OLED

I bought a 0.96", 128x64, OLED for $7  to use with my micro:bit (price ranges from ~$4-10 based on quantity). It is tiny, the display is about 2.5 cm x 1.25 cm. It is an I2C device that needs 3.3-5 V. You connect it to the micro:bit via pins 19 (SCL) & 20 (SDA). Some extension boards have grove port connectors (white 4 pin jacks) already set up for this to make it easier to connect (1 cable 4 wires)

There are a couple of options for makecode extensions. The first and third by Tinkeracademy, with the third seeming to be an older version. The second is by "author: shaoziyang" and gives you  more control over what and where things go.

The first block that has to be used is an "initialize"or "init". I tend to put this block in "on start", but it just has to come before using other blocks. The default address for the device is 60. 

The next thing that is good to know is that there is a zoom mode which enlarges things to make it easier to read, but also shifts this to a 64x32 pixel resolution (zoom=true in the code ; tinkeacademy defaults to this). This means that with zoom=true, you have 4 lines of text (vs 8) and 12 columns of text (vs 24). You need to know this because you can choose where to start text. Likewise, if you are drawing lines or pixels, you have 64 (0-63) for x position and 32 (0-31) for y position

The third thing is color. Some blocks allow you to pick color, with your choices being 0 or 1. 1 is "normal", black screen with color text (mine is yellow on top line and blue on other 3 in zoom = true mode...double that for zoom=false). Color 0 is inverted, black text with color highlighting it.

The obvious use for this device is to display sensor or variable data. This can be easily done with the makecode blocks (example code) 

Here is me using the BitBooster from lectrify to make connections to pin 19 & 20 via their designated I2C grove port.

I believe graphing and displaying images/icons/bitmaps is possible, but you will have to use micropython to accomplish this. The blocks are just too limited. More exploration is needed
Some possible places to read further
https://www.littlebird.com.au/a/how-to/81/0-96-oled-screen-with-micro-bit
and
http://www.suppertime.co.uk/blogmywiki/2019/11/microbit-oled-display/

upcomingNEOMakerEduEvents

There are several events in the next half year that you might want to plan for. 
I am sure there are more, and if you let me know I will pass the info on as best I can. 
(paul@paulshircliff.org)

NEOTech March 16 & 17 John S Knight Center
16th is more for admin/leaders
17th for in the classroom people, implementers

Remake Learning Days May 4-17 all around NEO
Events and activities at various places, like libraries and science centers. You could hold/sponsor an event. They are about showing how learning CAN & SHOULD be (hands on, interactive, creative, fostering curiosity...)

Akron 3T : Teach Tech Transform June 16 & 17, Firestone CLC
An Akron area educators conference.

ChatFab20 June 15-17 , Chattanooga Tennessee
Excellent FabLab MakerSpace workshop. 3 days of designing & building projects with all of the tools at Chattanooga area school FabLabs. Lots of collaboration.

FabPlay20 June 23-26 Hawken School
Awesome 3 days of making and learning about making utilizing the FabLab at Hawken. Excellent collaboration time.

Maker BootCamp Akron ???? early planning stages
Trying to get this together for Summit County people to start networking better.
Get hands on with FabLab/MakerSpace tools and talk about making across the curriculum

MakerFaire Detroit July25 &26 at the Henry Ford Museum
go see Makers of all ages and all kinds.

SPARCC Tech Conference August 7 at Stark State College
Nice conference for Summit & Stark & Portage County (they do let others come also)

Teach Better Conference October 2 & 3 , NIHF STEM Middle School
I know it is early, but better to plan ahead




Yes, I am still contemplating how to do a Mobile Maker Space (Maker Van) for Summit County. We will help teachers incorporate more curiosity, creativity and innovation into lessons, as well as get access to some tools and try out some tools before purchasing. All ideas and input is welcome...
{paul@paulshircliff.org} even if it is to tell me "we dont need it".

LearningPython

Are you thinking about learning or teaching #python coding along with physical computing and/or robotics? The people at Firia Labs have a couple of things that you should look at.

First is their Jumpstart Python curriculum along with a micro:bit kit ($500 for 10 people). It includes a micro:bit, batteries, USB, some alligator clips, buzzer, thermistor, photoresistor. The curriculum is browser based. Connecting with the micro:bit is plug & play. After you type in a program in the CodeSpace editor, you press play and it downloads directly to the micro:bit. The lessons do a good job of walking you through the basics of computational thinking and coding. As you progress, you  unlock tools & hints. If you already have micro:bit 's, you can purchase the curriculum separately.

Second is CodeBot, an all in one robotics board with two motors/wheels, 8 LED's, 5 line sensors (& LED's), 2 IR proximity sensors (&LED's), a buzzer, 2 buttons, accelerometer, an attached 4 AA battery pack, toggle switch to go between computer USB power and battery. You utilize CodeSpace, but they have a different curriculum specific to these components. A CodeBot with curriculum costs $150.

Both are nicely done. There are a few places in the coding exercises that could use a little more commenting (why a name is picked, what each & every line is doing), but other than that, they do a good job explaining things.

I wish they included some neopixels with both kits, but that is just a personal preference of mine.

ZeroLandfill

Zero Landfill Cleveland is holding a repurposing / upcycling event February 22 from 9 am to 12 pm and February 28 from 3 pm to 6 pm. It is at the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District HQ 4750 East 131 Street, Garfield Heights. They call these "Harvest Days". People can come and take away donated items to use for themselves. The materials tend to be interior design samples (carpet, tile, wall coverings, flooring) which are dropped off on a Pollinator Day (February 21, from 12 pm -3 pm). The aim is to redirect these materials to local artists, teachers, and the general public instead of the landfill. In the past they have gotten 20-30 van loads of materials from design businesses around NE Ohio. It is random, but that is the creative fun.
The Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District gives them a space to use for the event.
This would be a great time for local Makers to get some materials to experiment with.
There will be another event in July.
#MakerSpace
#MakerEd

ElementaryTinkerSpaces

A couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to tour 3 Elementary Media Centers who have incorporated TinkerSpaces : Eastview ES, Goldwood Primary, Copopa ES. All three had some similarities, and obviously some differences.

First, they all had to "weed" out some books to make space for materials. I know that is difficult, I still have textbooks from college. All added lots of different building materials to give students many choices. All talked about having structure for the students to follow. They still had reading time, still checked books in and out. They would love to see their students for more time than they currently do ; the students would love more tinkering time. They all used a variety of funding/sources for materials (donations, grants, district funds). One has a 3D printer that has been working hard, most recently printing snowflake designs. They vary in what tech tools they have for students. They work with teachers the teachers to varying degrees on lessons.

1) Totes. LOTTA TOTES!!! Storage
2) anything to build with... paper, Lego's, Lincoln Logs, blocks , keva planks, straws, magna tiles...so many things available (just check out Amazon)

Some pictures might help :