Recommendations?

[PhatPoint1956]

My 13 y/o grandson demonstrates aptitude with STEM and has been learning to write code utilizing his RPi (not sure specs). His birthday is approaching (late October) and I want to get him something (hardware or peripherals) to enhance his experience. Last summer's Computer Camp featured programming in robotics. Looking for suggestions. Thanks in advance.

[W. H. Heydt]

Welcome to the forums.

You could start with a subscription to the MagPi. There are several books put out by the RPF that could be interesting and useful.

[hippy]

A MagPi subscription sounds a good idea - But check he isn't already subscribed !

It might be worth casually asking what he's doing or working on, asking what he's hoping to do, or asking his parents, to get a better idea of what he would like or appreciate most, would best help him move onwards.

For any children or grandchildren reading; always be prepared to be asked. "I'm working on Python programming and what would really help me there is a 60" telly and a subscription to Netflix and an iPhone XS Max".

[PhatPoint1956]

Gentlemen, thanks for the input. The subscription is a good direction to start but I wonder if a hand's on project would enhance his interest as well. Not necessarily robotics. Have seen some 3D printers for under $200., some IOT intended interfaces, LoRa Gateway and such. Open to and appreciate all input. Dave.

[pagenotfound]

Keep in mind that 3D printers can have serious follow up costs. The stuff they print with isn't cheap. And they have only a weak relationship to programming or even STEM in general. More like 3D design, CAD etc.

[W. H. Heydt]

Keep in mind that 3D printers can have serious follow up costs. The stuff they print with isn't cheap. And they have only a weak relationship to programming or even STEM in general. More like 3D design, CAD etc.

Even so...the discipline to do CAD is certainly a STEM subject, which--after all--includes Engineering.

[Heater]

pagenotfound,

And they have only a weak relationship to programming or even STEM in general. More like 3D design, CAD etc.

What? Have a google for something like "3D printer algoritmic design"

In the same way kids can write programs to draw 2D images in Scratch (or Logo back in the day) we could have kids writing code to generate 3D shapes. Sounds cool to me.

[PhatPoint1956]

The recurring costs in 3D printing hadn't occurred to me. Another good reason for getting input from users with actual experience. Thanks.

[wildfire]

Reading between the lines it appears your grandson has had his Pi for a while, so probably not a Pi 4.

Perhaps giving him a Pi 4 (4GB) model will help a little. He can test his newly developed circuits on the pi he already has with the safety that if things go SNAFU he has a replacement superior model to fall back on.

Be aware PSU, HDMI (adapters are available for both) & (most) enclosures will also need to be replaced.

Just throwing it out there, old Pi for testing new Pi for running successful projects.

[Moonmarch]

Saw this video about building your own Raspberry Pi handheld using a Game Boy color case not that i know how to build electronics or even interested in having my own handheld retro console, if you purchase a raspberry pi handheld from a website that builds handhelds those consoles can be priced at $200, if you build your own handheld console you would in theory save some money, and you will have a better understanding of building electronics, here is a link to a video about building your own handheld Raspberry Pi console:

DIY Raspberry Pi Zero Handheld Game Console (Part 1)
https://youtu.be/_MtN_s4tVK0

You can even build arcade cabinets that use the RPI computer the arcade cabinets will be more expensive.

[Eitan-UpSwift]

How about purchasing some analog sensors? Maybe an ultra-sonic one, there is a lot of cool stuff he can make with that.
* The MagPi magazine is great for him to learn - I would recommend that also.

[hippy]

Saw this video about building your own Raspberry Pi handheld using a Game Boy color case...

The one linked to doesn't seem too hard but some other 'build your own' handhelds would make even those skilled in electronics and making hesitate.

For someone not that experienced with electronics something like a Grove sensor system or similar might not be a bad start.

Finding out if they are interested in software and programming, hardware and electronics, or a bit of both would be a good start.

[PhatPoint1956]

Thanks Monnmarch.