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36
per class
Class

Build a Digital Pet with Arduino!

Ages 11-14
Live One-Time Class
In this hands-on class, students will learn how to build and program a basic “digital pet” using an Arduino board, LEDs, buttons, and simple logic. This project is designed to introduce learners to both physical computing and programming.

Live video meetings
Meets once
3-8 learners per class
60 min

What’s included

1 live meeting
1 in-class hours

Class Experience

In this hands-on class, students will learn how to build and program a basic “digital pet” using an Arduino board, LEDs, buttons, and simple logic. This project is designed to introduce learners to both physical computing and programming in a fun, interactive way.

✅ What will be taught?
	•	Introduction to Arduino and how it works
	•	Basic electronics: LEDs, resistors, buttons, and breadboarding
	•	Programming fundamentals in the Arduino IDE (if/else, digitalRead/digitalWrite, delays)
	•	Logic-based behavior to simulate pet emotions (hungry, happy, sleepy, etc.)

📚 Topics we’ll cover:
	•	How to wire up a breadboard with LEDs and buttons
	•	How to write and upload Arduino code
	•	Understanding input/output and how to control LEDs with code
	•	Creating behavior rules for the pet (e.g., press a button to “feed” it, or it gets “sad” after a certain time)

🧭 Class Structure:

This class will be taught over two sessions (can be adjusted depending on your plan):
	•	Day 1: Introduction to Arduino, wiring the circuit, setting up LEDs and buttons
	•	Day 2: Writing and testing the code that controls pet behavior, customizing your pet, Q&A, and troubleshooting

Each session will follow this structure:
	1.	Brief intro and review of goals (5–10 mins)
	2.	Live walkthrough of setup/code with screen share and visual aids (20–25 mins)
	3.	Guided hands-on build and code time (30–40 mins)
	4.	Sharing progress, customizations, and wrap-up (10 mins)

🎓 How I’ll Teach:

I’ll guide students step-by-step through both the wiring and the code using live screen sharing, visual diagrams, and live demos with my own Arduino. I make sure to check in often, encourage questions, and troubleshoot in real-time to support all learners — no one gets left behind!

💬 Interaction Style:

This is a very interactive class! Students will:
	•	Build along with me in real time
	•	Ask questions throughout via mic or chat
	•	Share their screens or show their circuits if they need help
	•	Participate in group discussions and “show and tell” of their digital pets

I foster a relaxed and fun environment where learners feel comfortable experimenting, making mistakes, and celebrating progress together.

Learning Goals

Understand the basics of Arduino and how it interacts with electronic components like LEDs and buttons
Build a working circuit on a breadboard using resistors, LEDs, and push buttons

Other Details

Parental Guidance
Students will be working with basic electronic components, including resistors, LEDs, jumper wires, and a powered Arduino board connected via USB. While the voltage is low and safe for educational use, parental supervision is recommended, especially for younger learners, to ensure safe and correct handling of components. This class uses the free Arduino IDE software for coding. No account is required, but students will need to download and install the Arduino IDE before class. Instructions will be provided in advance.
Supply List
ELEGOO UNO Project Super Starter Kit (available on Amazon ~ $44.99)
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
Official Arduino Documentation: https://docs.arduino.cc/ Arduino IDE Software: https://www.arduino.cc/en/software

Meet the teacher

Joined May, 2025
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
I am certified in both Arduino and Python programming and have over 6 years of experience designing and teaching STEM-based classes for learners ages 8–16. I’ve worked with students in classrooms, afterschool programs, and online, focusing on hands-on learning, creativity, and confidence-building in technical subjects. My teaching style is project-based and highly interactive, allowing students to build real-world skills while having fun.

I’ve led Arduino workshops where students built everything from traffic lights to motion detectors, and I’m passionate about helping kids understand how hardware and code work together to power the tech all around us.

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