I had introduced a few Raspberry Pis into Barton Primary (IOW) soon after my arrival. I saw the potential of these devices for STEM project work. I wasn't wrong as I witnessed the engagement and interest from the pupils.
I quickly saw the potential to extend their use into other curriculum areas, particularly Science.
In July 2015 a computer engineer visited our school and I saw Arduinos being used to great effect in the classroom. However the components were not user friendly enough for little hands.
Over the summer I investigated other options and discovered a small independent inventor, Trevor Olsen who had created a GPIO box ,with junior friendly components, designed to extend the Raspberry Pi into the physical world. I purchased one and 'road-tested it with my class and could see its potential.
The next issue was finance. Through a generous funding grant from the Primary Science Teaching Trust (secured by Gail Eagar) the school was able to buy 10 GPIO units and Raspberry Pi peripherals.
This blog will chart our progress in applying their use to further our understanding of the Sciences.
