Junkbots

Copyright Scott turner The aim of the project is to give students in Primary Education an introduction to programming principles and basic programming language structure via physical feedback, in the shape of robotics. To do this, research and development into available methods currently available toke place, possibilities to do with JunkBot programming such as JunkBots using Scratch and other potential languages were explored and developed upon. History of JunkBots The JunkBot concept originally comes from the University of Northampton JunkBots Project [1]. The aim of the concept is to introduce the concept of Environmental Sustainability through the use of recycling “junk” to create the JunkBots and introduce computing and engineering to students. JunkBots were selected for this project due to several factors. Firstly, they are cost effective ways of delivering fun, creative ways of teaching computing and engineering principles to young students. JunkBots also have...

A recent presentation as part of the Department of Computing and Immersive Technologies, University of Northampton Research Seminar series, looking a on going project within the Department. Junkbots has been a ongoing and ever evolving project since 2009 around the use of 'junk' as part of activities to developing skills in STEM subjects. In particular in the presentation (below) shows the links between these activities and Computational Thinking were discussed. Junkbots and computational thinking   from  Scott Turner If you'd like to find out more about Computing at the University of Northampton go to: www.computing.northampton.ac.uk. All views and opinions are the author's and do not necessarily reflected those of any organisation they are associated with If you would like to know more about the Junkbots project contact scott.turner@northampton.ac.uk

Details of the Raspberry Pi Junkbot are now available as resource on the Computing at Schools site. Link:  http://community.computingatschool.org.uk/resources/3390 If you would like to know more about the Junkbots project contact scott.turner@northampton.ac.uk

New landmark in the junkbots project - junkbots delivered by someone else. @STEMatUN Junkbots Challenge at the Discovering Science Day, which do you think was the fastest? pic.twitter.com/Dg7SisTSas — NevaBeast (@NevaBeast) March 25, 2015 For more details: on the junkbots project go to:  http://junkbots.blogspot.co.uk/   on the work developed and a case study can be found at:  http://www.hestem-sw.org.uk/project?id=16&pp=540  or   http://projects.hestem-sw.org.uk/upload/Junkbot_june_northampton.pdf  in-school session plan can be found at:  http://projects.hestem-sw.org.uk/upload/Planning_Process_junkbots_KS3_4_longer.docx STEM club session plan can be found at:  http://projects.hestem-sw.org.uk/upload/Planning_Process_junkbots_primary_short8.docx This and other posters at Engage 2013 can be found at:  https://www.publicengagement.ac.uk/engage2013/poster-party If you would like to know more about t...

Junkbots training for University of Northampton STEM Champions on 23rd February 2015. Training lead by Scott Turner. (c) Linda Davis-Sinclair (c) Linda Davis-Sinclair For more details of the junkbots project go to:  http://junkbots.blogspot.co.uk/ If you would like to know more about the Junkbots project contact scott.turner@northampton.ac.uk

A new blog has been launched by Scott Turner  looking at Computational Thinking ( http://compuationalthinking.blogspot.co.uk/  - the typo in the name is there on purpose). As a blog there is not a particular target audience apart from those interested in Computational Thinking or problem-solving. At the time of writing so far there have been posts on robots, apps, and overview of Computational Thinking. If you would like to know more about the Junkbots project contact scott.turner@northampton.ac.uk

An undergraduate dissertation student is looking for help. James is a computing student looking at robot designs for primary education towards his dissertation and as part of the wider  Junkbots project , and the working going on in both the Department of Computing and Immersive Technologies, and School of Education on Physical Computing at the University of Northampton. The short questionnaire can be found at  http://t.co/zdomXnW2Qe  and is aimed at gathering  a variety of responses from both current Teachers, Students of Education and from anyone with knowledge of programming teaching methods in both Key Stage 1 and 2. He is planning to create a product which aims to teach programming methods and practices based on the current and new national curriculum. If you would like to know more about the Junkbots project contact scott.turner@northampton.ac.uk