Prototyping activities

Prototyping is an important phase in any Makeathon as it allows students to bring their designs to life and test their ideas in a hands-on way. It's a good idea to get them working on trial projects and challenges just to become more familiar with the technology before they get to work on their project ideas.

Here are some prototyping activities and games that students can try during the Makeathon to get to know the technology better:

1. Micro:Bit Challenge: Provide students with a BBC Micro:Bit and a set of challenges to complete, such as controlling a motor or LED light. This can help students learn the basics of programming and electronics and gain confidence in using the technology.

2. 3D Printing Challenge: Give students a design challenge to create a 3D printed prototype, such as a toy or a piece of jewellery. This can help students learn how to use 3D modelling software and understand the capabilities and limitations of 3D printing.

3. Code Breaking Challenge: Provide students with a set of coded messages and challenges to decipher them using programming skills. This can help students learn programming languages and understand how they can be used to solve real-world problems.

4. Virtual Reality Challenge: Have students design and build their own virtual reality experiences using software such as Unity. They can then use VR headsets to experience their creations.

5. Robotics: Students can work on building robots using kits such as LEGO Mindstorms or VEX Robotics. They can then program the robots to perform tasks such as following a line or picking up objects. MTF frequently sets activities for students that involve building robots using Micro:Bits, servo motors and sensors.

6. Game Design: Teach students how to design and program their own video games using platforms such as Scratch or Construct. They can then playtest their games and refine them based on feedback.

7. App Development: Introduce students to app development using tools such as App Inventor or Xcode. They can then design and create their own apps for mobile devices.

These activities and games can help students develop their technical skills and gain hands-on experience with various technologies.