This course aims to introduce participants to the Arduino software; all students love working with Arduino, it’s innovative, user-friendly, easy to understand, and a great way to start learning more about electronics and robotics.
This week-long course will use both theoretical and practical sessions to teach the basic skills needed to introduce your students to the Arduino software and C++ coding language.
By the end of the course, you will have all the skills required for your own Arduino project. During the course, we will give you an Arduino set and all the different parts needed to work on your own.
Arduino is very fun to work with and we promise that you will feel proud of your work, and after just a few practice exercises, you will start to understand not only the C++ coding language but also how the different devices around us actually work.
Concept by: Lorenzo Gaspari
Suggested computer proficiency: Advanced
The course will help the participants to:
- Understand the value and importance of learning a coding language;
- Be able to write a simple program in C++ with GNU Compiler;
- Transform a physical input into a digital input and analyze it;
- Work to complete customizable full Arduino project autonomously, from the beginning to the end;
- Understand the function of electronic sensors and components;
- Learn to build your own led circuit;
- Plan and design innovative and fun tools for education.
Day 1 – Course introduction & setting goals
- Introduction to the course, the school, and the external week activities;
- Icebreaker activities using drama for trust and ensemble building.
- Identification of needs and goals for each participant and relevant populations;
- First steps into C++;
- Where is C++ used, what are the main difference with other coding languages;
- Coding and education;
- Presentations of the participants’ schools.
Day 2 – Learning the basics of C++ coding
- Download and installation of Gnu++ compiler;
- Download and installation of the Arduino IDE;
- Learn basic of C++ coding through the creation of a simple geometry program.
Day 3 – Put it to the test
- Explore the kit you have in front of you;
- Learn about Arduino board, and install all his parts;
- Introduction to electronics. Basic concepts;
- Write your first C++ program to control a button to turn led on/off;
- Other experiments with the led.
Day 4 – Experiment with sensors
- Sound and light sensors. Control digital output using physical input;
- Experiments with sensors. Program the Arduino board to see values of the sensors on a serial monitor;
- Plan the design of an Arduino based simple quiz game.
Dy 5 – Build your quiz game
- Build the quiz game, finalize and try it.
Day 6 – Course closure and cultural activities
- Course evaluation: round-up of acquired competencies, feedback, and discussion;
- Awarding of the course Certificate of Attendance;
- Excursion and other external cultural activities.