Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1501483
44 PCB007 MAGAZINE I JUNE 2023 with technology as a tool," and "Inspiring every child to create their best digital future." Past Columns is is not my first column about technol- ogy toys for kids. In August 2006, I wrote a col- umn for CircuiTree Magazine titled, "If You Want Smarter Kids, Buy em Smarter Toys." 4 Figure 1 shows the four robotic constructions you could buy to construct a robotic vehicle in addition to the LEGO MINDSTORMS. e Australian "VIPER" was extremely interest- ing as all the various robotic parts were plated- through PCBs with edge through-holes turned into castellations that permitted them to be electrically connected as well as mechanical. A Strong Micro:bit History e BBC has focused on early programming literacy since 1978. Continuous research led by the BBC and 29 project partners. It will go to approximately 700,000 middle (Grade 7) school students this year. is invention refers back to the BBC Micro Computer 2 . e BBC described micro:bit as its "most ambitious education initiative in 30 years, with an ambi- tion to inspire digital creativity and develop a new generation of tech pioneers." 3 Continuing a constructionist approach to computing education with simple hands-on tools, the BBC micro:bit has moved from a local educational experiment in the UK to a global effort driven by the Micro:bit Educa- tional Foundation (MEF), a nonprofit organi- zation established in September 2016. To date, there are over 39 million micro:bits in over 60 countries with many hardware, content, and education partners participation. MEF's goal is, "Education with the micro:bit is about kids inventing things and expressing themselves, Figure 1: a) Radio-Shack's Vex; b) Parallax's Boe-Bot; c) FIRST Robotic competitions; d/e) VIPER from Australia uses PCB boards as elements; f) Oregon State University's TekBot.