Chibi Chip Love to Code Starter Kit Review

Chibi Chip Love to Code Starter Kit

I have a fun Timberdoodle item to share with you, the Chibi Chip Love to Code Starter Kit!  It's a great way for your children to learn the basics of coding using electric circuits made of simple materials like paper, foil tape, and stick-on LEDs.  B (7th grade) and C (6th grade) worked on this set together and they are still enjoying it!

I love the fun and engaging storybook that walks your kids through making functional circuits using the entertaining Love to Code characters (Fern the frog,  Sami the seal, Carmen the bird, Edith the beaver, Rusty the rabbit and D. Bug).  Your children will make circuits directly onto the pages of their storybook!  Through a series of projects, your kids will figure out how to create circuits that light up.  They will build switches that control lights.  They will even learn about debugging code.  You can choose between two options when learning how to code:  Microsoft MakeCode (drag-and-drop programming) and ChibiScript (text-based language that will help you ease into languages like Arduino and C++).  B and C started with the Microsoft MakeCode, a program similar to Scratch that is super friendly for newbies.  Let me show you some of the projects!

Our Chibi Chip Starter Kit

 B and C making a circuit to turn on a light.

Their circuit that they made right into their book.

The light turns on - it works!!

A closer view.

Playing around creating their own scene.  There are lots of open-ended activities!

I really like how the storybook helps you troubleshoot if you are running into problems.  It can be tricky to turn your copper tape around corners so the book gives you tips for this - a folding trick.  If the tape is creased or folded too many times it will crack; however, you can use a conductive fabric patch to connect across cracks or rips to restore the broken connection.  

Here you create a circuit.  You can see a conductive fabric patch was used above on one of the corners.

Draw on a page.

 Use the circuit to create a shadow and reveal your drawing!

Using MakeCode to create codes - you can see it is fairly user friendly

Once you have the basic understanding of turning on a light, you can begin using the MakeCode to create different codes.  You can make the light blink.  You can have the light blink in different patterns and rhythms.  You can add a switch.  You can change the brightness levels.  There are so many variables and fun ways to create with this kit.  I'm having a lot of fun watching B and C create.  I'm looking forward to seeing what they come up with next.

I really appreciate that this set includes pretty much everything you need to get started (you will need 3 AA batteries but you probably have some in your home already!).  You don't have to have a desktop computer - you can use a phone, computer or tablet as your programming device when working with coding (you will need an Internet connection).  The Chibi Chip Love to Code Starter Kit is part of Timberdoodle's 7th grade curriculum kit.  I am a huge fan of products that encourage critical thinking and problem solving skills and this kit is a great addition for that!

Disclosure:  Huge shout out to Timberdoodle for selecting me as a Timberdoodle Blogger.  Timberdoodle sent my family the Chibi Chip Love to Code Starter Kit for free in exchange for our honest review.  All opinions are my own.