Lab Notes

Buttons and Switches - Digital Inputs in Python

Buttons and Switches - Digital Inputs in Python

Want to connect an external push-button or switch to your micro:bit? It's easy to do, and Python gives you complete control over digital input pins!

Despite their simplicity, there are some interesting nuances when dealing with buttons and switches. Check it out!

Take a look at our external switch demo video here: https://youtu.be/jnnBvcvTxic

microbit peripherals in python
Controlling Positional Servos with Python

Controlling Positional Servos with Python

Positional servos are the next stop on our tour of micro:bit peripherals in Python. We tested this one out at GaETC 2019, so we can confirm it's a crowd pleaser!

Check out the video demo of this, taken live at GaETC 2019: https://youtu.be/wAPUyItqpRs

microbit peripherals in python
Discrete LEDs with Python

Discrete LEDs with Python

Controlling external discrete LEDs with Python and the micro:bit is a breeze!  Todd  is back in our second No Blocks November installment to walk you through it with CodeSpace and a little bit of Python.

Check out the demo video!

microbit peripherals in python
Continuous Rotation Servos with Python and the micro:bit

Continuous Rotation Servos with Python and the micro:bit

See how easy it is to control servos with Python and the micro:bit! Firia Labs Engineer Todd Beales takes you through the fundamentals of servos, and shows you how to spin 'em up with CodeSpace and a little bit of Python.

Check out the 60-second intro video!

microbit peripherals in python
Math Classroom

Using Computer Science to Show Students the Relevance of Math

I’ve been a teacher for over 15 years, but I've only taught computer science for only the last three. I've always taught grades 6-8, and I've spen...
CAN it Compute? The Internet of Things!

CAN it Compute? The Internet of Things!

Here at Firia Labs we practice what we teach. Of course you know that we develop awesome curricula, innovative software, and super-cool hardware fo...
Why another robot? Behind the scenes with CodeBot.

Why another robot? Behind the scenes with CodeBot.

What makes CodeBot different? In this post I'll dive into the motivations behind our CodeBot CB2 and the Python with Robots curriculum.

An educator's view - celebrating Black History and Women's History in CS

An educator's view - celebrating Black History and Women's History in CS

Guest Blogger Amber Merrill shares insights and some fantastic ways to carry Black History Month and Women's History Month through the year.
Robot Multitasking!

Robot Multitasking!

While developing the CodeBot Python with Robots curriculum we're taking on the challenge of giving students real-world tools to address some fundam...
Kicking off National Robotics Week

Kicking off National Robotics Week

The FiriaLabs team kicked off National Robotics Week in style this past weekend with CodeBot™ at the Alabama Robotics Competition. 
Welcome to Lab Notes!

Welcome to Lab Notes!

With CodeSpace just passing its 1-year birthday, the team here at Firia Labs is simply bursting at the seams with ideas, stories, and more thoughts...