KIDSBLOCK Installation

INSTALLING KIDSBLOCK

In the past we have used MIXLY which is similar and was based on BLOCKLY from MIT developed by the Beijing University Education University. Now we are using KIDSBLOCK which is based on SCRATCH3 from MIT and includes great support for Arduino and ESP32. It specifically supports the Keyes boards we are familiar with.

KIDSBLOCK supports a spectrum of Student Interaction and Learning, starting with the traditional SCRATCH visual based block structured environment with graphics, sprites etc.

KIDSBLOCK supports a broad range of educational hardware, including the Arduino family, Micro:bit, ESP8266, and ESP32 boards, making it versatile for STEM education and creative electronics projects. Students have an almost seamless path from SCRATCH to Electronics and Microcomputers.

Download Software

For Windows System：

For MAC System：

KIDSBLOCK SETUP AND USER OPTIONS

NOTES

There are several things that were confusing about starting to use KIDSBLOCK. It starts up at default in SCRATCH graphics programming mode. That’s fine, and we can USE that with kids starting out, even at younger than HS age. Hmmm..

There IS also a mode in which SCRATCH graphics with sprites and all that can Interact with Arduino or ESP32 so on-screen realtime SCRATCH sketches can interact with hardware. I have not tried that yet, although I understand how it downloads and uses “Firmata” code on the ESP32 to communicate from SCRATCH sprites etc. WOW, more ???

After the initial installation there are 3 sections. Pick one for your Arduino or ESP type.

STARTING UP KIDSBLOCK

Windows install screens

After downloading, start the Kidsblock Installer (WINDOWS= kidsblock.exe) MAC = ). You will see these screens:

NOTE: Accept the default location on C: . Alternates not tested yet)

You should then see this: ( Wait for completion.)

You Probably will get one or two popups like this, as it accesses the Arduino main site. Click ALLOW ACCESS.

FIRST KIDSBLOCK STARTUP

There should be a Kidsblock icon (LADYBUG) on your desktop (or start/applications menu) Click on it ONLY ONCE!

NOTE: Kidsblock takes a LONG time to load! 15 to 30 seconds+. WAIT. Do not click again.

You will see NO RESPONSE TO YOUR CLICK FOR 30 or more seconds! Then you should see a quick screen like this:

After a couple seconds the main Kidsblock screen should appear. It will look like this:. Take some time to look it over. NOTE the leftmost menu from MOTION down to MyBlocks.

It will always start in Graphics/sprite mode. You can try some examples.

TRY OUT KIDSBLOCK "SCRATCH" MODE

Click on the EVENTS button. Click and drag the (GREEN FLAG) item out to the right area and drop it.

Click on MOTION and drag the two blocks shown out to the right. Move them so they click together. Click on the Green Flag (The one UP to the LEFT of the LADYBUG). See the LADYBUG follow your code?? Try other things!

There are Many Examples on the "Tutorials" button on the top banner right

SWITCH TO KIDSBLOCK ARDUINO or ESP32 MODE

When Kidsblock starts up, on its top bar you will see this, which is default mode.

You need to select the DEVICE you want (Probably "ARDUINO " or "Inventor Kit for ESP32" or "ESP32 Development Board".. ) Here's how to find them:

THREE Paths here now with links:

Jump to ESP32_Development_Kit

Jump to ARDUINO VERSIONS

Inventor Kit for ESP32 (USA) (HERE)

Click on N0 Device Selected and you will see this page pop up:

The Inventor Kit for ESP32 will be found in the KIT option. That page will look like this: Scroll DOWN and Click on the "Inventor Kit for ESP32"

This will pop up another page which will try to FIND the Inventor Kit connected to your computer.

Now go ahead to plugging in your Inventor kit.

GETTING THE Inventor Kit CONNECTED

Connect your "Inventor Kit for ESP32" by USB cable ("Micro-B" plugged into the USP32 Module) to your computer (USB A with possible USB-A to USB-C adapter for a MAC etc.). Two small red LEDs should light up: One on the small ESP32 module plugged into the Inventor Kit, and one on the lower left of the Inventor Kit.

Id the cable is correct and the Kidsblock install worked correctly so USB drivers were installed, the Kidsblock popup should change to this: (click on CONNECT)

Next you should see this: (Click on "Go To Editor" )

NOTE: AT the Top Bar of Kidsblock you should see this as The Inventor Kit is sucessfully connected. YOUR COM Port number will likely be different.

A detailed page on using Kidsblock for ESP32 is HERE.

NOTE: There will be a similar path to using the "ESP32 PLUS Board"

• • • • • • Working here **********

ESP32 INVENTOR KIT Board PIN LOCATIONS

You will need to plug wires onto ESP32 pins to connect to many different devices. Here is a image of the pins and their labels. To decide which pins would be best for a certain use, refer to the following page.

ESP RECOMMENDED PIN USEAGE

The following table shows what pins are best to use as inputs or outputs and which ones you need to be cautious of because they have other uses or actions. The pins labelled OK are OK to use for digital Input or Output, and for the other functions they are labelled for such as PWM, Analog In or Out etc.

There is a PDF file available with this diagram and columns for you to note what your project will be using pins for. It's Media:ESP32-RecommendedPinsYourProject.pdf HERE

ESP32 Development BOARD (HERE)

NOTE: At this point you CAN plug in your ESP32plus Development BOARD on USB to your computer. It won't do anything YET...

Click on N0 Device Selected and you will see this page pop up:

The ESP32Plus Development Board will be found in the ARDUINO option. That page will look like this: Scroll DOWN about 5 rows and Click on the "ESP32Plus Development Kit"

This will pop up another page which will try to FIND the Inventor Board connected to your computer.

Now go ahead to plugging in your ESP32 Development Board. When it is found you will see this:

Click CONNECT. If problem try unplugging and replugging the USB cable. When it DOES connect you'll see this. Click on GO TO EDITOR.

The whole KIDSBLOCK screen will load and at ther top you will see you are all connected:

Now go back to where you were..

ARDUINO BOARDS (HERE)

NOTE: We will select the "UNO PLUS development board" here as it is very similar to the Yourdunio RoboBlack you have in Egypt.

NOTE: At this point you CAN plug in your ARDUINO BOARD on USB to your computer. It won't do anything YET...

At the very top of KIDSBLCOK Click on N0 Device Selected and you will see this page pop up:

The "UNO PLUS development board" will be found in the ARDUINO option. That page will look like this: Scroll DOWN and Click on the "UNO PLUS development board"

This will pop up another page which will try to FIND the UNO PLUS connected to your computer.

Now go ahead to plugging in your UNO PLUS or RoboBLACK Board. When it is found you will see this:

Click CONNECT. If problem try unplugging and replugging the USB cable. When it DOES connect you'll see this. Click on GO TO EDITOR.

The whole KIDSBLOCK screen will load and at the top you will see you are all connected:

BUT BUT!! You MAY see this ERROR:

Go to the Upper Right and click the switch to the right. The screen will change. X out the error message and you are good to continue.

Now go back to where you were..