Coding and Robotics workshops for 2025

Exploring Micro:Bit - from Sensors to Classroom Solutions  [entry to intermediate]

Transform your classroom into a hub of innovation with the BBC micro:bit! This hands-on workshop, tailored for the South African educational context, bridges the gap between abstract code and tangible interaction. Participants will navigate "free-flowing stations" to master the micro:bit’s internal sensors—including temperature, light, and the V2 microphone—using the intuitive MakeCode editor. Moving beyond basic tutorials, you will apply the "Play, Think, Code, Create" framework to design meaningful, curriculum-aligned projects. We will explore activities that foster critical thinking and creativity, while addressing the practicalities of managing physical computing in local schools. Whether you are a beginner or a tech-savvy educator, you will leave with the confidence to empower your students as active creators with this fantastic tool.

Note: this workshop is tailored for beginner to intermediate, but any level of micro:bit proficiencies will be able to find some takeaways! This workshop was featured at the 2025 InnovateEDU conference in Johannesburg.

Micro:Bit Mastery - Elevating Servo and Sensor Applications [advanced]

Take your micro:bit projects to the next dimension by merging physical computing with artificial intelligence. This workshop explores the synergy between external hardware and machine learning using the micro:bit CreateAI platform. Participants will transition from basic servo motor control to building "smart" machines that recognize and respond to trained movements, gestures or sounds. You will learn to collect data, train a unique ML model, and deploy it to trigger real-world mechanical actions. By bridging the gap between "making" and "training," we will address how to introduce complex concepts like data sets and feedback loops to students in an accessible, hands-on way. Perfect for educators looking to elevate their STEM curriculum, this session provides the tools to build responsive, autonomous systems that simulate real-world AI applications.

Note: this workshop is recommended for teachers who are familiar with some of micro:bit’s features, block-based coding, or who have attended the other micro:bit workshop.

Explore STEAM Learning with LEGO Education SPIKE Essential

Perfect for primary teachers.

Get hands-on as you build and code with SPIKE Essential! This fun and playful session will explore this Primary resource from LEGO Education and introduce you to the hardware, software and lesson materials as you collaborate to solve challenges. You will be set building and coding challenges, and discover two different ways of programming - suitable for both younger and older primary children. Experience Constructionist pedagogy and see how SPIKE Essential offers you and your primary students a real and tangible STEAM solution.

Text-based Coding with LEGO Education SPIKE Prime

Perfect for secondary teachers.

This hands-on session will still contain plenty of building, fun and playfulness, but will go deeper into coding as we explore how to control SPIKE Prime robots with Python. 

You will use and understand Python concepts to get a robot vehicle moving, and introduce autonomy through the use of sensors.  This session will start with the basics of Python, and so is suitable for those who are curious coders!

An Introduction to LEGO Education SPIKE Prime

Primary teachers - come and get hands-on with SPIKE Prime!

This practical session will introduce you to robotics and coding with LEGO. There will be challenges appropriate for upper primary, and attendees will get to experience a truly cross-curricular resource. Explore science and engineering concepts, work collaboratively, think critically and solve problems whilst building and coding in this fun, playful session. You will experience Constructionist pedagogy and see how LEGO Education SPIKE Prime offers you and your students a real and tangible STEAM solution.

Going Further with LEGO Education SPIKE Prime

Secondary teachers - the challenges are more advanced but the fun remains!    Primary teachers are welcomed too!

This practical session will explore how more advanced coding and robotic concepts, such as the use of sensors, can be taught in an engaging and playful way. You will build, code, test, and iterate as the challenges mount, and will need to work collaboratively, think critically, and solve problems whilst building and coding in this fun, playful session. You will experience Constructionist pedagogy and see how SPIKE Prime offers you and your students a real and tangible STEAM solution.