The Piper Computer Kit 2 Is a DIY Computer for Kids
STEAM ed-tech startup Piper has released a new version of their DIY computer with the Piper Computer Kit 2, which is designed to teach…
STEAM education startup Piper has released a new version of their DIY computer with the Piper Computer Kit 2, which is designed to teach kids about computer science, electronics, and programming.
“The Piper Computer Kit is the ultimate D.I.Y. computer-building experience, for ages 8–13. Build a REAL computer from start to finish while playing the Raspberry Pi Edition of Minecraft to learn how to code and make STEAM connections to the real world.”
The Piper Computer Kit 2 is designed around the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B, which comes with a 16GB micro SD card loaded with the Raspberry Pi edition of Minecraft, a few mini games, and the company’s PiperCode coding app, which uses Blocky by Google.
The DIY computer comes with everything kids need to build their own PC, including the Raspberry Pi, a 9-inch 1024 x 600 LCD display with HDMI cable, an integrated speaker, 25 laser-cut wooden and acrylic pieces, 50 hardware pieces, 20 electronic components, a 7,800mAh rechargeable battery, a Phillips-head screwdriver, and a USB mouse. Piper also includes an 8-square foot laminated blueprint with detailed steps on how to put it all together.
Once completed, the Piper Computer Kit 2 features an integrated controller with several input buttons kids can use for coding seven different games, which includes step-by-step tutorials. Piper states that learning how to program via their PiperCode, it should be easy for children to transition over to Python as their skills advance. The Piper Computer Kit 2 is now available for $299.