Firia

Firia Labs https://firialabs.com/  has a couple of things that I wanted to look at for #python #coding #robotics #PhysicalComputing and they were awesome in loaning me each to evaluate (short answer, i do like them, so they are worth checking out yourself if you want to learn/teach python) :
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1) JumpStart Python https://firialabs.com/collections/software is a python coding curriculum. You use their browser based CodeSpace https://make.firialabs.com/ to code a micro:bit https://microbit.org/ . They sell an Explorer Kit that is good for 2 people ($150) (CodeSpace license, microbit, USB cords, battery pack, alligator clips, buzzer, thermistor, photocell). They also have a JumpStart Kit that is good for 10 people ($500, a much better value). They sell CodeSpace licenses separately if you already have microbits and the components.

Being browser based is good for schools with Chromebooks (as well as Win & Mac OS laptops). The connection to the microbit was easy (just plug in USB cord). When you press “Run Program” it downloads directly to the micro:bit. There is a debugger in the program that shows you where you went wrong (which line of code). The lessons are pretty good and do an okay job of telling you why, though I think a few need a little more commenting / explanation of parts. The biggest question new programmers have is usually “why did you use that word? Does python say you have to use that or did you just make it up”. I would also like an “often used syntax cheat sheet” in the toolbox of resources. You unlock tools the farther you go through the lessons, by completing them and clicking on “helpful hints”. They have nice packaging for the Explorer kit and the classpack is a better price per unit. I wish they had included external arcade buttons, LED’s and neopixels {arcade buttons are $1, LED’s pennies, neopixel strips/rings a couple of dollars}. 

2) Codebot https://firialabs.com/collections/python-robotics ($150) is a “robot” with a board, two motors/wheels, 5 line sensors (with corresponding LEDs), 2 IR proximity sensors (and LED’s), 8 LED’s, two buttons, and a buzzer. You can power it from the computer via USB, but they also have an attached 4 AA pack, and a switch to toggle between those options. You code it via their browser based CodeSpace  https://make.firialabs.com/ .

The CodeBot is an all in one robotics board as well as python curriculum focused towards robotics components. It is also browser based and connecting between device and computer is seamless. Their  CodeSpace is easy to work with, though once in a while you might need to open a second browser tab to copy some bits of old code. The curriculum does a good job of progressing you through levels of complexity and unlocking some helpful hints in a “toolbox” as you go along. Though a few places could use better commenting. As always, the challenge will be to get students to go beyond the prescribed code/lessons. Firia has some suggestions and questions at the end of each lesson to help with that.