Farnell, which manufactures and distributes the BBC micro:bit, is rolling out a programme called  ‘super:bit’ in Norway.

The project is a collaboration between the national science centres in Norway. The rollout provides a classroom kit of technology to each of the 2,400 secondary schools in Norway, over two years, starting in September 2019.

Since its launch in 2016 Farnell has shipped over 2.5 million micro:bit boards globally, supporting programmes in Denmark, Canada and Singapore.

Sales of the device almost doubled in the last 12 months, over the previous period, with more than half of sales supporting broad educational programmes.

The kits have an interactive smart city theme and pupils will learn how to use the micro:bit through applications such as planning traffic flow around green spaces by using sensors to control traffic lights. The kits, shipped by Farnell, include micro:bits, robots, and other electronic and non-electronic components.

“Programmes such as ‘super:bit’ in Norway enable teachers to teach basic electronics and computational thinking with easy access to products and educational resources,” says Farnell’s  Lee Turner, “Farnell, as the exclusive manufacturer and distributor of the micro:bit, and global electronics distributor, is uniquely able to support programmes such as this.”
 
“Our mission to help children and teachers to take their first steps with technology and broaden participation with digital creativity continues to grow with large scale programmes in over 30 countries,” says Gareth Stockdale of the Micro:bit Educational Foundation, ” we continue to work with Farnell to ensure that the BBC micro:bit is available all around the world and that these large projects are facilitated.”

To further support the rollout of micro:bit as a tool for STEM education in schools, Farnell is the sponsor for the first annual gathering of the global micro:bit community of educators and partners on 4th and 5th October in Manchester.

micro:bit Live 2019 aims to develop the micro:bit Educational Foundation’s mission to inspire every child to create their best digital future and is an opportunity for all those involved in educational initiatives and partnerships, from government level to resellers and electronics engineers to share their experiences, tips and best practices to help achieve this mission.

micro:bit products, accessories and a range of free-to-download educational resources and lesson plans  are available online from Farnell in EMEA, Newark in North America and element14 in APAC.