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Curriculum Details for
PicoCrickets
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PicoCrickets
PicoCrickets give young people the raw materials to build their own artistic creations, which they can program to respond to light, sound, and touch. Drawing on the same research base as Lego Mindstorms, the PicoCricket Kit is a robotics kit designed with greater emphasis on artistic expression, in an effort to appeal to girls as much as boys. The Kit includes a miniature computer, sensors, software, Lego bricks, craft materials, and project ideas. The user-friendly Web site provides technical support, additional ideas for educators, and photo and video galleries for showcasing creations.
| Content Focus: |
Robotics, Media Arts Production, Engineering |
| Linkages to: |
Science, Math |
| Grades/Ages: |
Designed for ages 8 and up, but suitable for younger children with adult guidance |
| Costs: |
$250 for a whole PicoCricket kit. Workshop kits are also available. |
| Publication Date: |
2006-2007 |
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Developer Contact Information
Playful Invention Company Inc.
2075 rue University, Suite 1208
Montréal, QC H3A 2L1 Canada
(514) 282-4994
info@playfulinvention.com
http://picocricket.com
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Design Overview
Developed in close collaboration with afterschool programs and classroom teachers, PicoCrickets are fun and easy for youth and adult facilitators to use. The PicoCricket Kit contains electronic parts and craft materials that young people use to create their own robotics constructions, such as a cat that purrs when touched, or a birthday cake with programmable candles. Activity ideas stem from themes: kinetic sculptures, celebrations, musical instruments, wearable art, and more. In small groups, participants work on their projects, moving back and forth through phases of building, programming, testing, and decorating their inventions. The developers encourage groups to hold exhibitions, not competitions, as the culmination of their work. The intent is to create an atmosphere that supports creative, playful learning, while at the same time giving participants a chance to learn and apply science, engineering, and technology concepts.
- Activity Types: hands-on learning, engineering design, collaboration, exhibition
- Materials/technology required: PicoCricket Kit, computer, plus a wide variety of arts and craft supplies. An LCD projector can be helpful for demonstrating how to program the PicoCrickets.
- Program Length/Duration: Workshops can last for a single 1-hour session or several sessions.
- Site Adoption: Museums, afterschool programs, and schools are all using PicoCrickets
Instructional Approach
Integral to the design of this resource is that the projects are learner-driven, based on their interests. Educators set the stage for creativity, exploration, and experimentation, by suggesting a theme and giving examples of constructions. Young people work together collaboratively and learn how to problem solve, conduct investigations, and develop and refine their own designs. Note that a series of guides for educators on working with PicoCrickets is forthcoming.
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