We have been piloting the use of littleBits in our district to investigate the different ways that the components can be used to stimulate creative thinking within the domain of science. Last week I visited one of Karen Ibbott’s grade 9 science classes at Cambie, to see how grade 9 students might respond to the materials. In much the same way that we have been trying them out in elementary classrooms, I gave each group of 4 students a small tray of components and asked them to find out what they could about littleBits. The students were quick to figure out how the components worked together and manipulated different variables to see what they could do with the components.
The students then worked in their groups to “create something that does something” and scrounged around the classroom for materials. We asked the students to document their project using a set of iPads I had brought in…taking photos, video and using apps like ShadowPuppet, 30Hands or Haiku Deck to share their project. Lots of creative thinking and problem solving was involved as students collaborated in their groups.
As the groups worked on their projects, we asked them to create circuit diagrams.
Here is a short video clip created on the Shadow Puppet app of the Keep the Guy Alive project:
We uploaded 6 projects to the littleBits website and each project post included a short video, photo and circuit diagram. The projects can be found on this page (scroll down page and search by littleBits user name jnovakowskisd38): littlebits.cc/projects
What I noticed…what was the same and what was different about using littleBits in a secondary class:
the same
high level of engagement
collaboration amongst students
problem solving
time needed for investigation
vast variety of creative projects created
particular components were in high demand (ie. fan, dc motor, buzzer)
different
elementary students generally approached created the circuits with more of a “guess and test/check” approach while the secondary students were more intentional and applied what they knew about electricity when constructing their circuits
in general, the elementary students made inferences about what was happening in terms of electrical circuits while the secondary students knew, understood and could clearly explain what was happening
the secondary students were able to envision components that would be useful to have, i.e. “it would be cool if we had a __________”
On our last day together, I asked the students to provide some feedback using TodaysMeet and some of the comments included:
What did you like about using littleBits?
“It was simple and safe.” “Because its very interactive.” “Allows us to have fun and learn at the same time.” “littleBits are better than Lego.”
How do you think littleBits inspires creative thinking?
“It inspired us to invent something.” “It lets you have a sense of creativity.”
How did you use what you know about electricity while you were working with littleBits?
“Knowledge of how electrons flow.” “Making a series circuit.”
“littleBits is a fun little product that teaches others the concept of circuits…it’s fast and fun.”
Overall, the students’ feedback suggested that these materials were valuable and encouraged students to be creative and collaborative. Our District Resource Centre has purchased a workshop kit of 100 littleBits components to add to our collection, creating more opportunities for more students to work with these materials.
~Janice