I recently volunteered at my local library to host an NCLab workshop, and I was amazed (though not surprised) by how easily people of all ages came together to converse and learn about programming. It made me wonder what makes a programming language like Python—which the 8-year-olds in the class were wielding with the same
We’re in the unique position of making systems smarter in order to make people smarter. When the programs we use become more intelligent, so do we. When anyone can access these intelligent programs—even students with disabilities—our learning environments become more robust and can boost the potential of every learner. So it’s not just about creating
These parts were used by NCLab to build the original prototype in the “Let’s Build A Drone” mini-course. Parts (can be ordered from Amazon) Description Vendor QTY Price Cost Per Drone Sidewinder Hi Perf. Brushed Motors 6x15mm + JST; Set of 6 Spintech Motors 1 17.00 11.33 3.7V 220mAh LiPo Battery Pack 45C 1S with
We are super excited to share our experience with building a drone with NCLab and today’s first test flight. Objectives: Attract students to 3D modeling by showing them a cool real application. Design criteria: Frame should be made with the 3D modeling app in NCLab which is free for everybody to use. Everybody should be
Every conference has its own special flavor, and this one came with Bay seasoning and a keen interest in 3D Modeling. Baltimore, Maryland, home to deservedly famous crabcakes, was the venue for the 2017 Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) conference. NCLab is at home with this crowd, sharing a passion for teaching computer programming to
In the past, the Python Coding Course in NCLab taught students basic Python skills including the for-loop, variables and functions by drawing geometrical patterns. These patterns could be (and still can be) extruded to 3D and exported as STL files for 3D printing and/or for laser cutting Despite the popularity of the unique visual Python
NCLab is proud to participate in the 90th NACTE Conference in South Lake Tahoe! Click on the image below to view the joint NCLab – Western Nevada College presentation titled “Taking Karel the Robot Off the Computer Screen”.
The Karel Coding app in NCLab looks and feels differently from the traditional Karel. In the original version, Karel moves in a Cartesian system of vertical and horizontal streets, between small square “houses”, and the only object he can collect are beepers. Karel is an arrow, and the beepers are not displayed, just a number
This year we decided to try something new and give a full-day workshop. We named it “Gentle Introduction to Coding and 3D Modeling for Beginners”. It was an experiment – in previous years we always have done shorter three-hour workshops. The shorter workshops were typically attended by around 100-150 people. This year we only had
We are excited to share the seventh issue of Full STEAM Ahead with lead articles by James P. Gee (Regents Professor and Fulton Presidential Chair of Literature Studies at the Arizona State University. Member of the National Academy of Education) and Tammy Westergard, Assistant Administrator of Library / Library Development Services, Nevada State Library, Archives