EEME makes hands-on project kits and online lessons to teach kids electronics... and now Python coding!

I have yet to find a good resource for my 10 year old kid to learn Python coding.

So as a parent as well as an entrepreneur, engineer, and educator, I am excited to announce EEME's new Python Coding Base Kit!!

(UPDATE May, 2023 - we learned a ton from this test trial Python Coding Base Kit, but inevitably found some issues with the learning experience using this kit. This led us to revise and launch a much improved Python Coding and Electronics Learning Kit. More details explained in the recent blog posts.)

The Python Coding Base Kit includes a mini-computer board among other components. It re-uses the electronics components from our electronics kits to teach your family Python coding!

All the Python lesson curriculum will be accessible via your EEME dashboard.

In the upcoming future, we'll be focused on 3 goals:

1. Once a month (if not sooner), launch new Python Coding projects and lesson curricula, that builds on past electronics project kits.

2. Improve on the learning and coding experience (we'd love your feedback!)

3. Polish up other 'operational' details such as the dashboard, shopping page, etc..

Find a detailed FAQ below with answers to relevant questions you may have.

But as usual if you have any additional questions, suggestions, feedback, please don't hesitate to reach out!

Thanks so much and happy building (and coding)!!
Jack "EEME Dad"

FAQ

How is this Python Coding Base Kit different from your electronics project kits?

With our electronics project kits, your family builds various night-light, buzzer alarm, motor driver circuits using only electronics components such as LEDs, resistors, capacitors, transistors. The functionality is controlled purely by the physics of the components and electicity (ie electric current).

With the new Python Coding Base Kit, your family will build similar circuits but the functionality is created with Python code you write. Having already established a core understanding of how the electronics components work (from our electronics kits + lessons), with the new Python coding lessons, we shift the focus on teaching your family Python programming concepts and how your code controls the components.

So with this said, we do require your family to have built a couple of projects from our electronics project suite before working on our Python curricula.

Why is it important for kids to learn both electronics and coding?

In a future of self-driving cars, ever smarter wearable devices such as watches, glasses, augmented / virtual reality, robotics - any aspiring engineer will need to learn both electronics and coding. Emerging engineering disciplines will inevitably combine noth electrical and computer engineering.

What do I need to purchase, how do I get started?

If you are/were an EEME electronics kits subscriber, or have a 9-project set, simply purchase the Python Coding Base Kit. With the components from the electronics project kits + the Python Coding Base Kit, you are ready to tackle any of the Python lesson curricula we have published.

If you don't have an EEME electronics kit, then we suggest you purchase the Python Coding Base Kit plus subscribe to the monthly electronics kit subscription or buy a 9-project electronics project set. Build 2-3 electronics projects. Then your family should be ready to learn with our Python lesson curricula in parallel to building the other electronics projects. Don't stop building the electronics projects since we will continue to leverage concepts from later electronics projects! And keep the components since the Python curricula will re-use them!

Why did you choose the Python programming language?

As a computer engineer, my go-to programming language is Python. For those unfamiliar with Python, it is arguably one of the most versatile and powerful programming languages - with applications ranging from artifical intelligence, to data science, to desktop applications, to web applications. As a matter of fact, EEME's blog and website both make heavy use of Python. Python also has the added benenfit of being easy to read and learn!

How does EEME teach Python differently from other online resources?

As with all our projects, we pair learning with hands-on building. Mostly all other resources teach Python coding strictly online, in a digital manner on your computer.

Instead, your family will physically build circuits which can be controlled by the Python code you write, through a small mini-computer board (ie microcontroller) in our kit. By physically building (versus a pure screen-based learning experience), we maximize our kids' engagement and curiosity.

Our online lessons will teach your family how the projects work, how the Python code works, how the Python code interacts with the physical hands-on circuit you built!!

What kind of software do I need, setup for your kit?

All you need is the latest Google Chrome browser running on any Windows 10/11, Mac OS, Linux computer and/or laptop. Our online lesson suite and coding application, kit setup application runs entirely in the web browser.

Simply plug in our mini-compouter board into your computer/laptop's USB and follow the instructions on our website.

Do you have a sample curriculum to share?

Absolutely! With your free EEME account, check out our Python Coding project lesson - that's part of the curriculum to re-build a portion of our Project Genius Light night light circuit.

NOTE: you will need to be using the latest Google Chrome browser!

This new project will enable control of the night light functionality through Python code your family writes.

Is it a requirement to have first built the hands-on electonics kits?

Yes. All our lessons build on each other in terms of complexity. In order for your family to make sense of the concepts in our Python Coding curriculum, you will need to have built at least 3 projects from our electronics kits - either thru a monthly eletronics kit subscription or 9-project set.

In the Python curricula, we leverage your family's knowledge of breadboards, LEDs, resistors, electric current, voltage, transistors, etc. which you gained from building those electronics circuits.

We don't have the components from your electronics project kits anymore!?

As mentioned before, our Python curricula will also use the old components from past electronics project kits (the LEDs, resistors, wires, photoresistors, etc.).

If you don't have the electronics components anymore, simply email us and we'll work with you to get replacement parts.

My budget's limited. Will future lessons / curricula require buying more stuff?

No. Our intention is to create a rich suite of curricula that uses the Python Coding Base Kit and the electronics components from your electronics project kits.

In the far future, we may add new sensors and other complex electronics components. But with just the Python Coding Base Kit, your family should be able to build tons of projects and learn tons of Python coding concepts thru curricula we launched or plan to launch.