The Programmable Box is a flexible programming platform based on the Arduino processor, with numerous ways to teach coding concepts to kids.

Programming is arguably one of the most useful skills kids can learn. With this in mind, Lloyd Linnell created a piece of hardware named the Programmable Box. Its purpose is to teach us how to program computers.

Linnell’s design provides a flexible programming platform which is based on the Arduino processor. It is equipped with a number of devices that can help easily teach modern programming concepts.

Over the last two years, The Programmable Box and the associated curriculum has been successfully used to teach children in the USA. However, Lloyd now wants to make the box accessible to more schools in the country.

To make this happen, Linnell has started a Kickstarter campaign. He hopes to raise funds to take the programming learning platform into production.

Send The Programmable Box to Your Old School

Currently, the box has six different LEDs, an ultra-sonic range detector, and two dual-colored LEDs. It also has a potentiometer, a momentary contact switch, and a buzzer/speaker. The curriculum progresses step by step and begins with the very basics.

A 3D printed case, which comes in a variety of colors, replaces the need for hand-soldering. It also shortens the time needed to begin programming.

Lloyd says on his Kickstarter page:

“It is our desire to enable The Programmable Box and the associated curriculum to be more widely accessible to students and educators so as to foster a broader base of individuals with knowledge of computer programming.”

If you are interested in helping out the cause, you can either pledge $5, $25, $50 0r $100. Although, keep in mind you won’t receive the Programmable Box yourself. However, you can choose a school which you’d like to begin using the box.

If the Programmable Box is funded, the electronic design schematic, 3D printed case files and printed circuit board design files would be made available on GitHub. Alternatively, you could order your own from here.

Money from the Kickstarter campaign will also be spent on improving the current manual. In addition, a completely assembled version of The Programmable Box will be available. 

The project currently has one backer and $50.00 pledged of $3,250 goal. But with 19 days to go, there’s still time to help out. For more information head over to the Kickstarter campaign site.