Gadget Book: Raspberry Pi Projects for Kids
Published by No Starch Press, with their characteristic high-quality images and clear layouts (and Fritzing circuit diagrams), it covers twelve possible projects for kids. These include meddling with Minecraft, mastering the Pi Camera for selfies, creating an automatic texting machine and a magic music box, among others.
The final chapter covers a computer game using the Raspberry Pi Sense HAT, along with a joystick and LED Matrix. A special bit of code, as it was sent into space as the winning entry for the Astro Pi competition.
The publishers write:
“Raspberry Pi Projects for Kids will show you how to harness the power of the Raspberry Pi to create 12 cool projects using simple code and common materials like a webcam, microphone, and LED lights. Step-by-step instructions and detailed diagrams guide you through each project.”
The full list of topics covered comprise:
- Create an LED night-light that turns itself on and off
- Set up a Raspberry Pi camera to take selfies and videos
- Set up a webcam to stream video to your cell phone
- Manipulate environments in Minecraft
- Hijack local radio waves to play your own songs and recordings
- Configure Raspberry Pi to send texts to a cell phone
- Track your family members’ locations via wi-fi and Bluetooth
- Create an MP3 player
- Set up a camera to take motion-triggered photos of wildlife
- Control the electronics in your home with your cell phone
- Teach Raspberry Pi to read aloud posts from your Twitter feed
- Play “Rock, Paper, Scissors” against Raspberry Pi
While the book says its contents are compatible with all Raspberry Pi models, it is the Model 3B+ that is recommended.
I can confirm it is a clearly written, accessible, high-quality production, which certainly should inspire youngsters to build things with their Raspberry Pi.
Author
The author of the book is the UK-based Dan Aldred, a Computer Science teacher, freelance writer and self-described hacker.
Among his achievements, he led the winning team of students for the first Astro Pi competition whose code is now orbiting Earth aboard the International Space Station.
Raspberry Pi Projects for Kids details
Title: Raspberry Pi Projects for Kids
Author: Dan Aldred
Publisher: No Starch Press
Pages: 266
Price: $24.95
ISBN-13: 9781593279462
Date: January 2020
Format: Paperback
Note that it is not to be confused with the title of the same name, published by Packt Publishing – Raspberry Pi Projects for Kids
See also: Gadget Book: Learn Robotics with Raspberry Pi