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Integrated STEM: Programming Edge/IoT Systems with AI
Take computing out of the browser and into the physical world.
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Learning Objectives
- Explain Edge Computing and IoT and their workforce relevance
- Program micro:bit with 2+ sensors using MakeCode
- Use an LLM to write, debug, and extend micro:bit code
- Optionally convert MakeCode to MicroPython
- Align sensor activities to NGSS and CTE pathways
- Plan a CRAFT-structured IoT lesson for their classroom
Key Activities
- Hardware connectivity check + troubleshooting
- Single-sensor program (temperature → LED display)
- Multi-sensor breakout challenge (2+ sensors, LLM-assisted coding)
- Level-up track split: Track A (MakeCode+) vs Track B (MicroPython)
- Sensor verification experiment (temperature sensor reads CPU heat, not ambient — real calibration problem)
- IoT lesson template customization
Talk:Do Ratio
25 min facilitator-led / 165 min participant activities (1:6.6)
Hands-on (87%)
Facilitator-led (13%)
Participant Takeaways
- BBC micro:bit V2 kit (yours to keep)
- MakeCode project files
- MicroPython starters
- Sensor reference guide
- NGSS alignment crosswalk
- IoT lesson template
Overview
BBC micro:bit + LLM-assisted coding to bridge abstract programming concepts and physical science standards. Participants keep the hardware. This workshop focuses on NGSS/CTE alignment, hardware sensors, and real-world data processing — taking computing out of the browser and into the physical world.
Reframe
“Coding is PHYSICAL, not just screens” — This session addresses equity/access concerns and “I’m not a programmer” fears by putting real hardware in participants’ hands and showing that physical computing is accessible to all.
Hardware & Environments
- Hardware: BBC micro:bit V2 (mailed in advance — yours to keep!)
- Primary: MakeCode (blocks/JavaScript)
- Level-Up: MicroPython (optional)
Session Structure
| Block | Time | Type | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welcome + Icebreaker + Pre-Survey | 8:30 | Admin/Do | 10 min |
| CRAFT Orientation + Contextualize | 8:40 | Listen + Do | 15 min |
| Reframe (poll + breakout) | 8:55 | Listen + Do | 20 min |
| Break #1 | 9:15 | Break | 10 min |
| Assemble (I Do → We Do → You Do) | 9:25 | Listen(brief) + Do(extended) | 80 min |
| Break #2 | ~10:40 | Break | 10 min |
| Fortify (verification activity) | ~10:50 | Listen(brief) + Do(extended) | 25 min |
| Transfer (CRAFT debrief + lesson design) | ~11:15 | Listen(brief) + Do | 25 min |
| Resources + Post-Survey + Close | ~11:40 | Admin/Do | 20 min |
You just programmed a physical computer using AI as your co-pilot and verified the results like an engineer. Your students can do this too.