> The intent of this activity is to drive home the idea that fundamental computing is not the abstraction that Apple devices or cloud platforms make it out to be. Rather, computers are machines that execute instructions to process data. Moreover, the computer and those instructions must physically exist somewhere.<p>That's a noble intent.
I also feel it's necessary to help children avoid the consumption trap. But why not start with a low-end embedded system? It would be easier and cheaper to source, program and take home. Plus: blinkenlights.