Interact Digital Arts has been running workshops and training courses for over 10 years. We have covered many topics, including 3D printing, Arduino, creative electronics, programming with Micro:bit, music with microcontrollers and computer drawing. However, we have never formalised what we do as part of an "education programme". Starting in 2024 we have decided to address this and are grouping our workshops into eight key art and technology areas. We are also looking to deliver these as part of the Arts Award programme and are aiming to standardise our work with micro-controllers around the BBC Micro:bit, with the Grove system being used for adding sensors and actuators. When teaching programming we will continue to use Scratch as an introduction, but will be introducing more p5.js / Processing and Python.

Core Subject Areas

1. Drawing with Rules

Resources

• Pen and Paper

• Dice, rulers, curves

2. Generative Art

Resources

• Scratch

• p5.js / Processing (advanced)

• Printer (optional)

3. Drawing Machines and Drawing Robots

Resources

• Simple Drawing Machines

• Micro:bit + Drawing Robot

• Pen Plotter

4. Interactive Light Sculptures

Resources

• Micro:bit+ Grove Adapter

• LEDs, Sensors and Electronics

• Construction Materials

5. Sound and Music

Resources

• Micro:bit + Grove Adapter

• Speaker

• LEDs, Sensors and Electronics

6. Fashion and Wearables

Resources

• Micro:bit + Grove Adapter

• LEDs, Sensors and Electronics

7. Connected Art with Micro:bit artThings

Resources

• Micro:bit + Grove Adapter

• LEDs and Electronics

• artThings MQTT Gateway

8. Robotic Art and AI

Resources

• Micro:bit + Breakout Board

• Motors, sensors and electronics

• Raspberry Pi (advanced)

• Python (advanced)