Programmable bricks: Toys to think with

In this paper, we discuss the applications and implications of the Programmable Brick-a tiny portable computer embedded inside a LEGO(R) brick, capable of interacting with the physical world in a large variety of ways. We describe how Programmable Bricks make possible a wide range of new design activities for children, and we discuss experiences in using Programmable Bricks in three types of applications: autonomous creatures, active environments, and personal science experiments.