Computer Science

Learner Kits

Mars Base Camp- 2020 4-H STEM Challenge

The race to land humans on Mars is on! The 2020 4‑H STEM Challenge will explore sending a mission to Mars with the activity, Mars Base Camp. Developed by Google and Virginia Cooperative Extension, Mars Base Camp is a collection of activities that teaches kids ages 8-14 STEM skills like mechanical engineering, physics, computer science, and agriculture.

Kits can be purchased through Shop 4-H. Contact your local 4-H Agent to inquire about a acquiring a free kit provided through a special grant. ** These kits have limited availability, so please contact your agent today.

DJI Spark- District Drone Kit

Each VCE District has been issued a Spark Drone Kit. Dan Swafford is a very helpful and knowledgeable about the drone program. He can be reached at, jswaffor@vt.edu, 540-231-1402. Morgan Paulette(paulette@vt.edu) and John McGee(jmcg@vt.edu) have also hosted workshops on drone operations and flight standards, regulations, and technology.

Code Your World

Code Your World is a four-part challenge that teaches kids to apply computer science to the world around them through hands-on activities. Developed by Google, 4-H, and West Virginia University Extension Service, it includes a computer-based activity on Google’s CS First platform and three unplugged activities that bring coding to life through games and interaction.

Makey Makey Kit

Makey Makey kits may be available at your 4-H center. Several agents have kits in their locations. They are very affordable and work best with small groups of youth. There are a variety of kits that work like the Makey Makey kits but have a different name. If you have questions about these kits or how to implement them into your program, please contact Brittany Council, 4-H Agent for Richmond City, bcouncil@vt.edu .

Specialized Kits

The following kits are available in limited quantities and they may require additional training before use. Please, use the calendar at the bottom of this page to locate these kits and view current reservations. If you would like to request training or reserve one of these specialized kits, please, use the google form at the bottom of the page to do so. The calendar and reservation/training request form are only for these limited quantity specialized kits.

Acer Google Chromebooks (5 per kit)

easy to use and offer a 365-degree way to use both as a tablet and a computer! Great for all CS programming needs!

Google Expedition (10 per kit)

an immersive education app that allows teachers and students to explore the world through over 1000 virtual-reality (VR) and 100 augmented-reality (AR) tours. You can swim with sharks, visit outer space, and more without leaving the classroom.
Learn more HERE!

Parrot Mambo Edu Drones (5 per kit)

great way to integrate so many skills into learning. Drones teach life skills like problem solving, critical thinking, learning to learn and team work. Learn to fly and code these drones by using applications such as Tynker and Scratch.

DJI Tello Drone (5 per kit)

great way to integrate so many skills into learning. Drones teach life skills like problem solving, critical thinking, learning to learn and team work. Learn to fly and code these drones by using the DJI Tello Edu app for both flying and coding (two separate FREE apps).

Bloxels (5 per kit)

a great way to teach computer coding and game design with a fun and integrative learning experience. Youth can use either iPad or Chromebook to create and play games that they design, while learning computational thinking skills.

iPads (6 per kit)

available to go with different types of tech that is available to check out. Each iPad lab comes with 6 iPads and 6 charging cords.

Cubelets (1 bundle)

1 set of Cubelets education inventor bundle. This is great to teach coding, engineering design and learning through hands-on, blocks that youth can create and invent with! They are also Lego compatible. Learn more about ways to use Cubelets in education HERE!

Sphero SPRK+ (12 per kit)

a great way to teach coding through a fun and interactive experience for youth. Youth can code or control the Sphero using iPads or phones! More resources on how to use them in education can be found HERE!

Cue Wonder Workshop Steam Kit (6 per kit)

Wonder Workshop’s Cue robots are built to help teach coding, STEAM skills and learning through fun and interactive technology. This robot is designed for youth 11+ and a great way to experience coding, learning, and design in one technology! The STEAM pack comes with curriculum and accessories to teach STEAM skills! More education info HERE!

Calendar

The calendar to schedule a kit training and reserve a Specialized Computer Science Kit is coming. Through this link you will be able to view where kits are being used throughout the state.

Reservation Form

The reservation form is to be used for the Specialized Computer Science Kits ONLY.

Use this form to request training and to reserve your kit. Please remember that these kits are to be used with your local 4-H Agent. So, make sure that you have contacted your 4-H Agent at your local Cooperative Extension Office to find out about the many Computer Science resources and programs that are available in your city/county.

If you have any questions or concerns about this page, please contact 4-H Agent, Jonette Mungo at jonetm4@vt.edu.

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