๐ก Write code that controls the real world - LEDs, motors, sensors! ๐ก
The Perfect Introduction to Programming and Physical Computing
About This Workshop
Learn to program Arduino microcontrollers and build interactive electronics projects! Intro to coding and hardware. These same chips are baked into everything around us - cars, thermostats, factory lines, satellites, medical devices, and every robot worth building. Learning to use an Arduino opens up a world of automation, robotics, and embedded systems that keeps getting bigger as students grow into it. Physical-computing skills that feel like play at age 10 become the foundation of real engineering by high school.
What Students Will Do
- ๐ป Write Real Code - Learn programming syntax, variables, loops, and functions
- ๐ก Control LEDs - Start with blinking lights, progress to patterns and colors
- ๐ Read Inputs - Use buttons, potentiometers, and sensors as inputs
- โก Build Circuits - Connect components on breadboards
- ๐ค Add Motors - Make things move with servos and DC motors
- ๐จ Create Projects - Build interactive devices they design themselves
What Students Will Learn
Programming Fundamentals
Variables, loops, conditionals, and functions - the building blocks of all code.
Digital & Analog I/O
The difference between digital (on/off) and analog (variable) signals.
Sensors & Actuators
How to read sensors and control motors, LEDs, and other outputs.
Debugging Skills
Finding and fixing problems in code and circuits - essential for all makers!
Other Program Format Options
- Weekly Club (Recommended) - 45-60 minutes per week for 8-12 weeks. Great for afterschool clubs.
- Camp Format - 2-3 hours per day for one week. Intensive immersive experience.
- Class Integration - Can be customized to fit into existing STEM curriculum.
- Call to discuss pricing - pricing varies based on program format
Why Schools Love This Program
- Real Programming - Students write actual code, not drag-and-drop blocks
- Physical Results - Code makes real things happen - instant feedback!
- Foundation for Robotics - Arduino skills transfer directly to VEX, FIRST, etc.
- Career Relevant - Microcontrollers are used everywhere in industry
- Progressive Curriculum - Builds from simple to complex over time
- Take-Home Projects - Students can continue learning at home
Sample Curriculum
- Weeks 1-2: Blink an LED, variables, delay functions
- Weeks 3-4: Buttons, digital inputs, if/else statements
- Weeks 5-6: Analog inputs, potentiometers, mapping values
- Weeks 7-8: Servo motors, PWM control
- Weeks 9-10: Sensors (light, temperature, distance)
- Weeks 11-12: Final project - design and build!
Perfect For
- STEM Clubs - Semester-long learning progression
- Robotics Prep - Foundation skills for VEX/FIRST teams
- Summer Camps - Intensive week-long experience
- Enrichment Programs - After-school or weekend series
- Maker Spaces - Regular programming workshops
What's Included
- Arduino boards and USB cables
- Breadboards and jumper wires
- LED and sensor kits
- Motors and servos
- Curriculum and worksheets
- Project components