Block Level Programming for Kids to Program STM32 Micro

[naresh_ank]

Hello,

I want to teach kids programming at the block level using STM32, which is similar to Makecode for Microbit.

Please suggest an IDE for programming the STM32 microcontroller using block-level programming

Thanks

[Sarra.S]

Hello @naresh_ank, welcome to ST Community 

There is a partnership between ST and Vittascience to offer an interface that enables the programming of STM32 boards using either blocks or Micro-Python

Block-based programming with Vittascience involves a simple drag-and-drop process, where you piece together blocks representing various functions and control structures to form a complete program.

To get started, consider the following available kits: 

• Starter kit using NucleoL476: Ideal for beginners, it comes with the NucleoL476 board and essential components to learn the basics of programming and electronics.
• Iot sensors kit with NucleoL476: this kit includes various sensors to create connected projects
• Connected plant with NucleoWB55: this kit allows you to monitor plant health and environmental conditions.
• Mars rover with NucleoWB55: this kit provides the tools to build and program a miniature Mars rover.
• CO2 aeration alert kit with NucleoWB55: Aimed at environmental monitoring, this kit helps detect and alert users about CO2 levels.

You can check the link for resources and interface here.

[Andrew Neil]

At the block level, why does it matter what microcontroller is used?

https://www.flowcode.co.uk/

Porting Makecode to another platform:

https://forum.makecode.com/t/looking-to-port-a-device-to-makecode/2309

https://www.hackster.io/wallarug/makecode-creating-custom-boards-92d933

https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-feather-m0-express-designed-for-circuit-python-circuitpython/what-is-makecode-maker

Open Source:

https://github.com/microsoft/pxt-maker

(I think you need to be logged-in to GitHub to see it)

There's Arduino cores for STM32 - https://github.com/stm32duino - so you might look at things that work with Arduino...

[CMYL]

Hello @Andrew Neil 

Blocks are defined using STM32 Micropython. VittaScience added and tested the blocks based on specific boards according to hardware kit constraints and modules. That's why you see that the education Kits are STM32-board dependent.

Otherwise if we need to develop our customer blocks the STM32 MCU or board does not matter.

Best regards

[Andrew Neil]

---

@CMYL wrote:

That's why you see that the education Kits are STM32-board dependent.

---

But that's just an implementation detail of the particular environment - at the user/learner level, why would that matter?

[Tesla DeLorean]

Aim higher.. I was writing assembler code as a "kid"

[Andrew Neil]

Assembler? Luxury!

My first programming experience was manually keying-in hex on one of these:

Image credit: https://www.computinghistory.org.uk/det/44383/Heathkit-ET-3400-Trainer/ 

[Andrew Neil]

Update to an old thread - I just came across this:

https://microblocks.fun/

"MicroBlocks is a blocks programming language for physical computing inspired by Scratch.

It runs on microcontrollers such as the micro:bit, Calliope mini, AdaFruit Circuit Playground Express, and many others."

https://wiki.microblocks.fun/en/boards/supported

Whence: https://scratch.mit.edu/

(I don't see STM32 specifically mentioned; just posted for anyone looking for avenues to explore)

[Ozone]

On a related note, since this thread has digressed anyway...

Most kids will absorb the lessons and quickly forget about it.
But the "nerdy" kids will get into assembler anyway. They are not satisfied with superficial, watered-down child-level explanations.

I got into assembler as early teen back then, too. Because nothing else was available.

[Pavel A.]

Just keep in mind that *evil* nerdy kids can quickly brick your STM32. Find them a tougher toy ))