Invent to Learn: Making, Tinkering, and Engineering in the Classroom

by Sylvia Libow Martinez

Science, as we know it today, would not be what it is without the contributions of amateurs. In fact I think it not too brash a statement to assert that basic science and what we know as the scientific method was largely developed

by amateurs. From alchemists in search of the philosophers’ stone to monks investigating nature in pea gardens to the gentlemen amateurs of the 17th century on, they were developing the experimental/observational/hypothetical approach of modern science.

from taking things apart, seeing how they work, and using this knowledge to create new and even more interesting things. (Levy, 2010)

“Play is the work of the child” is an oft quoted maxim from Maria Montessori, echoed by Jean Piaget, “Play is a child’s work,” and even Fred Rogers, “Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning.” Play is not a chore, nor is it the opposite of work; Stuart Brown in the book Play: How it Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul, says the opposite of play is depression.

In fact, business leaders say they are looking for creative, independent problem solvers in every field, not just math and science.

Children with different interests and different learning styles can all use the same materials, but each in his or her own personal way.”

When we talk about a “project,” what we mean is work that is substantial, shareable, and personally meaningful.

Best of all, recipes for Squishy Circuits dough may be found online and made with the kids at almost no cost. Need a fresh batch? The kids can whip some up for themselves and learn to follow a recipe! No oven is required and there is zero danger of electrocution.

MicroBlocks (microblocks.fun)(Mac, Windows, Linux) A team of accomplished developers, including Jens Monig (Snap!), John Maloney (Scratch 2), and Bernat Romagosa (Snap4Arduino), have created MicroBlocks, a new free block-based platform for programming technology like the micro:bit. It is more intuitive than MakeCode, and potentially has more functionality than Scratch 3. MicroBlocks eliminates the issue of uploading/downloading code between the computer and micro:bit by running programs on the micro:bit directly. Make a change to a program on your computer and it runs live on the micro:bit. Connect a battery to the micro:bit, disconnect it from the

art:bit (Chromebook) (kidscodejeunesse.org/artbit.html)Paula Bonta and Brian Silverman of the Playful Invention Company created a simple Scratch-like block-based programming environment for messing about with graphics on the micro:bit display. Intended to spark girls’ interest in physical computing and coding,

The Hummingbird Kit embodies the notion of low threshold and high ceiling.

Arduino offers great flexibility because the opacity threshold is much lower, granting more control over the entire system. However, if your goal is simply to make projects that support other curricular objectives, students may stumble over electronics instead of thinking about the bigger picture. While a handful of students may find the electronics interesting, for the rest it may be a roadblock.

teachers and students to focus on what they want to do without having to know exactly how things work at the circuit level. The Hummingbird Robotics Kit and micro:bit are two examples.

tiny gum tin. The kit doesn’t come with

Construct and give behaviors to a robotic animal.

Build a bird feeder that will snap a photo of a bird when it comes to feed.

Design, construct, and program a house of the future.

Build a robot that will pour a drink.