littleBits

Open-source library of electronic modules snap together with magnets for prototype/ play

Overview

LittleBits makes electronics kits comprised of magnetic pieces that can be joined to build anything from a doorbell to an analog synthesizer. Each kit is designed to make it possible for anyone to build electronic devices. In particular, littleBits hopes their kits will combine STEM education with the Maker Movement.

APPROACH

LittleBits refers to each of its 60 electrical pieces as modules, each of which can be snapped together with any other module. Of their many kits, the Workshop Set was designed specifically for classroom use. Made up of 100 modules and packaged in a toolbox looking plastic container, the Workshop Set can be used by multiple students to experiment with and build electronics. Most modules are categorized as either input or out pieces; output modules add functionality, like light or sound, to a device, while input modules control signals between pieces.

For inspiration, students can look to a guide that comes with the kit or to example projects made from littleBits modules on their website. One project featured online walks students through how to build dancing soccer players using modules from the Workshop Set. Since all LittleBits modules work together, schools can increase their collection of pieces by purchasing specialized products, like the Arduino Coding Kit.

IMPLEMENTATION

Each kit comes with all of the pieces necessary to build a functioning electrical circuit.

PRICING

Pricing for different kits varies, depending on size and purpose. Details of all available kits can be found here. Among all kits, the Student set and Workshop set are specifically for use in the classroom:

• Student set: Costs $274 and is for 4 students working individually or 8 students working in pairs.
• Workshop set: Costs $1,999 and consists of 160 Bits (8 sets of 20 Bits) that supports up to 32 students.

WHO IS USING IT

As of June 2015, over 8,000 educators in 70 countries have used littleBits kits.