A group of young people have won a prize in Pioneers, a national competition, for their innovative digital creation using equipment and support from the Glass Box at Taunton Library.
The digital making prize has been awarded by the Raspberry Pi Foundation, a UK-based charity that supports learning about computer programming and digital making. They set a challenge to make something using technology related to the outdoors, giving young people 10 weeks to come up with a unique digital piece of work.
Somerset young people in years 7 to 10 from Bishop Fox’s School, Heathfield Community School and Castle School met at the Glass Box in Taunton Library to take on the challenge. They had access to a wide range of technology in the Glass Box, including three Rasberry Pi micro computers for programming, and support from mentors from the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office, the Code Club and library volunteers.
By collaborating the young people came up with a new digital version of the Tin Can Alley game. The young people devised from scratch how the game could be enhanced using circuits, MicroBits, code and a live scoreboard.
The Raspberry Pi Foundation judges said the young peoples’ idea was great, that it deserved special recognition and asked if they could have a go on the game as soon as possible.
Cllr David Hall, Cabinet Member responsible for libraries at Somerset County Council, said: “Well done to the young people for winning this prize. It is great to see that the technology and support available in the Glass Box is helping young people to broaden their creativity and learn new and exciting digital skills to bring their ideas to life.”