JR Explorers: Bits + Bytes

Congratulations, Ninja Families!

Thank you for joining us for an incredible week at JR Explorers: Bits + Bytes camp! Your ninjas explored electronics and coding through hands-on projects using Makey Makey and micro:bit. From creating fruit-powered controllers to building musical instruments and wearable gadgets, our ninjas gained valuable tech skills while having fun, collaborating, and building their confidence as young inventors.

🛠️ What We Covered This Week

Throughout the week, ninjas explored introductory electronics, circuit design, and basic programming concepts using Makey Makey, micro:bit, Scratch, and MakeCode. Here's a recap of what they worked on:

Intro to Circuits & Controllers

Campers learned how a Makey Makey works by turning everyday objects like fruit and playdough into functioning game controllers. They experimented with conductivity and built creative controllers to play interactive Scratch games like “Catch the Fruits.”

Music & Wearable Tech

Ninjas designed their own musical bands using Makey Makey pianos and coded sound effects. They built custom glove controllers to trigger musical notes, learning how physical input devices can connect to digital experiences.

Coding with micro:bit

Campers were introduced to the micro:bit, a programmable microcontroller. They coded a Rock, Paper, Scissors game, built a Step Counter, and created a Best Friend Robot with customizable emotional expressions and animations.

Gadgets & Sound Projects

Ninjas explored how gadgets work by building a Paper Cup Phone and coding a Radio Maker project with micro:bit. They also created their own MP3 Player, wiring headphones to micro:bit to play their custom-coded audio.

Final Project & Showcase

To finish the week, campers selected their favorite project and added creative touches to make it their own. During the Bits & Bytes Gallery Walk, ninjas shared their work, explained what they learned, and celebrated a week of invention and discovery.