Unboxing Piper – Part 1
The Piper Computer Kit is an exciting DIY project that combines the joy of building a computer with the creativity of Minecraft. Let’s dive into the details:
Piper Computer Kit Overview
- Purpose: Designed for kids aged 8 and above, the Piper Computer Kit aims to teach engineering, coding, and computational thinking.
- Build Process: Assembling the kit is like solving a wooden puzzle. Armed with a blueprint and a screwdriver, your first mission is to build a fully-functioning computer.
- Components:
- Raspberry Pi: The heart of the kit, featuring a 1.2GHz processor and 1GB RAM.
- 7-inch LCD Display: With 800×480 screen resolution, perfect for playing Minecraft.
- Rechargeable Battery: Ensures portability.
- Integrated Speaker: Enhances the experience.
- Learning Approach:
- StoryMode: Guided by a secret mission, kids connect wires and components, learning circuitry and computer science.
- Coding: Piper introduces kids to coding through progressively challenging projects using Google Blockly’s visual language.
- Minecraft Connection: The Piper Computer Kit leverages the Raspberry Pi Edition of Minecraft, allowing kids to explore and create within the game.
- Not an Official Minecraft Product: It’s not approved by Mojang or Microsoft, but it’s a fantastic educational tool.
Unboxing Experience
- The kit arrives in a protective wooden box, measuring 3.5 x 6.5 x 11 inches.
- Inside, you’ll find the Raspberry Pi, screen, DIY speaker, and other components.
- The 7-inch LCD display is already assembled, making it easy to protect the small motherboard controlling the display.
Hands-On Learning
- Build the Computer: Assemble the components following the blueprint.
- Piper StoryMode: Embark on a secret mission, connecting wires and components to navigate an immersive world.
- Learn to Code: Progress through tangible tasks using PiperCode, increasing confidence in coding skills.
- Beyond the Build: The Piper Computer Kit offers dozens of playable projects beyond the initial assembly.
Pricing
The Piper Computer Kit is priced around $300. While it may seem steep, the educational value, hands-on experience, and Minecraft integration make it a worthwhile investment for young learners.
Remember, the build is just the beginning. Piper opens up an expansive world of learning, disguised as fun! 🚀
For more information, you can visit the official Piper website.
