Getting Started

Get Started with Learn to Code

Visit SAM Studio (previously Google Workbench)

Visit our coding platform, SAM Studio to access our block-based coding platform, SAM Blockly. SAM Blockly is the coding platform that is used for our Learn to Code course.

Make sure Bluetooth on your device is turned on.

Is my device compatible?

Charge your SAM Blocks

Make sure your blocks are ready to use.

The light will turn green when the block is fully charged.

Show me how Troubleshooting

Pair your SAM Blocks

Open SAM Blockly.
Turn on your SAM Block.
Click ‘DEVICES’ and select the block from the list.
Click ‘CONNECT’ and ‘Pair’.

Show me how Troubleshooting

Get started with micro:bit

Use our ‘Get Started with micro:bit’ guide (provided in the Learn to Code Course) to download the hex file required to utilize the micro:bit on SAM Blockly.

Connect the micro:bit battery.
Click ‘DEVICES’ and select micro:bit from the list.
Click ‘CONNECT’ and ‘Pair’.

What’s next?

Download our Learn to Code Lesson Packs

Kickstart the Learn to Code Course with our Starter Lessons, followed by our standards-aligned Lesson Packs, which guide students to create programs using SAM Blockly.

The Learn to Code lessons are structured around a mission that the character, Sam, needs to complete. Each pack contains an easy-to-follow Lesson Plan, supporting Lesson Slides, interactive Misson Journal and Step-by-Step student resource.

Explore Lesson Content