BLINK! An Introduction to Programming with Arduino

Have you ever wondered how engineers control lights using computers? Have you ever wanted to make a circuit that has a mind of its own?

In this four-week introductory class, students will discover how to program with Arduino microcontrollers, completing two introductory projects. By the end of our time together, students will have gained experience with:
* Building circuits on a breadboard
* Writing simple Arduino programs
* Integrating buttons and LEDs into projects
* Designing a custom project

The Arduino IDE uses script-based coding. Learners should be familiar with the keyboard and able to find characters such as (, ), {, }, and ;. The instructor will type along with students during coding sessions via a shared screen. Learners should access class on the same computer they are using to program to support troubleshooting. The Arduino IDE can be downloaded for free at https://www.arduino.cc/en/Main/software.

All students should have an Arduino board and a circuit breadboarding kit to complete projects. Students will need a kit that includes a breadboard, jumper wires, at least 3 LEDs, an assortment of resistors, and at least 1 push button. If a student doesn't already have an Arduino board and circuit breadboarding kit, my top three recommendations are:
* The Arduino Starter Kit: https://store.arduino.cc/usa/arduino-starter-kit
* Spark Fun Inventors Kit: https://www.sparkfun.com/products/14265 
* Elegoo EL-KIT-003 UNO Project Super Starter Kit: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01D8KOZF4/ref=sspa_dk_detail_0?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B01D8KOZF4&pd_rd_wg=A2s3s&pd_rd_r=F9HJDCDATZ83544CXCYG&pd_rd_w=crMAc

By the end of our class together, students will be able to complete two projects that incorporate blinking lights. Students will gain confidence building circuits, designing circuits, and writing their own computer programs!