Coding and art education may not seem like they go together but, thanks specifically to the Hummingbird kits from BirdBrain Technologies, students can certainly combine them to create impactful STEAM learning opportunities. The Hummingbird kits, which come in various sizes and with various accessories, including the micro:bit V2, help instructors enhance the STEAM experience by giving students the chance to design robots using craft materials and then program its actions using their own code. This truly helps teachers to create authentic STEAM experiences across various grades. More importantly, perhaps, the professional development video resources from the BirdBrain team help make things easier on teachers, too!
The fun and engaging robotics kits provide kids with opportunities to combine MakerEd and programming. First, the Hummingbird Bit works great in any schools, camp settings, or at home to help kids learn how to program these robotic inventions in Python, Java, MakeCode, and BirdBrain's own block programming language, BirdBlox. Plus, this solution also includes micro:bit compatibility, allowing children to build basic MakeCode programs and run them using the micro:bit. Plus, the BirdBrain team even provides classroom, makerspace, and afterschool resources for exploring robotics anywhere.
Hummingbird robotics projects and Finch classroom resources.
Perhaps more importantly, the BirdBrain team has created and published a wealth of valuable instructional resources for teachers. This content includes in-depth lists of classroom projects, guides for classroom integration, and their latest professional development resources for the Hummingbird Bit kits. They also have similar activity guides and classroom resources for using the Finch 2.0. They are more extensive and organized by device type and coding language. Here, you can find the full list of instructional resources.
We also offer virtual professional development courses for educators to learn more about teaching with the Finch 2.0 or Hummingbird. They make fantastic complements to these robotics resources and you can find each on the BirdBrain section of our store. These 6-hour sessions are designed for up to 20 instructors to attend virtually. And, all lessons are self-paced and perfect for asynchronous PD if that's what you prefer.
Get to know the BirdBrain Hummingbird Flocks.
As for programming, this Hummingbird Bit bundle enables multiple student groups to code simultaneously. You can also purchase these classroom "flocks" with or without micro:bit boards and USB cables. With the micro:bit and craft materials, students and makers can turn just about anything into a programmable robot, allowing them to utilize these kits in just about any academic subject.
The Hummingbird Flock is perfect for small classes or maybe an afterschool robotics club. It has enough sensors and craft materials to support 8-12 students since each of the Flocks come with four fully stocked Hummingbird Bit Premium Kits. Each of these bundles also come with a corresponding amount of carrying cases and classroom toolsets. These contain wire strippers, Phillips screwdrivers, and pens for students to use in making and experimenting.
Additional Hummingbird Robot kits.
Then, there’s also the Hummingbird Bit Premium Kit, which is perfect for collaborative learning in smaller groups. This kit can support 1-4 students, making it great for small-group work or even for students on an individual basis. With these components, teachers can intrigue students who believe they're not interested in technology and help kids develop crucial STEAM skills. Plus, like the bundles, the kit is available with or without the micro:bit boards and cables.
Using the variety of materials in the kit, teachers and students can create some pretty in-depth art, design, engineering, and programming experiences in or out of the classroom. Among the components in this box are a Bit controller, a terminal tool, LED lights, servos, LEGO adapters, a light, sound, and distance sensor, a user manual, and a storage case. With all these real-world components and their connections to robotics education, it's easy to see why the Hummingbird solutions are so impactful.
The Finch 2.0 kits and their value.
There is also the Finch Robot 2.0 from BirdBrain. This upgraded model is also powered by the micro:bit V2 and officially replaced the original Finch Robot back in 2020. The Finch 2.0 is incredibly versatile and a true grade-agnostic solution for teaching robotics, coding, computational thinking, collaboration, and more. It's compatible with six programming languages, including FinchBlox, which the BirdBrain team has developed specifically for this robot. FinchBlox is icon-based and perfect when introducing coding in kindergarten or early elementary school. Its other languages include BirdBlox, MakeCode, Snap!, Python, and Java.
And, you guessed it, the Finch Robot 2.0 Flock is available, too. This classroom solution comes with five of the Finch 2.0 Robots and that option to also buy five micro:bit's to power them. Like with the Hummingbird Flock, educators can forego purchasing the micro:bit's if they prefer. The Finch Flocks also come with USB charging hubs, a 5-pack marker set, and carrying case. Since your Finch 2.0 contains a built-in, centralized marker slot, students can certainly combine art and coding. They could also program their robots to draw pictures, designs, and more using whatever languages they are most comfortable with. Plus, the Finch 2.0 features wireless Bluetooth capabilities and a rechargeable battery that lasts for up to six hours.
We invite you to explore the various BirdBrain robotics kits available on our store below. Also, if you enjoy using technologies to boost SEL, we'd definitely recommend checking out the webinar replay from when we hosted our pals from the BirdBrain team. We covered developing SEL connections, integrating the five pillars of SEL, helping children to express themselves, and more. As always, we'd be happy to provide you with a quote and, of course, fulfill your order once you're ready! If you have any questions about any of the Hummingbird or Finch kits, feel free to get in touch and follow us on Twitter/X and Instagram for more!
