I spent the past month using littleBit’s Code Kit with a group of fourth grade students at Agnor-Hurt Elementary School. We used the modular, snap-together components (aka, bits) to build circuits that were then coded and assembled into a myriad of games. The work was a part of my involvement with the littleBits Lead Educator Program, an initiative designed to increase STEM interest around new littleBits product offerings.

This post contains student-made inventions. Each one took about an hour to design, code, and create! That includes time at the beginning for developing idea concepts as well as final prototype testing. This relatively quick trip through the design cycle is a pretty big selling point for the littleBits Code Kit considering the “cool” factor with each invention. At a retail price of $300 for each kit, it is a bit expensive but well worth it in terms of engagement and what the students produced.

The Beating Heart

Ba-Boom. Ba-Boom. That’s the sound of your animated heart (in littleBits form). This invention is a perfect extension for the Hello World activity in the Code Kit app.

Stealthy McStealthmeister: The Game

Be the first to build and play the game that requires silent sneakiness and teamwork: Stealthy McStealthmeister. This is a student invention that uses components in the littleBits Code Kit. How it Works: Try to sneak past the invention and take a nearby object- I bet you can’t!

Pop-a-Shot Basketball

Prove that you are the next Malcolm Brogdon by draining 3s on your own mini-basketball hoop. Keep score and challenge a friend with this Code Kit invention. It’s a great extension to the Ultimate Shootout lesson.

Bonus Invention: Bullseye Baseball