Google's Project Bloks will teach kids to code using LEGO style programmable blocks

Google wants to create a “tangible programming” platform for kids to help them develop computational thinking. They’re calling the project “Project Bloks.”

The “tangible” refers to the fact that programming is more physical. Google has designed Bloks to physically represent simple code, allowing kids (and maybe even adults) to create code with simple, logical steps. “Our aim is to create an open hardware platform to help developers, designers, and researchers build the next generation of tangible programming experiences for kids,” says Google. The bloks of Project Bloks consist of 3 main parts:

• Pucks: These are interactive elements like switches and can be programmed to perform a specific action when activated.
• Base boards: Pucks are placed on these base boards. The boards will read the code on the puck and will also offer connectivity options to other base boards or the brain board.
• Brain board: This is the heart of the system, the processor if you will. It’s based on the Raspberry Pi Zero and reads all the code from the connected base boards. Once it understands the code, it transmits the code, data or actions to connected devices over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

Google has already prepared some sample kits, including a sensor lab which offers programmable sensors, a music kit for mixing your own music and even a coding kit that can be used to physically program toys. Google adds that the project is still in a research phase and that they’re still working to build up the project, get more partners on board. More is on the way, they say. Don’t you wish you had these when you were in school?