For those who are unaware of what a Piper is, it is a kit that allows kids to build a computer which enables them to gain a hands-on experience. In today’s world it is important for children to learn computing skills, as well as learning how to code. This computer kit is Piper’s first product which enables kids to put these skills to the test. Students will ultimately program the computer and gain an insight on how electronics work through the game of Minecraft.
More about the Piper:
What the Kit Includes:
A raspberry pi computer, a screen, wires, speakers, buttons, bolts, hinges, screws, a control box, a chest for storage, a battery, and letters.
My Initial Thoughts:
Before my group and I put the Piper computer together, I initially thought that this would be a very difficult task. I was wondering how elementary aged students were expected to build this kit since I was intimidated by all of the parts that came in the package.
The Process:
After separating all of the pieces and placing them into categories my two group members and I got to work. We carefully examined the blueprint we were given and tried to mimic what we saw.
After about 15 to 20 minutes I realized that we had gotten a lot farther than I had expected. The kit that seemed too complex at first actually wasn’t so bad. Although we did find ourselves occasionally having to undo the screws to rearrange pieces we had put on incorrectly or questioning which part went where, we ended up with a majority of the computer put together at the end of class on the first day.
During our next class we ended up finishing the computer. After attaching all of the hingesand plugging in numerous wires and cords, our screen turned on. From there we navigated our way to finding the Minecraft game. Minecraft was one of the more difficult tasks we encountered. It was complicated trying to figure out how to move our player and in the process of doing so our screen glitched and would not allow us to go any farther. After this incident and due to the amount of time we had left, we resorted to observing the screens of the other groups instead.
What was Learned:
After getting to do this hands-on activity, I came to understand why their is a need for these particular activities in the classroom. Going through all of the steps to build this computer helps stimulate the brain and makes learning fun for kids. These kids are growing and using difficult skills without getting bored or frustrated. I think it is extremely important for teachers to incorporate working with kits like these into their lessons because kids will be excited to learn.
An article written by Newegg Insider states that “…the Piper Computer Kit is a jam-packed portable computer that’s not only used for fun, but for coding and engineering too. It’s a thoughtful product that aims to bridge the gap for young programmers between just playing video games to possibly learning how to code their own games and electronics. Targeting such a young age group, the idea is to get kids involved at an early stage where they can develop skills that lead to valuable opportunities later in life.” (Rice).
The quote pulled from the article describes the learning experience that is gained through building the Piper perfectly. Kids who enjoy gaming are now able to build their own gaming console which produces stimulation in the brain, then once the console is built correctly they are rewarded with the game MineCraft.
For more insight on what Newegg Insider said about the Piper, click the link below.
https://www.newegg.com/insider/piper-diy-build-computer-kit-kids/
In the Future:
If I could change anything about the activity it would be that more time should be allotted. Although most groups completed the computer in the amount of time we were given, it would be helpful to have extra time in the instance that problems or obstacles arise.
In the future, I would definitely use this kit in my classroom. The Piper kit is an extremely stimulating activity, yet it doesn’t feel like a task that is boring and tedious. Building this kit was not only fun, but educational. I can see kids getting excited about an activity like this one because it is hands on and involves gaming. Students will ultimately be learning coding and technological skills without even realizing it.
Initially I thought that building a kit like this would be difficult for elementary students to do, but after watching videos and reading various articles I realized that they are able to make it. These elementary aged children seemed like they were well prepared to build the kits. The recommended ages for this kit is between ages 8 and 13.
Sources:
https://venturebeat.com/2017/09/15/piper-raises-7-6-million-to-expand-its-diy-computer-kits-for-children/
1st Picture: https://www.amazon.com/Piper-Computer-Kit-Minecraft-Raspberry/dp/B07HPFF3KC
2nd Picture: https://www.playpiper.com
