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Pico Pong STEM Kit

Note: This kit is still under re-development and will be available to loan soon – check back later!

Explore the interaction between the virtual and physical worlds via SCRATCH programming language!

Students will learn how to code a simple game (Pong) in the Scratch programming environment and then use a Pico sensor board to collect a variety of sensor data: light, pressure, flex, sound, and position.  Then they will use that data to control the game paddles! Dr. Jaime Ruiz helped to develop this STEM kit.

Science and Engineering Practices include: 1) developing and using models; 2) analyzing and interpreting data; 3) using mathematics and computational thinking; 4) obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information.

Crosscutting Concepts include: 1) patterns; 2) cause and effect; 3) scale, proportion and quantity; 4) systems and system models; 5) structure and function.

Class Requirements

  • 6th grade and up
  • Minimum teacher preparation
  • One to two class periods
  • 30 students or less working in pairs
  • Science notebooks
  • Computers

Pico Pong STEM Kit Resources

  • Pico Pong STEM Kit Use Instructions (complete teacher guide)
  • Data Table Template
  • Science Notebook Template (for use in lieu of Science Notebooks)
  • Science Notebook Template (Spanish version)
  • Science Notebook Evaluation Rubric (coming soon)
  • Pico Pong STEM Kit Instruction Booklet
    (available upon request – email name and school to Dr. Andrew Warnock)
  • Scratch (website)
  • Sparkfun (website)

Next Generation Science Standards: Disciplinary Core Ideas

Borrowing Pico Pong STEM Kits

There is no charge to educators who wish to borrow any of our STEM kits. We appreciate applications be submitted at least 2 weeks in advance of the desired use date. The loan application forms require you to confirm your email address before it will be sent to the EOC – so once you click submit, check your email (including the junk folder)! You should also get a copy of the form for your records via email, if you don’t, please contact Jordan Conley (jordan.conley@colostate.edu).