Before I dive in, let’s explain what I mean by “Makertool Showdown” and why am I bothering to write about it? I’m constantly evaluating tools (software, hardware, conceptual, etc…) to figure out which tools might be the most appropriate for different projects and for kids of different ages and abilities. I find it helpful to pit them against each other in a friendly competition to help me choose. These evaluations are usually very specific to one use or a defined set of uses, so don’t get your feelings all hurt if your personal favorite loses.
I’m trying to choose the best tools for Creative Computing camps (7-10 and 11-14) we are offering at DigiCamp this summer. Several of the projects in each camp have kids coding designs which are then brought out into the real world via one of several possible fabrication devices. The final product may be as simple as a color print or iron-on t-shirt sheet, or as complex as a 3D printed object or project cut with our CNC machine.
TurtleArt and BeetleBlocks are both great – and are really focused on being tools for slightly different aged kids. TurtleArt is a bit simpler (fewer commands, limited to 2D designs) and is better for introduction to coding. BeetleBlocks is based on Scratch, and so for kids who have experience with Scratch it is an easy transition to start creating with.
TurtleArt allows you to save the image you create with it as a bitmap graphic. I really like how kids can display their code as part of the graphic so it can be displayed alongside of the design. BeetleBlocks can’t display the code alongside its product, but has the additional feature of allowing the design to be exported as a .svg file (which kids can then send to our Cameo Cutter, CNC, or Laser Cutter) or as an .stl file (which can be sent to the 3D printer). For Maker and Fabrication camps, this may be the most important feature.
For YML’s Maker (7-10 y/o) and Fabrication (11-14 y/o) workshops I am going to focus the kids on BeetleBlocks. There will be a little more of a learning curve for the younger kids, but many of them are familiar with Scratch already, so I think they will get through it quickly. The ability to export to fabrication devices pushes BeetleBlocks over TurtleArt for camp this summer – but we will continue using it for workshops at YML and in school.
Kris Swanson dot Blog 