating the sensors one by one and seeing what they do.

Make: Spooky Story Light (20 minutes)Now use your skills to turn the Creative coder into a spooky story light.

This introduces the if and loop blocks!

Tip: It is best to use just to opposite instructions to stop the Creative coder getting conflicting instructions.

Test Time (10 minutes)Sit in a circle and dim the lights, and use the Movers to play a game of “Pass the Spooky Story” where each person adds a sentence to the story in a round

CREATIVE CODER 05 : TIMER

Explore - The Timer blocks in the coding environmentUnderstand - How to edit and create new timersApply - The new code by playing a timer based game like “hot potato”

Make: Explore the Timer (20 minutes)As a group, talk about last sessions code.

Look at Explore the Timer

RESOURCES PER CHILD/PAIR:Creative coder

Make: Hot Potato (20 minutes)

In pairs, make and code the hot potato game to test out the timer as part of game .

Challenge: Now improve and change the original game and code to make it better. Test it out on another group.

Notes:

Talk time (10 minutes)

What other games use digital timers?How does use of a time limit change game playWhen did the circuit not work?

CREATIVE CODER 06 : THEATRE - BUILD IT

Explore - Using the Creative coder as a dramatic lighting source Understand - How to build a support for the Creative coder Apply - By constructing a cardboard puppet theatre

RESOURCES PER CHILD/PAIR:Creative coder BoxTracing PaperGlueTapeDouble sided tapeScissors

Introducing the Theatre Project (10 minutes)

This is the beginning of a 5 week theatre project, that will involve:

• Theatre construction• Story Planning• Design Puppets and Lighting• Dress Rehearsal• Performance Time

Notes:

Make: Shadow Puppet Studio (30 minutes)

Use the Creative coder Kit box as the base of a puppet theatre

Now is the time to create drama by decorating the front and giving the theatre a name. Research old paper puppet theatres and both modern and traditional stage fronts for ideas.

Talk Time (10 minutes)

What makes a good story?Think about a simple idea ready for next sessionWhat are the classic story lines?

CREATIVE CODER 07 : THEATRE - THE STORY

Explore - Structure of a simple storyUnderstand - How to write a simple scriptApply - Using writing frame to write a short story

What makes a good story (10 minutes)

Two common themes for a story are...

Stranger comes to townGoing on a journey

Story framework suggestionset the scene, introduce the characters, create a problem, crisis point, resolution.

RESOURCES PER CHILD/PAIR:Writing Frame

Get script writing (30 minutes)

There is a downloadable Script writing frame in the “Shadow Puppet Theatre” Make to help you if you need it.

Notes:

Talk Time (10 minutes)

Think of film/book story that has a stranger coming to town? Think of a film/book story that has characters going on a journey?What other classic story lines can you think of?

CREATIVE CODER 08 : THEATRE - DESIGN

Explore - Using silhouettes to tell storyUnderstand - How to code your Creative coder to set the scene with lights Apply - Writing a script and create card characters/sets shadow

RESOURCES PER CHILD/PAIR:Black cardSticksDouble sided tapeGlue

Create shadow puppets (20 minutes)

Now that you have you story line in place, it is time to make some characters!

Use black card and sticks. Is it better to have the sticks attached from the back, the bottom or the sides?

Test it out.

Code the Creative coder to create mood lighting for theatre (20 minutes)

Use your new knowledge of using the sensors in the Creative coder to code 2 different mood lights for your play.

If you are stuck, have a look at the bike light Make for a refresher.

Talk Time (10 minutes)

Did your manage to create 2 different mood lights?How could using 2 movers create more effect?What could you use as sound effects?

Notes:

CREATIVE CODER 09 : THEATRE - DRESS REHEARSAL

Test - Give your shadow play a run throughEvaluate- Decide what is working and what could be improvedTweak - Make your changes

Dress Rehearsal (20 minutes)

Run through your performance.Is it how you want it to be?Take turns to look at each others work and offer suggestions.External feedback is important.

Now is you chance to identify any problems or areas that you could make better.

RESOURCES PER CHILD/PAIR:A critical eye!

Last minute changes (20 minutes)

Make those changes.

It will be worth it!

Notes:

Talk Time (10 minutes)

How did you find the idea of making changes?Did you find it easier give feedback to others than get it for your own work?Was getting feedback from others OK?

CREATIVE CODER 10 : THEATRE - SHOW TIME

Perform - Take turns to perform the shadow plays to the group2 stars and a wish - Identify 2 things that worked well and one thing to improveCelebrate - The hard work and joining of craft, electronics and coding!

Show Time (40 minutes)

Take turns to share your plays.

Performers:Take a deep breath, take your time, don’t rush.Accept your applause at the end with a smile.

RESOURCES PER CHILD/PAIR:Feedback form

Feedback

This is a the final benchmarking exercise.

Audience:Watch closely, listen carefully, pay attention.Use this downloadable form to give valuable feedback to your peers.

Notes:

Talk time (10 minutes)

How did it go?How did it feel to give feedback?How did it feel to receive feedback?

This certificate is presented to

in celebration of their Creative coder making and coding skills and becoming a

MOVER MAESTROSigned:Date:

This certificate is presented to

in celebration of their Creative coder making and coding skills and becoming a

MOVER MAESTROSigned:Date: