Physical Computing Teacher Workshop: Coding with Crumbles

Physical computing is an exciting way to teach computing through real-world interaction, enabling pupils to programme devices that can sense, respond to, and interact with their surroundings. Moving beyond screen-only activities, it combines programming, problem-solving, creativity, and engineering in a highly engaging and accessible format.

This session will introduce teachers to the Crumble Controller, a programmable microcontroller that supports learning in primary and lower secondary school. This 90-minute teacher training session will show how Crumbles can be used in the classroom to encourage children to build and code their own inventions. Participants will take part in practical examples and guided activities, using their own Crumble controller set provided for free to each attendee.

Due to the interactive nature of this teacher training session and the kit provided, we have only 14 places available for teachers based in the United Kingdom.

Whether you are new to physical computing or looking to build confidence before introducing it in the classroom, the workshop will provide practical guidance, classroom-ready ideas, and opportunities to ask questions in a supportive environment.

Who is it for

Primary and lower secondary school teachers

What to expect

• Interactive, hands-on training session
• An introduction to physical computing and the Crumble Controller
• Opportunities to develop programming knowledge and confidence
• Curriculum-linked activities suitable for primary to lower secondary, supported by a teacher resource pack
• Practical ideas for engaging pupils with computing through hands-on learning

What's included

Each participating teacher will receive a free Crumble starter pack which includes:

• 1x Crumble micro controller
• USB cable
• Set of 12 crocodile clip cables
• Battery box
• Light sensor
• Button Switch
• Buzzer
• Sparkle (LED Lights)
• 2 x geared motors
• 2 x tyres for geared motors

In addition, each teacher will receive a copy of our Physical Computing in Schools teacher resource pack, which includes lesson plans and step by step activity guide.

Unfortunatley, we are unable to send Crumbles coding kit outside the United Kingdom.

What teachers are saying

“STFC delivered an exceptionally well-received series of whole-school lessons and staff CPD sessions, significantly boosting pupil programming skills and teacher confidence through hands-on work with Scratch and Crumble Kits... The hands-on experience of working with Crumble Kits and Scratch completely brought coding to life, transforming what can sometimes feel like an abstract subject into an interactive, high-energy experience.”

- Primary school teacher

Confirmation and Cancellation

Due to the cost of kit provided, we ask for each attendee to commit to attending to this training session. Ten days before the session, we will send out a confirmation of attendance that you must respond to in order to receive the physical Crumble kit.

Crumble kits will be posted to schools in the United Kingdom. Please provide your school's address at registration.

No shows or cancellation with less than 24 hours' notice will be required to return the Crumble set to STFC and cover the shipping costs.

Any questions about registration or the course, please contact us at NLPE@stfc.ac.uk.