Kitronik products are intended to encourage greater creativity when used in conjunction with the latest generation of open-source programmable computer boards. The kits and accessories enable interaction between programming and hardware, making them suitable for developing computational thinking skills in younger students.
This partnership with Kitronik enhances Farnell’s range of products for education and builds upon its position as the exclusive manufacturer and distributor of the BBC micro:bit, the largest manufacturer and distributor of Raspberry Pi boards and major stockist of Arduino boards.
Kitronik products can be used to support STEM education in classrooms and after school clubs and those in stock at Farnell include:
- The Inventors Kit, which provides an introduction to programming and hardware interaction and contains everything required to carry out ten experiments with the micro:bit, using LEDs, motors, light sensors and capacitors. The kit includes a tutorial book and no programming experience or soldering is required. Circuits can be completed in minutes.
- The MOVE mini buggy kit. This provides an introduction to robotics making a two-wheeled robot that is suitable for autonomous operation. It is intended for remote control projects via Bluetooth applications or control using a second micro:bit. Five RGB individually addressable Zip LEDs are included which can be used as indicators, and a pen can be attached to the robot to draw shapes. Kitronik’s custom code blocks for the Servo:Lite motors are available to make the task of coding as quick and painless as possible.
- The Kitronik: GAME ZIP 64 is a retro gaming accessory for the BBC micro:bit. It has been designed to be an all in one hand-held gaming platform, which includes a built-in, 64 (8x8) individually addressable full colour Zip LED screen. It features on-board sound, four directional buttons, two fire buttons, haptic feedback, and breakout points so that shoulder buttons or I2C devices can be added. All of these features are fully programmable and breakout points are available to allow for the use of larger LED screens.
Commenting Courtney Kennedy, Technology Solutions Marketing Manager at Farnell said, “The addition of Kitronik further broadens our existing wide range of open-source educational and STEM products. The Kitronik range provides educators with new and creative ways to inspire students to get involved in physical computing, providing easy access to devices that enable them to promote the development of key skills such as computational thinking.”
Farnell’s support for the development of the next generation of electronics engineers includes free resources, including lesson plans, project ideas and more, available on the Farnell website.
Farnell has a broad range of products within its product range that promote learning about physical computing, an important way for children to develop computational thinking and team working skills.
