Resources
Apps
Peripherals
The STEM Experiential Learning Journey
The STEM Journey, developed by the AustSTEM Foundation, is the road map we are following in the creation of all our teaching resources.
It starts in the last years of primary school, and provides, amongst other things, continuity of Digital Technology learning over the abrupt change of teaching practice between primary and secondary education.
Students can customise existing code, or create new code, using the KookaSuite code editors. They can start with the KookaBlockly graphical code editor before moving to the KookaIDE text based MicroPython editor.
Projects
These are some of the demonstration projects that we have shown at conferences such STEM2023.
Click on the image to learn more about each of them and to view the code and learn of their educative applications.
Learning Plans
Our Learning Plans are not just lesson plans, but resources designed to enhance existing lesson plans and units with experiential technology based learning experiences. They are a combination of tutorials, projects and lesson plans that can be searched from a single index page.
Teachers are encouraged to register on our site and post comments.
Applications (Apps)
Our Apps are programmes written in MicroPython which can be stored in the memory on our technology platform - the Kookaberry - and called up via a menu on its screen.
Once the appropriate peripheral (eg a sensor) has been connected, the programme can be run and the purpose of the code can be demonstrated on a physical real world device rather than virtually on the screen of a tablet or laptop.
The code can be examined, edited, de-constructed or created anew using our text based code editor, KookaIDE, or any other MicroPython editor.
There will be pre-loaded apps on Kookaberries in kits, and additional Apps can be downloaded through our KookaManager (currently in Beta version)
Peripherals
Peripherals are the sensing and activating devices at the boundaries of the digital world. Without them the digital world would be blind, deaf, mute and immobile.
Peripherals compatible with the plug-and-play digital ecosystem on our technology platform have been identified and can be searched on the Peripherals Index page. Where appropriate, a simple visual programme is included in the description to demonstrate the peripheral’s operation.
Technology Platform
We have chosen the Kookaberry single board computer (SBC) as the best currently available technology platform to support our teaching resources. It enables us to provide richer experiential learning outcomes than other comparable SBC's due to its screen and onboard USB memory.
MicroPython Code Editors
We commissioned the Australian creator of MicroPython, Damien George, to write both a text based code editor (KookIDE), and a visual programming language code editor (KookaBlockly) for the MicroPython compiler which is resident on our technology platform.
They are included, together with a Teacher's Window file which mirrors the platform's screen on an attached computer, in a set of files called KookaSuite which can be found on GitHub but most conveniently downloaded from within KookaManager.
Typically, schools will ask their IT people to download KookaSuite; unpack the various elements (KookaBlockly, KookaIDE, and KookaTW); and allow student access to a single element only eg, KookaBlockly for primary students and KookaIDE for secondary.
Installation of KookaBlockly on a PC or Mac requires special attention with respect to the location of the KookaberryScripts folder used to store both developed and newly created programmes.