Maker Challenge LIS 648: Raspberry Pi
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| Here is the Pi I bought at Micro Center |
What is a Raspberry Pi?: Created in 2009, a Raspberry Pi is a credit card sized computer that is reasonably priced, around $35, that can be used to teach people of all ages how to compute and program computers. With just this small device, an SD card, keyboard, mouse, and monitor, this simplistic computer is a starting point for learning how a computer works.
What is a Raspberry Pi? from Raspberry Pi Foundation on Vimeo.
Steps for setting up your Raspberry Pi: I purchased the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B, which comes with Wireless Internet connectivity and 4 USB ports. Older models do not have Wi-Fi and only have 2 USB ports.
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| At the bottom: HDMI port and four USB portts |
1.) Purchase or locate the necessary items to go along with your Raspberry Pi.
- SD Card (8GB or more) to store your computer's information
- HDMI cable and monitor/TV
- Keyboard and mouse with USB connectivity
- Power Supply- mini UBS for power
- Case for your RPi (I purchased a simple one for $5)
*It is also helpful to have access to the Internet
2.) Before you connect the necessary items, we had to download the Raspberry Pi start up program from their website. This included their operating system NOOBS. This should be downloaded to the SD card from a separate computer. For detailed instructions, check out their page Getting Started with NOOBS.
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| Here is the Pi with it's case |
- Plug in the required cables and SD card with the downloaded OS system.
3.) Once everything is connected, the Raspberry Pi will run through its set up process and then it's ready to go.
Here is a Quick Start Guide from the Raspberry Pi Foundation that I found useful.
Here is the Pi in all it's glory!
How is a Raspberry Pi used?: Since this is a tiny computer that anyone can use, there are endless possible uses. Here are some ideas for beginner users:
Scratch- This is a program that comes on the basic OS and is mainly used by kids to work with and learn how to create their own computer games, animations, and stories. It is a virtual programming tool that teaches programming techniques without the complexities of writing code.
Minecraft- Also already on their basic OS, this game allows players to build and create their own 3D worlds. Many elementary schools use Minecraft to teach problem-solving.
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| I was really excited to discover Minecraft! |
Sonic Pi- A coding tool used to make music. Players practice working with code to create different sounds and beats. (I played around with this one and really enjoyed it).
*There are a plethora of programs already on the Raspberry Pi OS that can be used to teach coding and basic computing skills.
How could a Raspberry Pi be used in the library?: If included in a Makerspace, a simple use of a Pi would be to allow students to explore the world of programming and computing using the many programs already available on the Raspberry Pi OS, but there are lots of other ideas that libraries and schools have used.
Examples:
Real-time transit information kiosk: Click here to see setup instructions
Dedicated OPAC terminal: Many libraries are replacing large, outdated computers with a RPi to save money and space. This is a great idea to just simply display your library catalog. Click here for more information.
Since you can program your Pi to do pretty much whatever you want, the possible uses are endless. Here are other ideas, which include a weather station, robotics, a landline phone.
