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See how easy it is to control servos with Python and the micro:bit! Firia Labs Engineer Todd Beales takes you through the fundamentals of servos, and shows you how to spin 'em up with CodeSpace and a little bit of Python.

Continuous Rotation Servos with Python and the micro:bit

2019-11-01-continuous-servo

Controlling external discrete LEDs with Python and the micro:bit is a breeze!  Todd  is back in our second No Blocks November installment to walk you through it with CodeSpace and a little bit of Python.

Discrete LEDs with Python

2019-11-05-discrete-led

Positional servos are the next stop on our tour of micro:bit peripherals in Python. We tested this one out at GaETC 2019, so we can confirm it's a crowd pleaser!

Controlling Positional Servos with Python

2019-11-07-positional-servos

Want to connect an external push-button or switch to your micro:bit? It's easy to do, and Python gives you complete control over digital input pins! Despite their simplicity, there are some interesting nuances when dealing with buttons and switches. Check it out!

Buttons and Switches - Digital Inputs in Python

2019-11-11-buttons-switches

A potentiometer is a great way to improve control in your micro:bit projects. Whether you're using it as a game controller, to select options from an on-screen menu, or controlling musical tempo and pitch, there are so many potential uses!

Potentiometers with Python - Analog Control Peripheral with Potential!

2019-11-13-potentiometers

Coding at the speed of sound! You can't beat the HC-SR04 sensor for a low-cost way to do experiment with some really cool physical science. How does the speed of sound change as the temperature changes? Write a little Python code then do an experiment to find out!

Ultrasonic Distance Sensor with Python and the micro:bit

2019-11-15-ultrasonic-sensor

CodeSpace works with most computers, but there are a few specific requirements that must be satisfied for correct operation.

Computer Requirements

2019-11-18-computer-requirements

Learn how to seamlessly run CodeSpace on Linux with our step-by-step guide, ensuring a smooth and efficient setup process for all your coding needs.

CodeSpace on Linux

2019-11-18-linux

Follow these simple directions to remove old drivers on Windows and ensure your system is ready to run with CodeSpace seamlessly.

Removing Old Drivers on Windows

2019-11-18-old-drivers

To ensure seamless access to all CodeSpace curriculum check out this page of all URLs that need to be whitelisted.

Whitelist URLs

2019-11-18-whitelist-urls

The micro:bit's NeoPixel library makes it a snap to add these super-bright and colorful components to your next project.

NeoPixels with Python and the Micro:bit

2019-11-20-neopixel-and-microbit

Ready for some fast-paced, precision input controls for your micro:bit? Joysticks are great for gaming, but there are SO many other applications for them in the world of Physical Computing! Whether you're creating musical instruments of the future, or building a telerobotic manipulator, you can learn how to make it happen with Python and CodeSpace in this post!

The Joy of Python - Connecting a Joystick to the micro:bit!

2019-11-22-joystick

Just in time for the Holidays, turn your micro:bit and an old kitchen thermometer probe into an accurate and versatile digital thermometer. Python powered kitchen science is the best! As an added bonus, you'll be cooking with Logarithms, so get your math on and have some fun as we code this up in CodeSpace!

Kitchen Thermometer - Python likes Turkey a micro:bit

2019-11-26-kitchen-thermometer

Magnetic switches are popular peripherals you can even find at your local hardware store. Whether you're making a DIY security system, trying to count how many times a door is opened during a day, or building the notorious fridge alarm, this project will show you the way!

Using a Magnetic Switch - Protected by Python!

2019-11-30-magnetic-switch

CodeBot has a Breadboard! I couldn't wait to get started with the new Breadboard expansion module. CodeBot brings out plenty of I/O capability on the expansion connectors to accommodate a virtually infinite array of external devices... where to begin!? 

Introducing CodeBot's new Breadboard Expansion - Display Project!

2020-07-11-breadboard-display-project

Part one of a series of posts on API design with neopixels. Designing an API can be magical - you make a wish, and then it comes true!

NeoPixel API: Part 1 - What's an API?

2020-10-26-neopixel-api-part1

Part two of a series on API design with neopixels. Designing the NeoPixel API of your dreams!

NeoPixel API: Part 2 - Make a Wish!

2020-10-27-neopixel-api-part2

Part three of a series on API design with neopixels. Your new Python module takes shape!

NeoPixel API: Part 3 - a Python Library Module

2020-10-28-neopixel-api-part3

The fourth and final installment of a series on API design with neopixels. Wrapping up with the amazing neo_sweep() function!

NeoPixel API: Part 4 - Chase Lights Explained!

2020-10-29-neopixel-api-part4

Connect a whopping 128 LEDs to the CodeBot with just four wires! And with a few lines of Python code, we’ll bring those LEDs to life..

I2C Displays on the CodeBot

2021-10-27-i2c-codebot

Wearable LEDs are all the rage! Do a quick search on Pinterest and Etsy and you’ll find oodles of wearable flashy-light projects – from simple jewelry to full LED-infused dresses and jackets. In this two-part blog, I’ll show you how to use your CodeX to control a pair of sparkling NeoPixel glasses.

CodeX Wearable NeoPixel Glasses Part 1: Making the Glasses

2021-11-15-codex-neopixel-glasses-part-1

In the first blog of this two-part series, we built a cool pair of neopixel glasses that are powered by your CodeX. Now that the hardware is complete, we get to the fun part: the software! In this blog, we will code up some cool, flashy animations for the CodeX glasses.

CodeX Wearable NeoPixel Glasses Part 2: Programming the Pixels

2021-12-23-codex-neopixel-glasses-part-2

Are you tired of the same old two-dimensional line follower track for Firia Labs CodeBot? Well you've come to the right place!

The Incredible Helix Line Follower Track

2022-03-08-helix-line-track

CodeX Wet Paint App

2022-07-07-codex-wet-paint

Back to School Checklist for your Firia Labs Teaching

2022-08-03-back-to-school

Check out this video for some helpful tools to use in the CodeSpace text editor.

Editor Shortcuts in CodeSpace?

2022-08-22-shortcut

Updates for CB3 A popular accessory for the CodeBot expansion port is a display.

Updated OLED Display software for CB3

2022-12-21-updated-oled-software

Follow this how-to article for instructions on fixing your product that's blacklisted by Windows.

CodeBot or CodeX Blacklisted by Windows?

2023-05-23-blacklist

CodeBot Haunted House Challenge: A Spooky, Python-filled Adventure!

2023-09-07-haunted-2023

Learn how to check and connect your device to CodeSpace.

Target Device Connections

2023-6-21-target-connections

Firia Labs celebrates the 2023–2024 Firiambassador Cohort, a team of educators dedicated to boosting student confidence and engagement in Computer Science through hands-on Python and robotics learning.

Firiambassador Archive - Celebrating the 2023-2024 Team

2024-06-01-firiambassadors-2023-2024

Introducing CodeAIR: the ultimate autonomous drone that brings the cutting edge of AI and Python programming to your classroom!

The Birth of an Autonomous Drone

2024-06-23-birth-of-a-drone

A cohesive, well-structured curriculum does more than just teach students STEM concepts… At Firia Labs, we’re  committed to providing both educators and students with the tools they need to succeed in today’s tech-driven world. It’s time  to move beyond disconnected activities and embrace a curriculum that builds lasting skills, one mission at a time.

The Power of a Cohesive Curriculum in STEM Education

2024-10-25-cohesive-curriculum

Learn about the exciting updates in our Fall 2024 newsletter!

Fall 2024 Newsletter

2024-11-06-newsletter-fall-2024

Project Showcase: Celebrate Valentine's Day with CodeX

Valentine's Day Project: A CodeX Project with a Heart

2025-02-10-codex-valentines-day

Firia Labs, in collaboration with Infosys Foundation USA, is committed to providing tuition-free professional development for teachers through the Summer Institute 2025.

Pathfinders Summer Institute 2025

2025-03-01-pathfinders-2025

Project Showcase: Celebrate Pi Day with CodeX

Pi-Thon Day Project: CodeX Pi Day Challenge

2025-03-14-codex-pi-thon-day

Project Showcase: Shake up April with CodeX rain showers

April Showers with CodeX

2025-04-08-codex-april-showers

Free in-person summer PD for West Texas educators—learn coding and computer science with hands-on training in Alpine, TX.

Soar into Summer Learning: Free CS PD with Firia Labs & WeTeach_CS

2025-04-10-we-teach-pd

Project Showcase: Bloom with CodeX by creating colorful May Flowers!

May Flowers with CodeX

2025-05-08-codex-may-flowers

Firia Labs celebrates the 2024–2025 Firiambassador Cohort, a team of educators dedicated to boosting student confidence and engagement in Computer Science through hands-on Python and robotics learning.

Firiambassador Archive - Celebrating the 2024-2025 Team

2025-05-29-firiambassadors-2025-2026

Summer 2025 Newsletter

2025-06-01-newsletter-summer-2025

If AI powers the future, how do we prepare students for it? Explore the intersection of AI and STEM education in this insightful article.

AI and the Future of STEM Education

2025-06-14-ai-stem-edu

Project Showcase: Check in with CodeX to communicate mental health or productive struggle using colors.

September Check-In

2025-09-09-september-checkin

Project Showcase: Send messages, spark curiosity, and explore coding with CodeX radio communication!

CodeX Link-Up

2025-11-03-codex-link-up

Project Showcase: Spread holiday cheer by sending and receiving a digital present with CodeX radio signals.

Winter Holiday Tag

2025-12-02-codex-holiday-tag

Project Showcase: The competition really heats up this February with the 2026 Winter Olympics. Spread the excitement with this CodeX project that brings the Olympics into the classroom. For beginners and intermediate programmers, this project has something for everyone.

CodeX Winter Olympics

2026-01-29-codex-winter-olympics

Free in-person summer PD for West Texas educators, learn coding and computer science with hands-on training.

CodeXpress Your Way to Confidence with Python Programming: Free CS PD with Firia Labs & WeTeach_CS

2026-02-17-weteach-pd-26

A research-grounded argument for rethinking the blocks-first tradition—and why, in a Python- and AI-driven world, starting with text may better serve students’ learning, confidence, and long-term success.

The Case for Starting with Text: Why Blocks Aren’t the Only On-Ramp to Computer Science

2026-02-24-start-wth-text

Project Showcase: Bring a little luck to coding as students use graphics, probability, and random numbers in CodeX to draw clovers and build a fun, interactive game of chance.

CodeX Lucky Charms

2026-03-02-lucky-charms

Firia Labs, in collaboration with Infosys Foundation USA, is committed to providing tuition-free professional development for teachers through the Summer Institute 2026.

Pathfinders Summer Institute 2026

2026-03-09-pathfinders-2026

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