After school clubs

[imunro01]

As part of my role as a NM, I've been asked to run one or two after school clubs for students. Can you offer any reasonable suggestions for interesting clubs, which would take minimal resources and planning to run?

Cheers!

[FN-GM]

I did a computer club. Basically pulling computers apart and putting them back together. Just look a few machines of the skip pile and a few screwdrivers.

[Michael]

I agree with the above, but also deliberately creating problems and getting students to work out the hardware fault is a good excercise.

[laserblazer]

What age range? I've found Scratch has worked well with 9-13 years. The more able help those finding it harder work and after the first few lessons, you can sit back with a cup of tea and let them get on with it.

[Oaktech]

If you have any budget then maybe a Raspberry Pi, Raspberry Jam club?

[imunro01]

We're a high school, so it'd be years 9-13.

I think a hardware session may be a fair idea

[north-ict]

We're a high school, so it'd be years 9-13.

I think a hardware session may be a fair idea

Would you need to consider health and saftey?

[imunro01]

I suppose if I did get a Raspberry Pi club going, has anyone got any good resources to use for beginners?

[Gibbo]

Digital photography and basic photo editing: There is a community and competitive aspect to this with websites like Panoramio and Geograph where photographs of local landmarks and scenery can be uploaded and shared.

Advanced Website design and coding: Going beyond basic web pages with advanced techniques, with the possibility of a student’s section on the school website, written by the students for the students (after ensuring the content is approved before publication).

Computer design and Assembly: Looking inside a computer to see how they work. Dismantling and rebuilding a machine.

Simulations: There is a fantastic free aircraft & spaceship flight simulator called Orbiter which is both educational - due to its scientific aspect - and fun.

[AJWhite1970]

Another vote for Scratch, plus Kodu is getting quite popular here, some of the stuff the Yr7-9's are producing is excellent.

Not as zero cost as the others, but Lego NXT kits are a lot of fun

[GrumbleDook]

Steam for Schools?

Does it need to tie in / support any part of the curriculum (eg to support G&T, to promote computing, targeting disengaged learners, etc)?

If you are running it then I would make sure you are a member of a union purely for legal / insurance / allegation protection.

[andrew_91090]

I know it seems really dull and boring, but surprisingly the kids went mental with this:

Pivot Stickfigure Animator - Download

it's just a stick animation software, but kept them quiet

[ICTDirect_Dave]

Not as zero cost as the others, but Lego NXT kits are a lot of fun

And then you could make them build this!

LEGO Great Ball Contraption (GBC) Layout 2012.9 - YouTube