Machine Learning: Photon Advanced Robotics and Coding Teaching Kit 

Build Advanced Programming Skills

This module is designed to support secondary school computer science teachers in delivering engaging, hands-on programming lessons. By pairing Photon robots with the microcontroller, students gain access to a range of exciting, advanced programming possibilities. They’ll develop valuable skills in flexibility, adaptability, and hands-on coding experience that are increasingly sought after in today’s job market.

What Does a Typical Lesson Look Like?

In each lesson, students work in pairs or small groups, rotating hardware as they test their programs. Using Python and JavaScript, students can create and test custom programs that leverage both robot and microcontroller technology. Wireless and serial communication between devices add layers of complexity, and once a program is uploaded, the application runs seamlessly—no ongoing connection needed.

Practical Teaching Resources

This kit includes 16 unique projects, each designed to let students create new devices and see real-world applications of the technology. The project materials are provided in easily printable PDFs and are accessible via the Photon Magic Bridge app for quick, on-demand access in the classroom.

Curriculum-Aligned Lesson Plans

Sixteen ready-made, curriculum-aligned lesson plans are included and can be implemented immediately, offering teachers a powerful resource to make advanced programming accessible, relevant, and fun.

Projects included in the kit:

1. Hello World Your first Photon robot program
2. Micro:bit – technology miniaturisation Your first micro:bit program
3. Together we can achieve more! Photon and the micro:bit interface
4. Obstacle detection Motion sensor based on the robot’s data transmission
5. Weather station Weather station (monitor changes in temperature and signal them by changing the Robot’s ear colour)
6. Photon Robot on a leash Manipulator / Remote control for the Photon Robot
   Dimmer Light intensity controller (dimmer)
7. Remote commands The Photon robot wireless remote controller (using two micro:bits)
8. Welcome home (an Internet of Things element) Multi-resident home activity recognition (using two micro:bits)
9. Magnetic field Designing a device that sets the Photon Robot in motion after detecting a strong magnetic field deflection.
10. Backup light Build a self-driving vehicle with a parking sensor (use hazard warnings of your choice)
11. Tea time A countdown timer for tea brewing (with audiovisual cues)
12. Multi-sensor alarm An alarm system using various sensors and Kit components
13. Music score A prototype that allows reading black symbols off white surfaces and transcribing them into audio signals
14. RGB Lights Color changing controller for the Photon Robot (based on readings from the built-in accelerometer)
15. Come over to the whiteboard Programming Photon robots to make them produce specific sounds in response to different items on the list, all while using interactive whiteboards or projectors.

Sample Project: Weather station

The Micro Bit continuously measures temperature and sends this data to the Photon via the serial port at set intervals, such as every 10 or 30 seconds. It also keeps track of the highest and lowest temperatures recorded, storing these in two separate variables.

Here’s how each control works:

• Pressing the Logo: The Micro Bit sends the current temperature via the serial port and briefly displays it on the screen.
• Pressing the A Button: The lowest recorded temperature is sent to the Photon via the serial port and is briefly displayed on the screen.
• Pressing the B Button: The highest recorded temperature is sent to the Photon via the serial port and is briefly displayed on the screen.

This setup allows quick access to temperature data and extremes with simple button presses.

All a teacher needs in one box
- Photon Robot (2 pcs.)
- Photon Magic Dongle (2 pcs.)
- BBC micro:bit v2 (2pcs.)
- 2x USB A – microUSB cables (short)
- 2x USB A – microUSB cables (long)
- 1x microUSB – microUSB OTG cable (short)
- 1x microUSB – microUSB OTG cable (long)
- 2x micro:bit mount (attachable to the robot)
- 2x AAA battery box + batteries
- 2x Neodymium magnet

Dedicated app

One of the parts of the kit is the dedicated app, which makes teaching easy for teachers and allows them to program the Photon robot and Micro:bit microcontroller simultaneously in a single window!

Two types of accounts – Teacher and Student.

You can activate them on as many computers as you like by entering the correct codes included in your kit.

• A tool that integrates the Photon robot and the micro:bit board. This common programming environment enables convenient program development for both devices.
• Additional materials in one place (including an introduction to the class topic, animations, wiring diagrams, project objectives); to be used also by you during the introduction to the topic.
• Lesson plans with scripts containing example project solutions.

Communication between devices

The kit provides a high degree of flexibility in teaching and freedom to create unique projects. Micro:bits and robots can be used separately, as well as integrated together. Depending on your needs, the micro:bit interface can be powered by an external battery or directly through a socket in the robot. The micro:bit and the robot can communicate through a serial port (a cable).

Estimated Delivery:

• Processing time: 1-2 business days
• Shipping time:
  • Ireland: 15 - 20 business days

Please note: Delivery times may vary during peak seasons or due to unforeseen circumstances.