Meet Spike
We have just taken delivery of a number of Spike Lego Prime sets to use with Y6, 7, 8 on trips to Openzone. He’s very friendly, and a great dancer! He can easily transform into a number of other robots, from cars, to grabbers. Have a look at the Spike website for more details, but maybe your students would like to have a go at building and programming with Spike instead of EV3. Lego Spike Information
Free Microbits
Unfortunately the scheme to apply for free micro bits has expired. We were successful and now have some to use in sessions at The Word. I hope some of you were able to take advantage of it too and get some of the kit for school. But, you can still access a raft of other resources, see below.
Free CPD on using Microbits
Teachers can take advantage of free CPD, posters and loads of other resources to support your teaching with Microbits. Click here to see what is available.
NCCE Year 5
One of the units that is causing concern is Programming A – Selection in Physical Computing. The unit specifies using Crumbles. Most schools don’t have these and can’t afford to buy them. There are options however to use other kit. BBC Microbits can be substituted, and if you don’t have them you can use the microbit simulator online https://makecode.
We offer sessions on this unit using Lego Wedo 2 and Sphero Bolts, which are also an excellent alternative. Remember the NCCE is a guide, and not a tablet of stone!
New Digital Matters learning platform
Activities for children in KS2 to help learn about online safety. Visit the site by clicking here.
Google Magic
Google Docs has got a few new features up it’s sleeve. This really short video explains the magic that happens when you type an @ sign in a google document.
Dementia Action Week
Next week is Dementia Action Week.
And Finally
It’s never too early to think about trips to OpenZone@The Word. We are more than happy to put dates in our diaries for next Academic year starting September 2022. If you have a project or topic that you think you would like to enhance by filming in our TV studio, or if you would like to make artefacts in our Fab Lab, now is the best time to get the date you want. Just get in touch and even if your ideas aren’t completely formed, we can still pencil it in.
Have a great weekend
