Sized like a smart phone, the Raspberry Pi is a mini-computer that offers extraordinary functionality. Developed by the Raspberry Pi Foundation, a charity created to promote the prominence and prevalence of computer science in the United Kingdom, the first Pi model was released in the in 2012. Available for only $35 at launch, the Pi was intended to be a platform for children to program with the popular child-friendly Scratch coding language to build Raspberry Pi 3 Projects For Kids.
At its core, the Pi is no different than a conventional computer as it contains a processor, memory, and input units. It is available in a range of different configurations and performance options with the Pi Zero W being the most recent model. However, where the Pi differs from typical computers is in its price, low power usage, and operating system. Having a weak processor and low power consumption capabilities means that the Pi runs on lower processor intensive operating systems based on Linux. This means that while the Pi can be successfully used by kids to program on Scratch, the device’s ability to run Linux provides it with the capability to be used for many different projects and utilities that are above and beyond Scratch’s functionality. While choosing to buy a Pi for tech-inclined kids is a no-brainer, the big question is helping them decide what to do with it. Below we’ve listed 11 great ideas to inspire your kids to turn a computer chip into real-world fun.
Here are some Raspberry Pi 3 Projects For Kids
1. Auti Bot: system for autistic kids to control their fine motor skills
I did not know a lot about autism and autistic children until I worked with them. I volunteered with autistic kids in an athletic program, and I learned a lot about autism.
Individual autistic children are very unique and have different abilities physically, mentally, and emotionally. It is difficult to apply general therapeutic methods to them.
Read More: Auti Bot: system for autistic kids to control their fine motor skills
2. Maximo Robot Arm – for kids and even big kids
This is a Robot Arm with 5-axis range of motion allowing movements similar to assembly line robots. It was designed to offer the highest quality while remaining one of the most affordable robotic arms on the market.
Three years ago, we created MandleBot, a 5-axis aluminum robotic arm currently being used in schools, robotics clubs, summer camps and even factories.
Read More: Maximo Robot Arm – for kids and even big kids
3. Kids Build – Raspberry Pi Arcade Cabinet
We wanted to create an arcade cabinet as a fun project for the kids at our (Coventry) Makerspace, as a group project that could encompass many different skills and techniques, give them a ‘big build’ to be proud of as a talking point in our Makerspace… and, of course, a fun way to play our favourite arcade games, old and new!
The kids participating in this project are aged from 8 to 12 years of age.
Read More: Kids Build – Raspberry Pi Arcade Cabinet
4. A Smart Night Lamp for Kids
Few weeks ago I heard my nephew (aged 7) complaining of the dark at night. Basically he was afraid So I decided to put knowledge into practice and build a night lamp for kids. Since the project was intended for kids, I thought of making the lamp change color every now and then. It should also be sensitive to light so that if the room is well lit, the lamp would remain off.
For this project Arduino Uno was used.You can use any other Arduino instead, and all should work fine.
Read More: A Smart Night Lamp for Kids
5. Scratch Boy UW – Makeathon
Our story starts with Scratch, the coding language developed in an MIT lab to introduce young people to coding. Building Scratch games allows kids to get excited about coding from a young age, and engage in the ideas of coding without having to work out syntax, complex structure, or debugging. The “aha” moment of Scratch is when a kid plays their game for the first time, and sees for themselves that they can succeed at programming. Our project seeks to take this moment and expand on it.
Read More: Scratch Boy UW – Makeathon
6. Remote Internet Controlled 3 Speed Transmission
Impressed by the 3 Speed Transmission with Clutch model, I decided to construct one. The model itself provides a 3 speed Gear train controlled manually by pulling levers for gear and clutch mechanism. The Accelerator is a very simple switch that only provides a software simulation of accelerating the speed to max. This provided a good way to teach kids on gear transmission, use of clutch etc. The basic model is provided below:
Read More: Remote Internet Controlled 3 Speed Transmission
7. Sparkfun Starts Carrying Kit To Let You Build Your Own Laptop named Pi-TOP
The Raspberry Pi 3 may fit in your pocket but in its simplest form it’s not a computer you can use on the move.
However, the Pi is nothing if not flexible and the Pi-Top kit gives you everything you need to turn the $35 computer into a laptop.
At $299 – including the Pi 3 – the build-your-own-laptop kit obviously adds to the cost of board. However, beyond just turning the Pi a mobile computer, the Pi-Top is designed to ease the novice user into tinkering with software and hardware.
Read More: Sparkfun Starts Carrying Kit To Let You Build Your Own Laptop named Pi-TOP
8. Dog Bot: Lego Robot Rover With Webcam
Here’s how to make a Lego robot you can control from any screen over wifi. It also has a webcam so you can see where your going and LED lights for eyes ! This is a great project to do with your kids as they can do the logo building and you can involve them in as much of the electronics as they are happy with. There is lots of flexibility in how you implement this project, and this means you can easily take it to pieces and redesign again.
Read More: Dog Bot: Lego Robot Rover With Webcam
9. Mystic Mirror Alexa voice-enabled smart mirror
In short, my morning routine is a mess (#firstworldproblems). An Amazon Echo (or a phone, for that matter) would resolve most of those problems. Unfortunately, I never seem to have my phone with me as I’m getting ready in the morning (it’s usually charging). And I’m usually not asking Alexa for these details (I don’t have an Alexa device in my bathroom). 60% of my morning routine is centered in and around the bathroom or bedroom, so I decided to build an Alexa skill and Alexa Voice Service-enabled magic mirror – which I’ve titled the Mystic Mirror.
Read More: Mystic Mirror Alexa voice-enabled smart mirror
10. Intro to Printed Circuit Boards
In this instructable, I’ll go over what a printed circuit board is, where they are used, and the basics of how to make one yourself. So sit back, strap in, and enjoy learning about this very important and interesting method of making electronics!
Note: this is an introductory guide. I’m sure that there is a lot I did not cover, and if you find something you think I should mention in this guide, make sure to put it in a comment below!
Read More: Intro to Printed Circuit Boards
For More Raspberry Pi 3 Projects For Kids Visit: Raspberry Pi 3 Projects
