--- title: SparkFun Education Blog | programming (3) description: programming | Maker Education Blog (3) --- [![Sparkfun](https://www.sparkfuneducation.com/img/logo.png)](https://www.sparkfuneducation.com/index.html) - [SparkFun Webstore](https://www.sparkfuneducation.com) - [Higher Ed](https://sparkfuneducation.com/higher-ed/index.html) - [Contact Us](https://www.sparkfuneducation.com/contact-us.html) - [Follow Us](https://twitter.com/SparkFunEDU) - [Home](https://www.sparkfuneducation.com) - [Blog](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com) - [Curriculum](https://www.sparkfuneducation.com/curriculum.html) - [PD/Events](https://www.sparkfuneducation.com/professional-dev.html) - [KITS/Materials](https://www.sparkfuneducation.com/materials.html) - [Educator Stories](https://www.sparkfuneducation.com/educator-stories.html) - [Activities](https://activities.sparkfuneducation.com) [Blog Home](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/) / SparkFun Education Blog [![](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/hubfs/EDU/BLOG%20Images/Feb%202018/IBM2.jpg)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/tjbot-lets-students-explore-ai-in-the-classroom) ## [TJBot Makes it Easy to Explore AI in the Classroom](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/tjbot-lets-students-explore-ai-in-the-classroom) BY [Justin Weisz](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/author/justin-weisz) 2/22/18 6:30 AM [0](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/tjbot-lets-students-explore-ai-in-the-classroom#comments-listing) [robotics](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/robotics) [programming](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/programming) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) In November 2016, IBM Research introduced TJBot — an open source, programmable cardboard robot powered by Watson Services — as a way to demonstrate what’s possible with artificial intelligence. ... [Continue reading](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/tjbot-lets-students-explore-ai-in-the-classroom) [![](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/hubfs/AIS.png)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/understanding-the-inner-workings-of-arduino-registers) ## [Understanding the Inner Workings of Arduino: Registers](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/understanding-the-inner-workings-of-arduino-registers) BY [Shawn Hymel](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/author/shawn-hymel) 1/23/18 6:33 AM [6](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/understanding-the-inner-workings-of-arduino-registers#comments-listing) [Arduino](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/arduino) [Adventures in Science](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/adventures-in-science) [programming](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/programming) [computer science](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/computer-science) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Arduino is an amazing teaching tool that has been used in classrooms all over the world to engage students with material, introduce them to programming and entice them to start tinkering with ... [Continue reading](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/understanding-the-inner-workings-of-arduino-registers) [![](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/hubfs/blog%20assets/AngelaSheehan/LilyPad%20Activity%20Guides/ProtoSnapConnectedtoLaptop.jpg)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/learning-programming-with-lilypad-arduino) ## [Learn to Program With the LilyPad ProtoSnap Plus Activity Guide](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/learning-programming-with-lilypad-arduino) BY [Angela Sheehan](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/author/angela-sheehan) 1/9/18 8:23 AM [0](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/learning-programming-with-lilypad-arduino#comments-listing) [Arduino](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/arduino) [teaching tools](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/teaching-tools) [Maker Education](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/maker-education) [e-textiles](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/e-textiles) [getting started](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/getting-started) [programming](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/programming) [computer science](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/computer-science) [LilyPad](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/lilypad) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) The LilyPad ProtoSnap series is a powerful learning tool for students to explore prototyping with wearable electronics. After building confidence in making simple e-textile circuits with the guided ... [Continue reading](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/learning-programming-with-lilypad-arduino) [![](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/hubfs/EDU/BLOG%20Images/December%202017/37757262004_6ab758944c_z.jpg)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/2017-a-blog-in-review) ## [2017: A Blog in Review](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/2017-a-blog-in-review) BY [Megan Hemmings](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/author/megan-hemmings) 12/28/17 6:32 AM [0](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/2017-a-blog-in-review#comments-listing) [paper circuits](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/paper-circuits) [teaching tools](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/teaching-tools) [Maker Education](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/maker-education) [makerspace](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/makerspace) [Makey Makey](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/makey-makey) [programming](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/programming) [raspberry pi](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/raspberry-pi) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) As the year comes to an end, we’re taking a look back at some of our top posts from the year.... [Continue reading](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/2017-a-blog-in-review) [![](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/hubfs/EDU/BLOG%20Images/December%202017/Summit%20Middle%20School-23.jpg)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/3-ideas-to-go-beyond-computer-science-education-week) ## [3 Ideas to Go Beyond Computer Science Education Week](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/3-ideas-to-go-beyond-computer-science-education-week) BY [Jeff Branson](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/author/jeff-branson) 12/14/17 6:30 AM [0](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/3-ideas-to-go-beyond-computer-science-education-week#comments-listing) [teaching tools](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/teaching-tools) [Javascript](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/javascript) [Processing](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/processing) [python](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/python) [programming](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/programming) [helpful information](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/helpful-information) [computer science](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/computer-science) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Last week, educators across the country dug into Computer Science Education week. So this week, I thought I'd offer some thoughts on my go-to programming languages and ways to continue delving into ... [Continue reading](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/3-ideas-to-go-beyond-computer-science-education-week) [![](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/hubfs/Screen%20Shot%202017-11-29%20at%201.19.19%20PM.png)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/hour-of-code-2017) ## [Hour of Code 2017](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/hour-of-code-2017) BY [Maya Kleinbort](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/author/maya-kleinbort) 12/5/17 6:30 AM [0](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/hour-of-code-2017#comments-listing) [Events](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/events) [programming](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/programming) [computer science](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/computer-science) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) It's Computer Science Education Week, which means it's also time for the annual Hour of Code event! Read on to learn more and get involved!... [Continue reading](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/hour-of-code-2017) [![](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/hubfs/EDU/BLOG%20Images/November%202017/20171106_164246.jpg)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/teaching-coding-to-kids-using-raspberry-pi-3-and-scratch) ## [Teaching Coding to Kids Using Raspberry Pi 3 and Scratch](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/teaching-coding-to-kids-using-raspberry-pi-3-and-scratch) BY [Ira Sather-Olson](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/author/ira-sather-olson) 11/30/17 6:10 AM [1](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/teaching-coding-to-kids-using-raspberry-pi-3-and-scratch#comments-listing) [makerspace](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/makerspace) [getting started](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/getting-started) [Guest Post](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/guest-post) [programming](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/programming) [Community Partnership Program](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/community-partnership-program) [raspberry pi](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/raspberry-pi) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) With demand for computer science skills on the rise in America and around the world, it’s become increasingly apparent that elementary school children need to learn basic coding skills and computer ... [Continue reading](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/teaching-coding-to-kids-using-raspberry-pi-3-and-scratch) [![](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/hubfs/20150108__09RHACREATORw-2_500.jpg)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/three-reasons-the-sik-is-the-best-beginner-electronics-kit-for-all-ages) ## [3 Reasons the SparkFun Inventor's Kit is a Great Introduction to Electronics](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/three-reasons-the-sik-is-the-best-beginner-electronics-kit-for-all-ages) BY [Maya Kleinbort](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/author/maya-kleinbort) 11/14/17 6:44 AM [0](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/three-reasons-the-sik-is-the-best-beginner-electronics-kit-for-all-ages#comments-listing) [Arduino](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/arduino) [teaching tools](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/teaching-tools) [Maker Education](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/maker-education) [getting started](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/getting-started) [programming](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/programming) [computer science](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/computer-science) [STEM](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/stem) [SIK](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/sik) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) (Photo credit: Reporter-Herald) At SparkFun we pride ourselves on having a little something for everyone, from the novice to the experienced engineer. With all of the electronics kits on the market, ... [Continue reading](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/three-reasons-the-sik-is-the-best-beginner-electronics-kit-for-all-ages) [![](https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/4swt_jg9x5r9pfpFVL9hDY2mL8LpbK0jsLMUeQFDsjGU4elF5OGm19FdtXoNhlRgLyPssD4sCykpbH9BHOm6UEhC85tcAQV4-mUyE3wv7ETQBOADkKwTIyXmQDc2S67Zhrf0wrB6)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/microbit-app-inventor) ## [Building a weather station with micro:bit and App Inventor](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/microbit-app-inventor) BY [Derek Runberg](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/author/derek-runberg) 10/26/17 8:32 AM [5](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/microbit-app-inventor#comments-listing) [Maker Education](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/maker-education) [micro:bit](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/microbit) [programming](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/programming) [computer science](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/computer-science) [STEM](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/stem) [weather](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/weather) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Recently, I did an hourlong webinar on the idea of combining the micro:bit with MIT App Inventor where we leveraged Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and a tool called BlockyTalkyBLE to build apps that ... [Continue reading](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/microbit-app-inventor) [![](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/hubfs/Raspi-PGB001.png)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/getting-started-resources-for-raspberry-pi) ## [Getting Started Resources for Raspberry Pi](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/getting-started-resources-for-raspberry-pi) BY [Brian Huang](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/author/brian-huang) 7/27/17 7:00 AM [3](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/getting-started-resources-for-raspberry-pi#comments-listing) [teaching tools](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/teaching-tools) [Maker Education](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/maker-education) [python](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/python) [programming](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/programming) [helpful information](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/helpful-information) [raspberry pi](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/raspberry-pi) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) The Raspberry Pi is a small, single-board computer that is about the size of a deck of cards. It is a computer and not a microcontroller. You can connect a keyboard, mouse and monitor to a Raspberry ... [Continue reading](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/getting-started-resources-for-raspberry-pi) [Previous](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/programming/page/2) [All posts](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/all) [Next](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/programming/page/4) ### Subscribe to SparkFun Education Blog ### Topics - [helpful information (79)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/helpful-information) - [Maker Education (60)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/maker-education) - [teaching tools (55)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/teaching-tools) - [getting started (54)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/getting-started) - [Guest Post (44)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/guest-post) - [computer science (40)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/computer-science) - [micro:bit (38)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/microbit) - [student projects (37)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/student-projects) - [STEM (36)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/stem) - [programming (34)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/programming) - [STEAM (31)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/steam) - [Events (28)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/events) - [Arduino (25)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/arduino) - [robotics (20)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/robotics) - [e-textiles (18)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/e-textiles) - [Professional Development (17)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/professional-development) - [basic circuits (17)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/basic-circuits) - [What is a (16)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/what-is-a) - [announcement (16)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/announcement) - [makerspace (15)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/makerspace) - [Community Partnership Program (14)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/community-partnership-program) - [Training (13)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/training) - [raspberry pi (13)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/raspberry-pi) - [python (11)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/python) - [AVC (10)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/avc) - [paper circuits (10)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/paper-circuits) - [Makey Makey (8)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/makey-makey) - [SIK (8)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/sik) - [Adventures in Science (7)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/adventures-in-science) - [microcontroller (7)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/microcontroller) - [Internet of Things (5)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/internet-of-things) - [Processing (4)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/processing) - [Javascript (3)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/javascript) - [LilyPad (3)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/lilypad) - [funding (3)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/funding) - [weather (3)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/weather) - [Insider (1)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/insider) - [Johnny-five (1)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/topic/johnny-five) All Tags ### Recent Authors - [Megan Hemmings (79)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/author/megan-hemmings) - [Maya Kleinbort (22)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/author/maya-kleinbort) - [Derek Runberg (21)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/author/derek-runberg) - [Shane Diller (16)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/author/shane-diller) - [Jeff Branson (15)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/author/jeff-branson) - [Angela Sheehan (12)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/author/angela-sheehan) - [Melissa Felderman (9)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/author/melissa-felderman) - [Megan Arnold (8)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/author/megan-arnold) - [Brian Huang (6)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/author/brian-huang) - [Shawn Hymel (6)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/author/shawn-hymel) - [Shelby Landsman (6)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/author/shelby-landsman) - [Jahnell Pereira (5)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/author/jahnell-pereira) - [Hailey Blessing (5)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/author/hailey-blessing) - [Mike Grusin (3)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/author/mike-grusin) - [Peter Hanson (3)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/author/peter-hanson) - [Andrew Milne (3)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/author/andrew-milne) - [Toni Klopfenstein (2)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/author/toni-klopfenstein) - [Joanna Drusin (1)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/author/joanna-drusin) - [Joe Romano (1)](https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/author/joe-romano) - [Mrinali P. 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