Some of the electronic kits that they assemble can also be a great starting point.
I've introduced 10yr olds into Arduino, but it really depends on what they are interested in to start with.
If they pull things apart to see how they work, and then put them back together, or extract parts from something to use in another item, then they are much more likely to be hands on and will enjoy the 'construction' type environment.
Many think they want to program games, and I agree with others that the RP is not really suited to that age (generally speaking).
While scratch is a programming language, it comes standard on Macs I believe and can certainly be downloaded onto something to use ...if you must.
We run an introduction to Arduino in schools and myself and a few software guys think that drag and drop software such as scratch doesn't help makes them good programmers.
Yes it is a little biased (you should hear what they say about html programming) ...
Robotics is always a good one, and they can be an inexpensive one to start, which may lead to more advanced versions as their capabilities outgrow the hardware.
Whatever you choose it needs to be easy to get results, even if it is to flash lights. The quick interaction is what hooks them and once hooked they may continue.
As dougw said the BBC Micro or even some Codebugs are a really good starting point.
Some of the electronic kits that they assemble can also be a great starting point.
I've introduced 10yr olds into Arduino, but it really depends on what they are interested in to start with.
If they pull things apart to see how they work, and then put them back together, or extract parts from something to use in another item, then they are much more likely to be hands on and will enjoy the 'construction' type environment.
Many think they want to program games, and I agree with others that the RP is not really suited to that age (generally speaking).
While scratch is a programming language, it comes standard on Macs I believe and can certainly be downloaded onto something to use ...if you must.
We run an introduction to Arduino in schools and myself and a few software guys think that drag and drop software such as scratch doesn't help makes them good programmers.
Yes it is a little biased (you should hear what they say about html programming) ...
Robotics is always a good one, and they can be an inexpensive one to start, which may lead to more advanced versions as their capabilities outgrow the hardware.
Whatever you choose it needs to be easy to get results, even if it is to flash lights. The quick interaction is what hooks them and once hooked they may continue.
As dougw said the BBC Micro or even some Codebugs are a really good starting point.
