Snap Circuits Code Journey
| Lower Age: | 8 |
|---|---|
| Upper Age: | 108 |
| Price: | $95.00 |
| Year Added: | 2021 |
| Amazon URL: | https://bit.ly/snapcircuitscodejourney |
Snap Circuits Code Journey is recommended for ages eight and up. This kit comes with a manual that includes 21 projects for the user to embark on, a base grid, a rover, and various wires along with connectors and other assorted electronic components. The rover requires six AA batteries that are not included in the kit. Additionally, the user must have access to an electronic device that has access to the App Store or Google play store so that the Snap Circuits Coding app can be downloaded, as this is the interface where all of the coding will be done and sent to the rover to be executed. Learning how the different forms of code operate can be somewhat difficult, so adult assistance is recommended for first time users.
Two different forms of coding are used in the programming of the rover: BOTCode and Blockly. BOTCode is used as the introduction program to coding as it has the most detailed explanation of how to use and implement it when programming the rover. Almost all of the projects included in the manual use BOTCode to program the rover, and once the user has mastered how to use BOTCode they move on to learning how to implement the Blockly programming language. Additionally, the projects included in the manual have varying difficulties which allow the user to be continually challenged as they grow in their understanding of how coding works and its real-life applications. Once the user has completed all of the projects using both the BOTCode and the Blockly programs, they have the ability to create their own code to move the rover around the room. The open-endedness of the toy allows the user to develop their spatial reasoning skills, critical and creative thinking skills, and an understanding of iterative design that can be applied to any STEM project that they might embark on. Parts from other Snap Circuits kits can also be used in combination with pieces from the Snap Circuits Code Journey kit, which provides an added level of creativity. Overall, Snap Circuits Code Journey provides an applicable, real-world example of coding to younger users that strengthens their computational thinking skills, spatial reasoning skills, and concepts of iterative design.
Framework Categories
Engineering Thinking (EThink)
Computational Thinking
Processes of Design (POD)
Moore, T.J., Glancy, A.W., Tank, K.M., Kersten, J.A., Smith, K.A., & Stohlmann, M.S. (2014). A framework for quality K-12 engineering education: Research and development. Journal of Precollege Engineering Education Research, 4(1), 1-13.
Dasgupta, A., Rynearson, A., Purzer, S., Ehsan, H., & Cardella, M. (2017). Computational Thinking in K-2 Classrooms: Evidence from Student Artifacts (Fundamental). 2017 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition Proceedings.