SFPS Digital Learning Summer Camp 2026

At first glance, the Micro:bit looks like it belongs inside a computer, not in a student’s hands. Yet, it is an approachable, versatile tool that helps learners build foundational coding skills and explore how technology interacts with the real world. In this hands-on session, we’ll begin by exploring the Micro:bit’s components, then use our new knowledge to complete several simple coding projects. Finally, we will employ a Micro:bit to control hardware such as the Finch robot, helping learners understand how coding drives the technology around us.

At first glance, the Micro:bit looks like it belongs inside a computer, not in a student’s hands. Yet it is an approachable, versatile tool that helps learners build foundational coding skills and explore how technology interacts with the real world. In this hands-on session, we’ll begin by exploring the Micro:bit’s components, then use our new knowledge to complete several simple coding projects. Finally, we will employ a Micro:bit to control hardware such as the Finch robot, helping learners understand how coding drives the technology around us.

Artificial intelligence is everywhere—but how do machines actually learn? In this session, we’ll use Micro:bit’s Create AI function as an approachable entry point into AI literacy, helping students can move from passive consumers of technology to critical thinkers and creators of intelligent systems. We’ll begin with AI and machine learning 101, establishing key foundational knowledge. Next, participants will build a dataset and train the Micro:bit to understand how AI models learn from data. From there, we’ll examine how training data shapes outcomes, uncover where bias can emerge, and discuss the ethical challenges that arise when building intelligent systems.

For educators with previous Micro:bit experience, or who completed Making Sense of the Micro:bit.

What if students spent as much time creating with technology as they do consuming it? In this session, we'll explore effective strategies to integrate podcasting across subject areas, giving students opportunities to showcase their learning through creative expression. First, we’ll examine content, learning how to guide students in planning episodes that support inquiry and express their voice. Then, we’ll consider structure,exploring how organizing episodes, using formats like dialogue or interviews, can make content compelling and engaging. Last, we’ll examine form, discovering how music, sound, and cover art can convey tone and mood to create a cohesive, polished product.