EDUCATOR PORTAL

In this exciting first phase, students will embark on a hands-on journey to build a fully functional computer! They'll start by assembling the case and connecting key components like the screen, Raspberry Pi, battery, and more. The kit includes a large, detailed engineering blueprint, designed as a step-by-step visual guide to make the building process engaging and intuitive.

Since the Piper blueprint relies on visuals rather than text, our primary learning objective is to help students interpret and follow engineering diagrams. This experience not only sharpens their technical skills but also promotes teamwork as they collaborate in pairs or small groups, enhancing their problem-solving abilities while constructing the Piper Computer.

LESSONS

1.1   What is a Computer?
1.2   Executing a Plan
1.3   Practicing Flexibility
1.4   Completing a System

TOOLS & APPLICATIONS

Piper Computer Kit
Blueprint
Spare Parts Kits

In Phase 2, your students will dive into Piper's custom Raspberry Pi Edition of Minecraft, where they’ll learn the fundamentals of circuitry through hands-on activities. Using components like breadboards, jumper wires, buttons, and LEDs, they’ll build circuits while following an engaging game storyline. Each level presents electronics challenges that not only advance the game but also teach them about electrical current, power, circuit types, and how components work together. This immersive experience makes learning these essential concepts both fun and memorable for your students.

*Note: The Raspberry Pi Edition of Minecraft is a “Creative Commons” licensed version of Minecraft. It is different than the full version in that it does not have all the full features of the PC version. The Raspberry Pi Edition of Minecraft also has an API (Application Programming Interface) that allows the Piper development team to build these educational games.

LESSONS

2.1   Buttons & Breadboards
2.2   Basic Inputs & Outputs
2.3   Polarity & Audio Output
2.4   Parallel Circuits

TOOLS & APPLICATIONS

Piper Computer Kit
StoryMode (Piper Computer Software)

In this phase, students will explore coding and electronics in greater depth using PiperCode. They will have the chance to create and program video games, as well as develop interactive electronic controls and devices. PiperCode features built-in tutorials within the programming environment, offering step-by-step instructions through animations for each project. The projects are structured to help students grasp the fundamentals before progressing to more advanced challenges.

*Note: PiperCode was built using Google for Education’s Blockly, a library for building visual programming editors.

LESSONS

3.1   Intro to Computational Thinking
3.2   Loops & Sequences
3.3   Events
3.4   Programming with Lights & Sounds
3.5   Completing Additional PiperCode Projects

TOOLS & APPLICATIONS

Piper Computer Kit
PiperCode (Piper Computer Software)

After learning about the components of a computer, building one themselves, discovering electronics, connecting circuits and programming projects, learners are ready to apply their coding and electronics skills to their own creations and ideas. Phase 4 will allow you to challenge students to dive deeper into these concepts through MiniGame challenges in StoryMode, practicing design thinking, and inventing their own devices. This phase aims to emphasize design thinking principles so that students can create using their Piper Computer to solve a real-world problem.

LESSONS

4.1   Extend in Storymode
4.2   Design a Bot & Make Music
4.3   Redesign a Stoplight
4.4   Engineering Design with Piper

TOOLS & APPLICATIONS

Piper Computer Kit
StoryMode MiniGames
Creative Mode

In the final phase, Phase 5, students disassemble their Piper Computer for reuse by another group of students and reflect on their learning throughout the experience. Students will think more deeply about the daily use of computing systems and the impact they have on the environment. They will also have the chance to evaluate their understanding and demonstrate growth in STEAM.

LESSONS

5.1   Take Apart and Reflection
5.2   Computers in Everyday Life
5.3   The Environmental Impact of Computers
5.4   Final Design Challenge

TOOLS & APPLICATIONS

Piper Computer Kit
Blueprint