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SAM LABS Maker Kit (STEAM)
Bring a world of coding and creating to your classroom. Bursting with a variety of hardware and software, the STEAM Kit is made for the classroom and provides everything you need to unleash your students’ creativity. This is the original STEAM lesson kit, comprised of a variety of teaching materials, a flow-based coding app and a wide variety of wireless electronic blocks and accessories (including exclusive blocks not found in any other kit).
Lesson Plans
SAM Labs Lesson Plans seamlessly connect software and hardware to support STEAM learning in the classroom. Spanning across many subjects, SAM Labs makes coding accessible, experimental, interactive and fun.
By focusing on hands-on creativity and problem-solving, SAM Labs lesson plans create a totally immersive experience to engage students with the coding skills that are critical for their futures.
Students can use SAM Labs to design, write and debug programs, applying sequencing, selection and iteration. They will use logical reasoning to write algorithms, incorporating variables, inputs and outputs. Using the blocks and app, they will learn to control and simulate physical systems.
Browse Lesson Plans
You can also download the lesson plans directly from SAM Labs.
Maker Kit – A Flow-Based Coding System
In this modern era of technology, it’s important to upgrade ourselves with the new and improving ways of learning. With Maker Kit, you learn through a flow-based coding system. It uses a number of electronic blocks named as SAM Blocks and accessories that are wirelessly connected. Using these SAM Blocks and SAM Space App, one can teach much more efficiently. The interactive classroom projects and complete lesson plans ensure higher productivity.
SAM blocks are wireless and has various input functions such as sliders, temperature sensors, buttons, and output functions as a buzzer, DC/servo-motor. All of these individual items can be controlled via the SAM Space Education app.
Playing with the SAM Blocks is easy. You get to change the light colors, to create a new buzzer melody and so much more in the lesson plans for all ages!
SAM LABS Maker Kit
Teachers and students get an opportunity to experience an interactive classroom learning environment with Maker Kit. It is the original STEAM lesson kit and is suitable for 4-6 students ideally between 8-14 years old. Tablet is not included in the kit.
Never heard of STEAM before?
STEAM is simply an education approach for creative learning. It stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics as the key learning-points for students. The STEAM approach shape students to think creatively, ask relevant questions, and to make learning more fun.
What else is there?
Maker Kit is truly compatible with all the available popular classroom materials. You get the updated lesson plans as well as PowerPoint (ppt’s) and student workbooks.
Instant Pairing
At just a push of button in SAM Space app, SAM Blocks instantly appears.
Make Connections
Connecting physical blocks is easy, you just need to visually connect SAM Blocks in SAM Space app.
Alter Actions
Want to add behaviors? Just alter the actions of the SAM blocks.
Outside Class Experience
SAM Space can be used outside of class. Students can be assigned homework where they can use virtual SAM Blocks in the app.
Mastering as a Teacher
Teachers are always finding ways to improve and deserve an applause for shaping kids future. Using Maker Kits will take you a step forward as you will be paving your way towards the future of learning and classroom projects. Don’t worry, you are not alone! We provide you with lesson plans and a complete guide book that is included with the Maker kit. We have covered all the details for you to know all about the kit without any hassle.
Student Endeavors
A few years in an student life can make or break his/her career. You get to know it when you get older. So making the most of it while you are young is the right way to progress further in life.
It’s important to change with the new positive changes, because the only permanent thing is change. So is true with learning, modern learning techniques are evolving and you must be part of it to become the shining star of the future.
Q-1 How do I reset my blocks?
Turn the SAM block on. You'll know that it's on when you see a red light.
Now, hold the power button down for approximately 10 seconds until you see a white light flash.*
*Note: the red light will turn off when you press the button, ignore this and continue to hold the power button until you see the white light.
Switch the block back on and the block will then show up on your device. You will now need to pair it to the app.
Q-2 How long do the batteries last?
The battery life of each block varies. Each block is wireless and connects with Bluetooth 4.0. Sensors’ batteries last up to 1 week depending on use. A motor on average runs from 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on usage. Easily keep your wireless blocks running continuously by connecting them to the charger.
Q-3 My block isn’t working and there’s a blue light. What do I do?
Let the battery completely lose its charge. Once the blue light has gone off, recharge the block and the light will turn red. This should fix the issue. If the issue persists and the light will not turn red, please contact us on [email protected].
Q-4 My computer can't detect any of the blocks on the computer
Here is a list of questions that you can answer before proceeding:
Are your blocks connecting in the app at all?
Are the blocks turned on (do you see a red light?)?
Have you tried resetting the blocks (hold down the power button until white light flashes)?
Do you have a Bluetooth Dongle plugged in?
If you are still having issues connecting your blocks please contact [email protected] or use our live chat service.
Q-5 How long does each block need to be charged for, and how long will they last?
The blocks don't need longer than 30-40 minutes to be fully charged.
The blocks will turn from red to green when they're fully charged, but mind that when you unplug the block from the charger and turn it back on, the block will turn red to signify the power is on - this doesn't mean it's out of battery.
Q-6 Why are my blocks not appearing in the app on Windows?
On Windows, sometimes there are conflicts with the Bluetooth drivers that SAM Space installs and the Bluetooth drivers that Windows installs, which leads to SAM blocks not appearing. The Bluetooth drivers that Windows installs are not compatible with SAM Space and will need to be uninstalled.
The Windows Store SAM app is not working
The SAM app which is downloaded from the Windows store requires:
1) The Windows Creators update (version 1703) for Windows 10 or higher
2) Disabled default Windows Bluetooth drivers.
To disable the default Windows Bluetooth drivers:
1) Right-click the Windows icon > Click on `Device Manager`
2) Open the `Bluetooth` section
3) Unplug and plug in the SAM Bluetooth dongle
4) There should be a device called `Broadcom BCM20702 Bluetooth 4.0 USB Device`. Make sure this is enabled
5) If there are other bluetooth device drivers under `Bluetooth` eg, `Intel(R) Wiresless Bluetooth(R)`, then disable it. Right click on it, and select `Disable device`
Windows 10
Windows 10 will automatically update hardware drivers, and replace the SAM Space one, which can trigger the problem of blocks not appearing.
To disable Windows 10 from automatically updating Bluetooth drivers:
1) Install the "Show or hide updates" tool from Microsoft (Download here)
2) Open the tool, click Next, select `Hide updates`, and choose `Broadcom BCM20702 Bluetooth 4.0 USB Device`. If it doesn't exist, skip to step 2.
3) More information about this is on the Microsoft support page
If Windows still updates the driver to the faulty one, you can disable auto update with the following steps:
1) Right-click Windows logo and select System
2) Click on Advanced System Settings
3) Select the Hardware tab and click on Device Installation Settings
4) Select `No` button and click on Save Changes`
5) Unplug the dongle and insert it into a different USB port (otherwise Windows will use a cached driver)
6) Install the SAM driver, by clicking on `SAM Driver setup` on the desktop
If an update led to the faulty driver being installed, you can fix it by:
1) Right-click on the Windows logo and select Device Manager
2) The correct Bluetooth driver should be under `Universal Serial Bus devices`, and the faulty driver will be under `Bluetooth`. If `Broadcom BCM20702 Bluetooth 4.0 USB Device` under `Bluetooth` exists, right-click it and select `Properties`.
3) Click on `Roll Back Driver` to get the previously working driver back.
If this does not work, uninstall the drivers and reinstall the SAM Space app:
1) Right-click on the Windows logo and select Device Manager
2) Uninstall the `Bluetooth` > `Broadcom BCM20702 Bluetooth 4.0 USB Device`, and the `Universal Serial Bus devices` > `BCM20702A0` drivers, by right-clicking and selecting `Uninstall`
3) Tick the checkbox `Delete the driver software for this device`
4) Install the SAM driver, by clicking on `SAM Driver setup` on the desktop
Windows 8
If an update led to the faulty driver being installed, you can fix it by:
1) Right-click on the Windows logo and select Device Manager
2) The correct Bluetooth driver should be under `Universal Serial Bus devices`, and the faulty driver will be under `Bluetooth`. If `Broadcom BCM20702 Bluetooth 4.0 USB Device` under `Bluetooth` exists, right-click it and select `Properties`.
3) Click on `Roll Back Driver` to get the previously working driver back.
If this does not work, uninstall the drivers and reinstall the SAM Space app:
1) Right-click on the Windows logo and select Device Manager
2) Uninstall the `Bluetooth` > `Broadcom BCM20702 Bluetooth 4.0 USB Device`, and the `Universal Serial Bus devices` > `BCM20702A0` drivers, by right-clicking and selecting `Uninstall`
3) Tick the checkbox `Delete the driver software for this device`
4) Install the SAM driver, by clicking on `SAM Driver setup` on the desktop
Windows 7 and below
We only support Windows 8.1+. Please upgrade Windows to use SAM space.
More Information
You can view more information about issues with Windows drivers here: http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/take-back-control-driver-updates-windows-10/
Q-7 Where can I find documentation?
We're excited for you to start setting up your kit. When you download the app, you can select the kit you have and then a “getting started” video will appear. The video includes, “connecting,” “dragging and dropping” the wireless blocks and saving your projects. Once, you’ve followed the on-boarding process you should be ready to get inventing. In case you missed it, you can watch it again on [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmTjNAUP-M4). Our reference page will be available soon. On our reference page, you will find more detailed explanations.
Q-8 How do I open multiple camera menus?
The camera block can only take a photo if you open the camera block menu, by double-clicking on the camera block on a board. To enable multiple cameras to be used, you can open multiple camera menus by holding shift while you click on the different camera blocks.
Q-9 Windows error "This app can't run on your PC" after installing
The default Windows download is for 64-bit machines. You may need the 32-bit version of the app. Download the 32 bit Windows version here.
The problem also sometimes happens when you double click on the desktop SAM app icon, and the app opens then immediately closes.
Q-10 How do I use the Code Module?
The code module is what we call a “behaviour” to customise the way your wireless blocks talk to each other. To start writing your own JavaScript, simply “drag and drop” the Cloud Module in between a sensor and an actor wireless block. Within the app, you can see the help documentation on the right taskbar. If you can’t see it, simply go to the “?” and click on the “+” to read more. Want an example? When you place a Code Module between a sensor or an actor, these will be listed at the top of code module as “Input” and “Output.” You will need to use the names exactly as they appear in the code. For example, if you have a blank screen, connect a Button to a Code Module, and connect the Code Module to a button and a light. Then you double-click on the Code Module to write JavaScript. You can write the following (highlighted in green) in the to turn on the light: function CustomCode(Button0, CM){ 'use strict'; var output = 100; return output; } If you change the ‘output’ value to ‘[0,100,0]’, you can change the light to show as green. Using simple JavaScript you can also control the light through the button, with the following code:
function CustomCode(Button0, CM) {
'use strict';
var output = 0;
var green = [0,100,0];
if (Button0) {
output = green;
}
return output;
}
This turns the light green when you press the button and turns it off when the button is not pressed. The value you “return” becomes what you send to the connected actor modules. Want to add more? When more than one wireless block is connected, you can use CM.sendTo(“Button0”, [0,100,0])` to send to each one. If you have any further questions you can send them over to us via the application. Just click on the “?” on the bottom right of the app and click on the “Talk to SAM” and send us any questions you may have.
How do I reset my blocks?Turn the SAM block on. You'll know that it's on when you see a red light.
Now, hold the power button down for approximately 10 seconds until you see a white light flash.* *Note: the red light will turn off when you press the button, ignore this and continue to hold the power button until you see the white light.
Switch the block back on and the block will then show up on your device. You will now need to pair it to the app.How long do the batteries last?The battery life of each block varies. Each block is wireless and connects with Bluetooth 4.0. Sensors’ batteries last up to 1 week depending on use. A motor on average runs from 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on usage. Easily keep your wireless blocks running continuously by connecting them to the charger.My block isn’t working and there’s a blue light. What do I do?Let the battery completely lose its charge. Once the blue light has gone off, recharge the block and the light will turn red. This should fix the issue. If the issue persists and the light will not turn red, please contact us on [email protected] computer can't detect any of the blocks on the computerHere is a list of questions that you can answer before proceeding:
Are your blocks connecting in the app at all?Are the blocks turned on (do you see a red light?)?Have you tried resetting the blocks (hold down the power button until white light flashes)?Do you have a Bluetooth Dongle plugged in?
If you are still having issues connecting your blocks please contact [email protected] or use our live chat service.How long does each block need to be charged for, and how long will they last?The blocks don't need longer than 30-40 minutes to be fully charged.The blocks will turn from red to green when they're fully charged, but mind that when you unplug the block from the charger and turn it back on, the block will turn red to signify the power is on - this doesn't mean it's out of battery.
Why are my blocks not appearing in the app on Windows?On Windows, sometimes there are conflicts with the Bluetooth drivers that SAM Space installs and the Bluetooth drivers that Windows installs, which leads to SAM blocks not appearing. The Bluetooth drivers that Windows installs are not compatible with SAM Space and will need to be uninstalled.The Windows Store SAM app is not workingThe SAM app which is downloaded from the Windows store requires:
1) The Windows Creators update (version 1703) for Windows 10 or higher2) Disabled default Windows Bluetooth drivers.
To disable the default Windows Bluetooth drivers:
1) Right-click the Windows icon > Click on `Device Manager`2) Open the `Bluetooth` section3) Unplug and plug in the SAM Bluetooth dongle4) There should be a device called `Broadcom BCM20702 Bluetooth 4.0 USB Device`. Make sure this is enabled5) If there are other bluetooth device drivers under `Bluetooth` eg, `Intel(R) Wiresless Bluetooth(R)`, then disable it. Right click on it, and select `Disable device`Windows 10Windows 10 will automatically update hardware drivers, and replace the SAM Space one, which can trigger the problem of blocks not appearing.
To disable Windows 10 from automatically updating Bluetooth drivers:
1) Install the "Show or hide updates" tool from Microsoft (Download here)2) Open the tool, click Next, select `Hide updates`, and choose `Broadcom BCM20702 Bluetooth 4.0 USB Device`. If it doesn't exist, skip to step 2.3) More information about this is on the Microsoft support page
If Windows still updates the driver to the faulty one, you can disable auto update with the following steps:
1) Right-click Windows logo and select System2) Click on Advanced System Settings3) Select the Hardware tab and click on Device Installation Settings4) Select `No` button and click on Save Changes`5) Unplug the dongle and insert it into a different USB port (otherwise Windows will use a cached driver)6) Install the SAM driver, by clicking on `SAM Driver setup` on the desktop
If an update led to the faulty driver being installed, you can fix it by:
1) Right-click on the Windows logo and select Device Manager2) The correct Bluetooth driver should be under `Universal Serial Bus devices`, and the faulty driver will be under `Bluetooth`. If `Broadcom BCM20702 Bluetooth 4.0 USB Device` under `Bluetooth` exists, right-click it and select `Properties`.3) Click on `Roll Back Driver` to get the previously working driver back.
If this does not work, uninstall the drivers and reinstall the SAM Space app:
1) Right-click on the Windows logo and select Device Manager2) Uninstall the `Bluetooth` > `Broadcom BCM20702 Bluetooth 4.0 USB Device`, and the `Universal Serial Bus devices` > `BCM20702A0` drivers, by right-clicking and selecting `Uninstall`3) Tick the checkbox `Delete the driver software for this device`4) Install the SAM driver, by clicking on `SAM Driver setup` on the desktopWindows 8If an update led to the faulty driver being installed, you can fix it by:
1) Right-click on the Windows logo and select Device Manager2) The correct Bluetooth driver should be under `Universal Serial Bus devices`, and the faulty driver will be under `Bluetooth`. If `Broadcom BCM20702 Bluetooth 4.0 USB Device` under `Bluetooth` exists, right-click it and select `Properties`.3) Click on `Roll Back Driver` to get the previously working driver back.
If this does not work, uninstall the drivers and reinstall the SAM Space app:
1) Right-click on the Windows logo and select Device Manager2) Uninstall the `Bluetooth` > `Broadcom BCM20702 Bluetooth 4.0 USB Device`, and the `Universal Serial Bus devices` > `BCM20702A0` drivers, by right-clicking and selecting `Uninstall`3) Tick the checkbox `Delete the driver software for this device`4) Install the SAM driver, by clicking on `SAM Driver setup` on the desktopWindows 7 and belowWe only support Windows 8.1+. Please upgrade Windows to use SAM space.More InformationYou can view more information about issues with Windows drivers here: http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/take-back-control-driver-updates-windows-10/Where can I find documentation?We're excited for you to start setting up your kit. When you download the app, you can select the kit you have and then a “getting started” video will appear. The video includes, “connecting,” “dragging and dropping” the wireless blocks and saving your projects. Once, you’ve followed the on-boarding process you should be ready to get inventing. In case you missed it, you can watch it again on [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmTjNAUP-M4). Our reference page will be available soon. On our reference page, you will find more detailed explanations.How do I open multiple camera menus?The camera block can only take a photo if you open the camera block menu, by double-clicking on the camera block on a board. To enable multiple cameras to be used, you can open multiple camera menus by holding shift while you click on the different camera blocks.Windows error "This app can't run on your PC" after installingThe default Windows download is for 64-bit machines. You may need the 32-bit version of the app. Download the 32 bit Windows version here.
The problem also sometimes happens when you double click on the desktop SAM app icon, and the app opens then immediately closes.How do I use the Code Module?The code module is what we call a “behaviour” to customise the way your wireless blocks talk to each other. To start writing your own JavaScript, simply “drag and drop” the Cloud Module in between a sensor and an actor wireless block. Within the app, you can see the help documentation on the right taskbar. If you can’t see it, simply go to the “?” and click on the “+” to read more. Want an example? When you place a Code Module between a sensor or an actor, these will be listed at the top of code module as “Input” and “Output.” You will need to use the names exactly as they appear in the code. For example, if you have a blank screen, connect a Button to a Code Module, and connect the Code Module to a button and a light. Then you double-click on the Code Module to write JavaScript. You can write the following (highlighted in green) in the to turn on the light: function CustomCode(Button0, CM){ 'use strict'; var output = 100; return output; } If you change the ‘output’ value to ‘[0,100,0]’, you can change the light to show as green. Using simple JavaScript you can also control the light through the button, with the following code:
function CustomCode(Button0, CM) { 'use strict'; var output = 0; var green = [0,100,0]; if (Button0) { output = green; } return output;}
This turns the light green when you press the button and turns it off when the button is not pressed. The value you “return” becomes what you send to the connected actor modules. Want to add more? When more than one wireless block is connected, you can use CM.sendTo(“Button0”, [0,100,0])` to send to each one. If you have any further questions you can send them over to us via the application. Just click on the “?” on the bottom right of the app and click on the “Talk to SAM” and send us any questions you may have.
