Show Notes

Wins of the Week

• Julian: Staying focused on "the one thing" at PyBites, plus 3D printing a custom cappuccino stencil for his local café
• Kelly: Surviving a muddy, clay-covered hill in North Carolina while on vacation
• Sean: Designing and 3D printing a custom bracket for his screen door using Fusion 360

Holiday Gift Ideas

Julian's Picks

1. Hoverboard with Go-Kart Attachment (~$299 AUD) - Two-wheeled self-balancing boards that can convert to a go-kart with a third wheel attachment. Available at Hoveroo in Australia.

2. Secret Coders Book Series (~$10-20 USD each) - A six-book graphic novel series that wraps coding puzzles and concepts into mystery stories. Recommended by Faye Shaw from the Boston PyLadies community. Great for ages 8-15.

3. 3D Printer (~$200-300 USD) - Entry-level printers like the Bambu Lab A1 Mini or Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro have dropped significantly in price. Look for auto bed leveling as a key feature.

4. Duolingo Chess (~$13/month with subscription) - A new addition to Duolingo that teaches chess tactics, strategy, and formal terminology through structured lessons. Great for building problem-solving skills.

5. Classic Video Games (Zelda, Pokémon) - Story-driven games that build resilience and problem-solving skills, as an alternative to dopamine-heavy platforms like Roblox.

Kelly's Picks

1. Soccer Bot (~$59.99) - An indoor soccer training robot that challenges footwork skills. Works best on hard floors.

2. "The Worlds I See" by Dr. Fei-Fei Li - Memoir of the computer scientist behind ImageNet and modern image recognition, covering her immigrant journey and rise in AI. A must-read for anyone interested in AI.

3. LEGO Retro Radio Building Set (~$99) - A 1970s-style radio that you build, then insert your phone to play music. Features working dials that create authentic radio crackle sounds.

4. Spydroid Loco Hex Robot (classroom investment) - A large spider-shaped robot that codes in Python and block programming. Features LIDAR and AI-based mapping. Seen at ISTE.

5. Richtie Mini from Hugging Face ($299-$449) - An adorable AI desktop companion robot with onboard models. Two versions: one that connects to your computer and one that's self-contained.

Sean's Picks

1. LED Pucks (LED 001 Kit) (~$6-13) - Small USB-powered LED discs perfect for 3D printed projects like planet lamps. Available from Bambu Labs or Amazon. RGB versions include remote controls.

2. Daily Desk Calendar (~$15-20) - A throwback gift that provides daily doses of humor, trivia, or inspiration. Suggestions include The Far Side, "They Can Talk," or "How to Win Friends and Influence People."

3. PyBites Coding Platform (subscription) - Bite-sized Python challenges for sharpening coding skills. Great for teachers, students, and professionals looking for practical coding practice.

4. Digital Calipers (~$40-50) - USB-rechargeable precision measuring tools essential for 3D printing and maker projects. Great for teaching geometry and measurement concepts.

5. Deburring Tool (~$10) - A small tool with a curved swiveling blade for cleaning up 3D prints. A quality-of-life improvement for any maker's toolkit.

Links Mentioned

• PyBites - Python coaching and coding challenges
• Hoveroo - Hoverboards (Australia)
• Bambu Lab - 3D printers and LED pucks
• Printables - 3D printing models
• MakerWorld - 3D printing models
• Hugging Face Richtie Mini - AI companion robot
• Duolingo - Language learning app with chess
• Secret Coders book series - Available on Amazon
• "The Worlds I See" by Dr. Fei-Fei Li - Available at bookstores

Upcoming Events

• PyCon US 2026 - Long Beach, California
• Education Summit - Proposals open after the holidays, deadline around March/April
• Submit proposals when the website opens!

Special Guest: Julian Sequeira.

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Introduction

• Welcome to this week's episode, entirely devoted to CircuitPython. We're excited to have Kattni Rembor from Adafruit as our special guest, who has contributed extensively to the CircuitPython platform, from beginner guides to advanced projects.

Kattni's Win of the Week

• Kattni shares her current project, a guide for creating a keyboard key switch with NeoPixels underneath. Each key press generates a random LED color.

Our Wins of the Week

• Kelly Schuster-Paredes, currently on vacation, shares her achievement of resting for two consecutive minutes.
• Sean shares his experience using the Marp tool for presentations but admits to time management struggles.

CircuitPython Introduction

• We delve into CircuitPython, a version of Python designed for microcontrollers. Created for beginners and educational purposes, it provides a unique approach to learning Python.

CircuitPython Applications

• Kattni enlightens us on the vast applications of CircuitPython, ranging from environmental sensing to assistive technologies for people with disabilities.

CircuitPython Capabilities

• We discuss how CircuitPython simplifies complex tasks, fostering creativity and making tasks like LED blinking quite straightforward.

CircuitPython Boards

• At the time of recording, there are 413 boards compatible with CircuitPython available at circuitpython.org. We also discuss Adafruit's educational pricing and discounts.

Top CircuitPython Boards

• We list our top five favorite boards for education, ease of use, and fun projects, including Blue fruit and Circuit Playground Express.

Getting Started with CircuitPython

• Starting with CircuitPython can be challenging for beginners. We discuss some common issues and solutions, like copying required libraries immediately after importing.

CircuitPython in the Classroom

• We highlight the immense possibilities of CircuitPython in educational settings and encourage educators to explore its potential.

Connect with Kattni Rembor

• You can follow Kattni Rembor's projects on the Adafruit Learning System and on social media platforms like Mastodon.

Live Streaming Announcement

• Kelly announces the "Summer of Streaming," aiming to live stream every Wednesday at three.

Closing Remarks

• We wrap up the episode with Kattni expressing her enjoyment in discussing CircuitPython and her excitement for future projects. Sean and Kelly sign off, looking forward to the next episode.

Special Guest: Kattni Rembor.

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Special Guest: Elad Inbar.

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Links:

• RobotLAB Group - Robotics Solution Integrator — We are "The Robot Guys". the only company you will ever need for your turn-key robotics solution. No matter how small or large your project is, we can do the heavy lifting for you!
• NAO Robot Power V6 Educator Pack — The latest version of NAO with 10 major areas of improvement is here! Bring STEM and Coding to life with the NAO Robot. Hands-on learning platform to teach core subjects: Reading, Writing, Math, pre-algebra, geometry, algebra, trigonometry, calculus and programming.

About BirdBrain Technologies:

BirdBrain Technologies’ mission is to inspire deep and joyful learning in all students through creative robotics.

Founded at the CREATE Lab at Carnegie Mellon University in 2010, BirdBrain is a research-based company that promotes gender equality and diversity in computer science, engineering, and robotics.

A large part of our mission is to assist educators interested in bringing computer science and engineering design into any classroom. We work collaboratively to support teachers with free standards-aligned curriculum and professional development. Our products have been used by thousands of teachers around the world to bring creative design and robotics fun into the classroom!

Special Guest: Tom Lauwers.

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Links:

• BirdBrain Technologies - BirdBrain Technologies — BirdBrain Technologies’ mission is to inspire deep and joyful learning in all students through creative robotics.
• Introducing Finch Robot 2.0! - BirdBrain Technologies — Bring computer science to life from kindergarten to college with the NEW Finch Robot 2.0!
• Borrow a Robot Free for 60 Days! - BirdBrain Technologies — BirdBrain Technologies will allow educators in the US to borrow a robot for 60 days for FREE!
• Hummingbird Robotics Kit - BirdBrain Technologies — The Hummingbird Robotics Kit is an easy-to-use, creative robotics tool which allows students to design, build, and program a personally meaningful robot out of any materials, with any device, in multiple programming languages.
• Teaching Python - Blog - RIP Google Colab in Education — The Teaching Python blog post about the end of Google Colab in K-12...
• CREATE Lab — The Community Robotics, Education and Technology Empowerment Lab (CREATE Lab) explores socially meaningful innovation and deployment of robotic technologies.
• Amazon.com: Learn to Solder Kits Hue Soldering Kit | DIY Electronics Projects For Beginners | Practice For Adults & Kids STEM Classes & Events | Science Project Electronic RGB LED Light Circuit Board With Battery : Toys & Games — INTERACTIVE RGB LED KIT - Learn to solder in a unique, engaging, fun, and achievable way! The Hue Learn to Solder practice kit is our second solder project kit designed for beginners but offers more of a challenge than the Blink Kit. It features one large RGB LED light and three small dials. As you turn the dials the brightness of the red, green and blue change in the LED. Try different combinations to make any color in the rainbow!
• Finch Robot Loan Program - BirdBrain Technologies — We are currently lending out the original Finch Robot, which is tethered to the computer with a USB cord and works with computers and Chromebooks only (it does not work with tablets/phones). If you are interested in borrowing the new Finch Robot 2.0, which is wireless and works with computers, Chromebooks, and tablets/phones, please email loanprogram@birdbraintechnologies.com and we’ll let you know when that program is available.
• Amazon.com: microbit V2 Go Kit Programming Development Board STEM Pocket-Sized BBC Micro:bit Computer,Built-in Touch Sensitive Logo,Speaker and Microphone : Electronics — microbit V2.0 is a tiny programmable computer, designed to make learning and teaching easy and fun! Addition of the speaker and microphone：Same great features easier ways to use sound and touch to get creative in the classroom.

Support Teaching Python

Links:

• Adafruit CLUE - nRF52840 Express with Bluetooth LE ID: 4500 - $39.95 : Adafruit Industries, Unique & fun DIY electronics and kits — Do you feel like you just don't have a CLUE? Well, we can help with that - get a CLUE here at Adafruit by picking up this sensor-packed development board. We wanted to build some projects that have a small screen and a lot of sensors. To make it compatible with existing projects, we made it the same shape and size as the BBC micro:bit and with the same edge-connector on the bottom with 5 big pads so it will fit into your existing robot kit or 'bit add-on.
• Adafruit CRICKIT for Circuit Playground Express ID: 3093 - $29.95 : Adafruit Industries, Unique & fun DIY electronics and kits — We designed Crickit - That's our Creative Robotics & Interactive Construction Kit. It's an add-on to our popular Circuit Playground Express that lets you #MakeRobotFriend using CircuitPython, MakeCode, or Arduino. Bolt on your Circuit Playground using the included stand-off bolts and start controlling motors, servos, solenoids. You also get signal pins, capacitive touch sensors, a NeoPixel driver and amplified speaker output. It complements & extends the Circuit Playground so you can still use all the goodies on the CPX, but now you have a robotics playground as well.
• Adafruit CRICKIT for micro:bit ID: 3928 - $29.95 : Adafruit Industries, Unique & fun DIY electronics and kits — Plug your :bit into the 40 pin edge connector and start controlling motors, servos, solenoids. You also get signal pins, capacitive touch sensors, a NeoPixel driver and amplified speaker output. It complements & extends micro:bit so you can still use all the goodies on the :bit, but now you have a robotics playground as well.
• Amazon.com: DFROBOT Maqueen Micro:bit Robot Platform - Graphical Programming Educational Robotic Car for Kids - STEM Learning DIY Mini Robot Kit for Maker Education (Without Micro:bit Board): Toys & Games — Hello, my name is Maqueen, is a graphical programming robot for STEM education, which inherits playability and simple operation of micro:bit. The Mini-body, interesting features and plug-and-play allow children to quickly learn graphic programming in entertaining, nurturing children's interest in science and logical thinking.
• Amazon.com: Yahboom BBC Micro:bit Coding Robot STEM Education Kit for Kids to Programmable DIY Toy Car with Tutorial for 10+ (Without Micro:bit): Toys & Games — Robot toy car is a collection of BBC micro:bit board, learning kits, and expansion boards, allowing you to learn micro:bit from simplest to more complex,turn ideas into reality and let more children become maker. The vehicle model is small and cute. Most of the parts are connected with screw and a few parts are designed with anti reverse socket, which makes installation simple and safe.
• Amazon.com: Adeept BBC Micro:bit Sensor Starter Kit | Microbit Programmable Starter Kit for Micro:bit with 35 Projects PDF Tutorial Book | Micro:bit and Expansion Board Included: Toys & Games — Micro:bit Starter Kit for BBC, micro:bit is a tiny programmable computer, designed to make learning and teaching easy and fun! BBC Micro:bit Development Board is included. Provided with: Blocks and Python code. Compatible with micro bit. Includes common sensor modules such as: buzzers, LEDs, push buttons, sound sensors, soil moisture sensor, Ultrasonic module etc, allow you make a lot of interesting projects like Traffic Light, Magnetic Check, Temperature Test, Joystick Test, Ultrasonic control DC motor, Ultrasonic control RGB bar, Changes of the Soil Moisture, Temperature Alarm, Neopixel etc. Easy to assemble, encourages learning: Perfect DIY inventor project for micro:bit experiment and programming beginners.
• Adeept BBC Micro:Bit Expansion Board v3.0
• Gikfun 1V-6V DC Hobby Motor Type 130 Micro Motor Toy Motor DC Motor for Arduino (Pack of 5PCS) EK1894 - - Amazon.com — DC1V-6V Cable Length:about 70mm Used to connect spindle gears and propellers, model cars, aircraft, etc.
• Amazon.com: Miuzei 10 pcs SG90 9G Servo Motor Kit for RC Robot Arm Helicopter Airplane Remote Control: Toys & Games — Application Fields: remote control helicopters, micro robot, robot arm and boats. ALL kind of R/C Toys and Arduino experiments Interface Type: compatible with JR & Futaba interface. No Load Running Speed: 0.09±0.01 sec/60° at 4.8V Rotary Angle: 120°
• Amazon.com: [4-Pack] MG996R 55g Metal Gear Torque Digital Servo Motor for Futaba JR RC Helicopter Car Boat Robot: Toys & Games — This MG996R Servo motor which updated from SG90 and MG90S micro servo motor. (the Speed, Tension and Accuracy all increase) The MG996R model compliant with most standard receiver connector,for Futaba, Hitec, Sanwa, GWS etc.
• uxcell 5 Pcs 10K OHM Linear Taper Rotary Potentiometer 10KB B10K Pot Zinc Plating with 13mm Shaft: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific — Features: 10K ohm, 3 terminals, single linear (Type b), suits most standard knobs. Top adjustment Type and knurled shaft for easy operate in daily use time. Main used to control electrical devices such as volume controls O

• Helping the naturally gifted- keeping up; keeping them learning
• Developing the vocab that allows students to solve problems
• Losing students during code-alongs
• Kids stuck in Turtle module
• Getting past the frustration level - waiting on the “click”

As a special bonus, we talk about a few of the new arrivals in our classroom, including the newest LEGO Education Robot, the Spike Prime!

Sponsored By:

• Real Python: Visit realpython.com/teachingpython to get your FREE video course.

Support Teaching Python

Links:

• Amazon.com: Adeept BBC Micro:bit Sensor Starter Kit | Microbit Programmable Starter Kit for Micro:bit with 35 Projects PDF Tutorial Book | Micro:bit and Expansion Board Included: Toys & Games — BBC Micro:bit Development Board is included. A wide variety of Sensor Modules - The best choice for learning electronics, programming and IoT. Excellent PDF Manual - 124 pages, 35 projects with detailed guidance. MakeCode and Python code are provided. Powerful technical support - Official forum, Videos and E-mail.
• LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Prime Set — The LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Prime Set is the go-to STEAM learning tool for grade 6-8 students. Combining colorful LEGO building elements, easy-to-use hardware, and an intuitive drag-and-drop coding language based on Scratch, SPIKE Prime continuously engages students through playful learning activities to think critically and solve complex problems, regardless of their learning level. From easy-entry projects to limitless creative design possibilities, SPIKE Prime helps students learn the essential STEAM and 21st century skills needed to become the innovative minds of tomorrow... while having fun!
• MicroPython on SPIKE Prime : 12 Steps - Instructables — You can code SPIKE Prime using MicroPython which is a subset of python for small microprocessors. You can use any terminal emulator to code the SPIKE Prime hub.
• pi-top [4] — pi-top [4] is a new game-changing, programmable computing device that combines digital making, coding and practical projects. With pi-top [4], educators, students and inventors get to design, code and make anything they can imagine using one simple, easy-to-use system. From beginner to superuser, pi-top powers your projects and brings learning into the real world.
• Amazon.com: AWS DeepLens (2019 Edition) – deep learning-enabled video camera for developers: Amazon Devices — AWS DeepLens allows developers to get started with deep learning through sample projects with practical, hands-on examples which can start running with a single click. Models trained in Amazon SageMaker can be sent to AWS DeepLens with just a few clicks from the AWS Management Console. AWS developers can run any deep-learning framework, including TensorFlow and Caffe. AWS DeepLens comes preinstalled with a high performance, efficient and optimised inference engine for deep learning using Apache MXNet. AWS DeepLens integrates with Amazon Rekognition for advanced image analysis, Amazon SageMaker for training models and with Amazon Polly to create speech-enabled projects. AWS DeepLens is easy to customise and is fully programmable using AWS Lambda.

Links:

• Tynker
• Talk Python To Me
• Mu Editor