Piper Computer Kit - Detailed Review
Education Tools
Piper Computer Kit - Product Overview
The Piper Computer Kit
The Piper Computer Kit is an innovative educational tool that combines hands-on building with interactive learning, making it an excellent choice for those interested in STEM education.
Primary Function
The primary function of the Piper Computer Kit is to allow children to build and assemble their own portable computer using a Raspberry Pi 3 Model B. This process teaches fundamental concepts in electronics, coding, and computer assembly in a fun and engaging way.
Target Audience
The kit is recommended for children aged 8 to 14 years old. It is ideal for kids who are curious about how computers and electronics work and are interested in coding and creative projects like Minecraft.
Key Features
Hardware and Components
The kit includes over 50 hardware pieces and 20 electronic components, such as a 9” LCD display, HDMI cable, 7800 mAh rechargeable battery, integrated speaker, 16GB MicroSD card, and a Phillips-head screwdriver.
Building Experience
The kit comes with laser-cut wooden slats that fit together like a jigsaw puzzle, which children assemble using the provided blueprint. This process helps develop spatial skills and sequential thinking.
Coding and Electronics
The kit uses Minecraft Pi and a Scratch-like coding language called Pipercode to teach coding fundamentals. It also includes activities that teach electronics principles such as circuits, electricity, and polarity.
Interactive Learning
The kit includes an engaging in-game story mode within Minecraft, which motivates kids to use the building blocks they have assembled. This integration makes learning fun and interactive.
Engagement and Learning
The Piper Computer Kit is praised for its ability to instill confidence in students as they build and use their own computer. It promotes a maker mindset, encouraging children to become creators of technology rather than just passive learners. The kit is safe for younger kids to use with some mild parental supervision and is suitable for both home and classroom settings.
Piper Computer Kit - User Interface and Experience
The Piper Computer Kit
The Piper Computer Kit offers a unique and engaging user interface that seamlessly blends physical building with virtual learning, making it an excellent tool in the education sector.Physical Building Interface
The kit comes with a set of clearly labeled wooden pieces, screws, breadboards, and other components that snap easily into place, similar to a wooden puzzle. This physical building aspect is guided by a non-digital instruction manual that resembles a blueprint, making it easy to follow and assemble the computer.Virtual Interface
Once the physical computer is built, the user interface transitions to a virtual environment. The kit boots up into a custom Minecraft StoryMode software, where users interact with the game to learn about coding, engineering, and computational thinking. The instructions are integrated into the game itself, accessible through a Crafting Table within the Minecraft environment. This table provides step-by-step instructions on how to wire up the hardware using breadboards, inputs, and outputs connected to the Raspberry Pi.Ease of Use
The Piper Computer Kit is engineered to be user-friendly, especially for children aged 8-14. The parts are clearly labeled, and the instructions are presented in a way that makes it difficult to fail. The use of cardboard packaging that can be reused or recycled adds to the kit’s accessibility and environmental friendliness.User Experience
The overall user experience is highly interactive and engaging. After assembling the computer, users start with StoryMode, which guides them through various levels and minigames. Each level includes guides and instructions to help users progress. Once they complete the core levels, they can transition to Creative Mode, where they can explore and build using the circuits they have learned to create.Engagement
The kit is designed to keep users engaged through a combination of physical and virtual activities. The virtual storytelling and interactive games ensure that learning is fun and interactive, while the physical building aspect provides a tangible sense of accomplishment. The ability to expand into more complex projects, such as those offered by the Sensor Explorer kit, keeps the experience fresh and challenging.Conclusion
In summary, the Piper Computer Kit offers a well-structured and engaging user interface that makes learning about computers and coding both fun and accessible. Its ease of use and interactive design ensure a positive user experience, making it an excellent educational tool. Piper Computer Kit - Key Features and Functionality
The Piper Computer Kit
The Piper Computer Kit is an educational tool that combines hands-on building with interactive learning, making it an excellent choice for teaching STEM skills to children. Here are the main features and how they function:
Hardware and Components
- The kit includes over 50 hardware pieces and more than 20 electronic components, such as a Raspberry Pi 3 Model B with a quad-core 1.2GHz processor, a 9” LCD display with an HDMI cable, a 7800 mAh rechargeable battery, an integrated speaker, and a 16GB MicroSD card.
- These components are used to build a fully functional computer, which is assembled using a Phillips-head screwdriver and laser-cut wooden slats that fit together like a jigsaw puzzle.
Assembly and Building
- The kit comes with an 8 square foot laminated blueprint that guides the assembly process. This visual aid helps children follow the steps to build their computer.
- The wooden case is easy to assemble, with numbered pieces to keep track of the components, making it accessible for children aged 8-14.
Learning Through Minecraft
- Once the computer is built, children can use it to play Minecraft: Pi Edition, a version of Minecraft specifically designed for the Raspberry Pi. This game helps teach the fundamentals of circuitry and computer science through interactive missions.
Coding and Electronics
- The kit introduces children to coding using a Scratch-like coding language and through the use of Minecraft: Pi Edition. This hands-on approach helps them learn electronics and coding principles in a multisensory way.
Educational Resources
- The Piper Computer Kit comes with extensive educational resources, including 35 STEAM lesson plans, assessments, student handouts, and instructional resources. These resources are standards-aligned and available as a one-year license, making it easy to integrate into classroom settings.
AI Integration
While the Piper Computer Kit itself does not directly integrate AI, Piper’s broader product line, such as Piper Make, focuses on AI literacy. However, the Piper Computer Kit lays the foundational skills in coding and electronics that are essential for later AI-related learning. For AI-specific learning, one would need to look into other Piper products like Piper Make, which provides a hands-on environment for coding and building projects that involve AI concepts.
Benefits
- The kit promotes digital confidence and 21st-century skills by allowing children to build and use their own computer.
- It fosters hands-on learning, making complex concepts like electronics and coding more accessible and engaging.
- The interactive nature of the kit, especially through Minecraft, keeps children engaged and motivated to learn.
Overall, the Piper Computer Kit is a comprehensive educational tool that combines physical building with virtual learning, providing a solid foundation in STEM skills and preparing children for more advanced topics in technology and AI.
Piper Computer Kit - Performance and Accuracy
The Piper Computer Kit
The Piper Computer Kit is a highly engaging and educational tool, particularly in the STEM education category, but it does come with some limitations and areas for improvement.
Performance
The kit performs well in its primary function of teaching children how to build, program, and use a computer. It includes a Raspberry Pi 3 board with a 1.2GHz CPU, 1GB RAM, and various ports such as HDMI, USB, and Wi-Fi, making it a capable mini-computer. The kit’s performance is enhanced by its interactive lessons, such as those found in the Piper StoryMode, which combines physical building with virtual storytelling. This approach helps engage kids in STEAM learning and teaches them basics of circuitry and electrical engineering.
Accuracy and Factual Learning
The Piper Computer Kit is accurate in its educational content, using a Stanford-endorsed curriculum and endorsed by Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple. The lessons are structured to ensure that children learn practical applications of electronics and basic coding skills through hands-on activities. The kit includes a Minecraft mod called PiperCraft, which provides a sandbox and story mode that teaches electronics and programming concepts in an engaging way. This ensures that the learning experience is both fun and factually accurate.
Engagement
Engagement is a strong point of the Piper Computer Kit. The kit’s use of a gamified experience, such as Piper StoryMode and PiperCraft, keeps children interested and motivated to learn. The hands-on nature of building the computer and completing tasks within the game-like environment makes the learning process enjoyable and interactive.
Limitations and Areas for Improvement
One of the notable limitations is the physical design of the kit. The enclosure, while made of beautifully etched laser-cut wood, can be cumbersome to manage, especially when opening or closing the box. There is limited space to keep all components organized, which can lead to some frustration. Improvements in cable management and component securing would be beneficial.
Another area for improvement is the availability of additional lesson plans. While the initial lessons are comprehensive, users have to purchase additional content, and there have been reports of issues with accessing these extra lessons.
There have also been some reliability issues reported, such as components not working properly, which can be disappointing given the price point. However, Piper’s support team is responsive and helpful in resolving these issues.
Classroom Use
For educators, the Piper Computer Kit offers a structured approach using the 5E instructional model, which helps in engaging more students and ensuring enduring understanding in STEAM subjects. The kit includes various assessment tools and best practices for teaching, which can be very helpful in a classroom setting.
Conclusion
In summary, the Piper Computer Kit is a valuable educational tool that effectively engages children in STEAM learning while teaching them critical skills in electronics and programming. However, it could benefit from improvements in physical design, component reliability, and the accessibility of additional lesson plans.
Piper Computer Kit - Pricing and Plans
The Piper Computer Kit Pricing Options
The Piper Computer Kit offers several pricing options and plans, each with distinct features, making it accessible for various needs and budgets.
Individual Kits
- Piper Computer Kit V4B is priced at $399. This kit includes everything needed to build a Raspberry Pi-based computer, such as the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B, a 7″ screen, mouse, lithium-ion rechargeable battery, Sensor Explorer Kit, and other hardware components. It also comes with software like the Raspberry Pi Edition of Minecraft, PiperCode, Scratch 2.0, and more.
Classroom Bundles
- Piper Computer Classroom Bundle is available for educational settings at $3,999. This bundle includes 10 Piper Computer Kits V4, 10 Sensor Explorer Kits, a spare parts kit, and a 10-port USB charger. It also features the Premium Curriculum with over 40 STEAM lesson plans and various educational resources.
Additional Options and Add-ons
- Piper Mini is a more affordable option at $99. It is similar to the full kit but does not include a display, requiring an HDMI connection to a monitor or TV.
- Sensor Explorer Kit can be purchased separately for $59, adding additional projects like an Ultrasonic Range Finder, Temperature Sensor, and Color Sensor.
- Other add-ons include the Piper Make Game Controller for $69, Piper Make Robotic Walker for $69, and various other Piper Make projects.
Free Resources
- While there are no completely free kits, Piper offers free educational guides and resources. For example, the Piper Playbook and Piper StoryMode are available to guide teachers and students through STEAM learning projects. Additionally, free software updates with new projects are included with the kits.
Payment Plans
- For those who prefer a payment plan, Piper offers options like Affirm, allowing you to start with payments as low as $28 per month.
These options provide flexibility for both individual learners and educational institutions, ensuring that the Piper Computer Kit can be adapted to various budgets and learning environments.
Piper Computer Kit - Integration and Compatibility
The Piper Computer Kit
The Piper Computer Kit, a popular educational tool, integrates well with various components and platforms, making it a versatile and compatible option for learning environments.
Hardware Compatibility
The Piper Computer Kit is built around the Raspberry Pi microcomputer, which is a widely used and compatible platform. The kit is available with different Raspberry Pi models, including the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B , Raspberry Pi 3 Model B , and Raspberry Pi 3 Model A .
Operating System
The kit uses the Raspbian operating system, which is Linux-based and specifically optimized for Raspberry Pi devices. For the Raspberry Pi 4, the kit utilizes the Buster operating system, which is necessary due to the new hardware features of the Pi 4, such as additional USB ports, micro-HDMI connections, and a new video chip.
Software Updates and Compatibility
Piper regularly releases software updates to ensure compatibility and fix any bugs. For instance, the V2.8.2 software update was released to address issues found in the V2.8.1 version for kits using the Raspberry Pi 4 microcomputer. Users can update the software directly from the kit or by reflashing the SD card.
Educational Tools and Platforms
The Piper Computer Kit is integrated with educational content, including StoryMode and PiperCode play modes. These modes provide interactive learning experiences, teaching basics of engineering, coding, and computational thinking. The kit is also compatible with external tools like keyboards and monitors, allowing users to access a full desktop environment running the Raspbian operating system.
Educational Settings
The kit is widely used in various educational settings, including schools and home environments. It is part of successful programs in over 500 school districts and is praised for its ability to engage students in learning about physical computing and coding. The kit comes with detailed blueprints, complete lessons, and instructions, making it easy to implement in classrooms or at home.
Expandability
While the Piper Computer Kit is primarily designed for its specific educational software, it is a fully functional computer that can perform tasks similar to any other Raspberry Pi device. Users can attach external keyboards, use the internet, and perform other tasks that a standard Raspberry Pi can handle, making it a versatile tool beyond its primary educational functions.
Conclusion
In summary, the Piper Computer Kit is highly compatible with different Raspberry Pi models, uses a specific and updated operating system, and integrates well with educational tools and platforms, making it a reliable and versatile choice for educational settings.
Piper Computer Kit - Customer Support and Resources
Customer Support
Piper offers dedicated customer support specialists who are available to help with any issues or questions you might have. If you encounter any problems, you can email the support team at hi@playpiper.com for assistance.
Resources and Guides
Each Piper Computer Kit comes with comprehensive resources to guide you through the building and learning process. Here are some key resources:
- Blueprints and Instructions: The kit includes detailed blueprints with step-by-step instructions to help you build the computer and complete various projects.
- Piper Educator’s Guide: This guide is available for different versions of the kit (e.g., Version 2 and Version 4) and provides a structured approach to the lessons and activities.
- Piper Playbook: This resource outlines the lessons and projects, including links to additional guides and resources. It is available for both Version 2 and Version 4 of the kit.
- Premium Curriculum: For educators, the Premium Curriculum includes 35 STEAM lesson plans, assessments, student handouts, vocabulary, and instructional resources. This is particularly useful for classroom settings.
Software and Projects
The kit includes various software and projects to engage students in learning:
- StoryMode and PiperCode: These play modes offer interactive learning experiences, including projects based on the Raspberry Pi Edition of Minecraft.
- Additional Software: The kit includes software such as Scratch 2.0, Mathematica, Python, and Sonic Pi, providing a wide range of coding and computational learning opportunities.
Troubleshooting
For any technical issues, Piper’s support page offers troubleshooting guides specific to each product, including the Piper Computer Kit. If you don’t find the solution to your issue listed, you can contact the support team directly.
Educator Resources
Educators can benefit from resources such as slide presentations, quizlet vocabulary, graphic organizers, kahoots, rubrics, and walkthroughs. These resources are accessible through the Piper website and are often included in the Premium Curriculum bundle.
Teacher Preparation
To ensure a successful experience, it is recommended that teachers build a Piper kit in advance to understand what their students will be doing. This helps in preparing guiding questions and testing circuitry and coding lessons before conducting them with students.
By leveraging these resources and support options, users of the Piper Computer Kit can ensure a productive and educational experience.
Piper Computer Kit - Pros and Cons
Pros of the Piper Computer Kit
The Piper Computer Kit offers several significant advantages that make it a valuable educational tool:
Hands-On Learning
The kit allows children to build their own Raspberry Pi-based computer, providing a hands-on experience in electronics, coding, and computational thinking. This tactile approach helps kids develop a deeper understanding of how computers and electronics work.
Engaging and Fun
The kit integrates with Minecraft Pi Edition, making learning circuitry and computer science engaging and fun. This gamified approach keeps children entertained while they learn.
Comprehensive Kit
The kit includes everything needed for the project, such as a 9” LCD display, HDMI cable, rechargeable battery, integrated speaker, 16GB MicroSD card, and a Phillips-head screwdriver. This ensures that children have all the necessary components to complete the project without additional purchases.
Educational Value
The Piper Computer Kit teaches fundamental STEM skills, including electricity, circuits, and coding. It aligns with career-connected learning pathways and provides resources for educators to integrate into their lesson plans.
Ease of Assembly
The kit comes with a large, easy-to-read blueprint that guides children through the assembly process. Each piece is clearly labeled, making it easier for kids to follow along.
Educator Resources
The kit includes extensive educator resources, such as 35 STEAM lesson plans, assessments, and instructional materials, which make it easy to incorporate into educational settings.
Portability and Storage
The computer can be easily disassembled and stored, making it convenient for both home and school use.
Cons of the Piper Computer Kit
While the Piper Computer Kit has many advantages, there are also some drawbacks to consider:
Cost
The kit is not cheap, retailing at $299 for the full version, although a screen-less version is available for $99. This can be a significant investment for some families or educational institutions.
Limited Software
Once the computer is built, the software capabilities are limited, and it cannot be used for typical PC functions. This restricts its use beyond the educational content provided.
Hardware Durability
The small plastic parts and electronics can be damaged if mishandled during assembly, which requires careful handling.
Mouse and Keyboard
The included mouse is small and may not be comfortable for older children or preteens. The buttons on the keyboard are also not as smooth as those on a standard keyboard.
Performance
The kit is based on a Raspberry Pi system, which is not powerful enough to run cutting-edge video games or demanding applications. It is primarily designed for educational purposes rather than high-performance computing.
Overall, the Piper Computer Kit is an excellent tool for teaching STEM concepts in an engaging and hands-on manner, but it does come with some limitations and a significant price tag.
Piper Computer Kit - Comparison with Competitors
When Considering the Piper Computer Kit in Education
When considering the Piper Computer Kit in the context of education tools, particularly those that are AI-driven or focus on STEM education, here are some key points and comparisons with similar products:
Unique Features of Piper Computer Kit
- The Piper Computer Kit stands out for its hands-on, build-your-own computer approach. It includes a Raspberry Pi 2 or 3 Project Board, a 7″ LCD display, and various components like LED lights, motion sensors, and breadboards. This kit allows children to assemble their own computer and engage in educational activities through a Minecraft story mode and other interactive challenges.
- It comes with a detailed blueprint and step-by-step instructions, making it accessible for children aged 7-12 to learn computer engineering, programming, and computational thinking.
- The kit integrates both physical and virtual learning, allowing students to build gadgets and explore a virtual universe, enhancing their problem-solving skills and digital confidence.
Alternatives and Comparisons
AI-Powered Learning Platforms
While the Piper Computer Kit is more focused on physical computing and hands-on learning, there are AI-powered platforms that offer different types of educational experiences:
- Smart Sparrow: This platform uses AI to personalize learning and provide real-time feedback. It offers interactive lessons but does not involve physical hardware assembly.
- Querium: This AI-powered tutoring platform provides personalized learning experiences, especially in math and science, but it is more focused on digital content rather than hands-on hardware projects.
- Woot Math: Similar to Querium, Woot Math uses AI to personalize math lessons, but it does not include a physical component like building a computer.
Other STEM Kits
Other STEM kits and products that offer similar hands-on learning experiences include:
- LittleBits: These kits focus on modular electronics and allow students to build various projects, but they do not include a complete computer build like the Piper Kit.
- Kano Kits: Kano offers build-your-own computer kits as well, but they may not have the same level of integration with educational content like Minecraft story mode that Piper provides.
Educational Software and Tools
For those looking for more software-centric AI-driven tools:
- Gradescope: This tool is focused on digital grading and assessment, using AI to assist in grading and analytics, but it does not offer the hands-on hardware experience of the Piper Kit.
- Duolingo: While Duolingo is an AI-driven platform, it is specifically for language learning and does not involve STEM or computer building activities.
Conclusion
The Piper Computer Kit is unique in its blend of physical and virtual learning, offering a comprehensive STEM education experience that includes building a computer and engaging in interactive educational content. While other products offer AI-driven learning experiences, they often lack the hands-on hardware assembly aspect that makes the Piper Kit so distinctive. If you are looking for a product that combines building and coding with interactive learning, the Piper Computer Kit is an excellent choice. However, if you prefer more software-focused AI-driven education, other platforms like Smart Sparrow, Querium, or Woot Math might be more suitable.
Piper Computer Kit - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about the Piper Computer Kit
What is the Piper Computer Kit?
The Piper Computer Kit is a STEM education tool that allows kids to build their own portable computer using a Raspberry Pi. It combines physical building with virtual play, teaching electronics and coding through hands-on activities and tools like Minecraft Pi and a Scratch-like coding language.
What age group is the Piper Computer Kit recommended for?
The Piper Computer Kit is recommended for children ages 7-12, although it can also be engaging for kids up to 14 years old.
What components are included in the Piper Computer Kit?
The kit includes a variety of components such as a 7″ LCD display, a Raspberry Pi computer, a wooden case made from 5mm thick pine wood, a mini-stereo speaker, a USB mouse, a battery pack, cables, screws, nuts, and various electronic parts like LED lights, buttons, and breadboards. It also comes with a preloaded SD card featuring PiperUniverse and Minecraft.
How do you assemble the Piper Computer Kit?
Assembly involves following a real engineering blueprint to build the computer. The wooden case pieces fit together like a jigsaw puzzle and are then screwed together. The kit includes a Phillips-head screwdriver and all necessary tools. The components are neatly organized, and the blueprint is a fold-out poster to make the process easier.
What kind of learning experiences does the Piper Computer Kit offer?
The kit provides hands-on STEM learning experiences, teaching kids about electronics and coding. It includes educational content like PiperUniverse, an educational Minecraft story mode, where kids can build gadgets and explore the virtual world. This helps in developing 21st-century skills and digital confidence.
Can the Piper Computer Kit be used in educational settings?
Yes, the Piper Computer Kit is suitable for use in classrooms and educational programs. It has a standards-aligned curriculum and is used in over 500 school districts. The kit comes with detailed lessons and instructions, making it easy for educators to implement.
Does the Piper Computer Kit require any additional hardware or software?
The kit is self-contained and includes everything needed to build and use the computer. However, for additional projects or expansions, kids can use other computers like Google Chromebooks or MacBooks if needed.
How long does the battery of the Piper Computer Kit last?
The battery pack has a capacity of 6000mAh (though some versions may have 5500mAh), which provides sufficient power for extended use. It is rechargeable via a microUSB port and includes features like a built-in LED flashlight and a power gauge.
Is customer support available for the Piper Computer Kit?
Yes, Piper offers customer support for any questions or issues related to the kit. You can reach out to their support team for assistance.
Can I use Piper Make with the Piper Computer Kit?
While you don’t need a Piper Computer Kit to use Piper Make (it can connect to any computer), you can connect Piper Make to the Piper Computer Kit if you choose to do so. Piper Make works with devices like Google Chromebooks, MacBooks, etc.
What kind of screen does the Piper Computer Kit have?
The Piper Computer Kit comes with a 7″ LCD display that has a screen resolution of 800 x 480. The LCD display is pre-assembled into one piece to protect it from damage.
Piper Computer Kit - Conclusion and Recommendation
The Piper Computer Kit
The Piper Computer Kit is an exceptional educational tool that offers a hands-on, engaging way for children to learn about electronics, coding, and computer science. Here’s a final assessment of its value and who would benefit most from using it:
Educational Value
The Piper Computer Kit is highly effective in teaching children the fundamentals of electronics and coding through a fun and interactive approach. It allows kids to build their own portable computer using a Raspberry Pi, which is a great way to learn about the components and assembly of a computer. The kit includes a 9” LCD screen, HDMI output, and various electronic components, all clearly labeled and easy to assemble without requiring soldering or hot gluing.
Engaging Learning Experience
The kit integrates well with popular educational tools like Minecraft and Scratch, making the learning experience enjoyable and accessible for children aged 8 to 15. The activities are structured in a way that promotes cognitive skills such as sequential thinking, spatial skills, and logical problem-solving.
Collaborative Learning
Piper encourages collaborative learning, which is particularly beneficial in a classroom setting. Students can work in groups, sharing roles and solving problems together, which fosters community building and leadership skills.
Curriculum Alignment
The Piper Computer Kit comes with lesson plans that are aligned with multiple educational standards, including Common Core, Next Generation Science Standards, Computer Science, and ISTE. This makes it a comprehensive solution for STEAM education.
Who Would Benefit Most
This kit is ideal for children who are curious about how computers and electronics work. It is particularly suited for kids who enjoy hands-on activities, problem-solving, and have an interest in coding and electronics. Parents, homeschoolers, and educators looking for a project-based learning solution will find Piper highly beneficial.
Recommendation
Overall, the Piper Computer Kit is a valuable educational tool that provides a unique and engaging learning experience. It is well-suited for both home and classroom use, offering a comprehensive and structured approach to teaching STEAM concepts. For parents and educators seeking a hands-on, educational project that combines physical assembly with digital content, the Piper Computer Kit is an excellent choice. It ensures that children develop essential skills in electronics, coding, and computer science while maintaining high engagement and a sense of accomplishment.