
This class will teach how to use Arduino coding to control actuators, such as LCDs, motors and servos. Students will learn how about actuators, how to hook them up to the Arduino, and how to use Arduino libraries to control them. NOTE: This class will meet twice a week for five weeks or once a week for 10 weeks . Sunday classes meet once a week. During class, students will first be introduced to the concepts through PowerPoint slides, and then guided through the lesson for how to connect the components and how to write the code. Students will either use Arduino components that they have at home, or they will use a simulation program, called TinkerCad, to follow along. IMPORTANT: Before students take this class, they should have basic knowledge of the Arduino microcontroller, and know the basic format of Arduino coding and be familiar with how to use a breadboard. It is best if they already participated in my first two courses: Arduino Coding Part 1: LEDs, Circuits and Breadboards and Arduino Coding Part 2: Reading and Using Sensors. IMPORTANT: If you are using an actual Arduino, you will need to have access to a computer with a USB port, not just a chromebook or tablet because the Arduino IDE does NOT work on those devices. Please see the Learning Goals below for a list of topics covered in this class.
Students will learn about different types of actuators and how to wire them.Students will learn how to use a variety of displays, such as the LCD, 8x8 LED array, and 7-segment displays. Learn about the different types of actuators, such as digital, analog and pulse. Review how to wire a LED and use a breadboard. Learn how to wire and use an active and passive buzzer and how to write songs using a passive buzzer. Learn the difference between positional and continuous servos, how to wire and write code for them Learn how to wire and use a stepper motor, to turn it clockwise, and counter-clockwise, and how to count the steps. Make a stop watch. Students need to either have an account with www.autocad.com to use the free TinkerCad circuit simulator or download the free Arduino IDE from www.arduino.cc to use with the Arduino components. TinkerCad does NOT have many of the devices we will be using.
You can buy the components separately, but it would be more expensive than buying a kit that has all the parts you need and more. Either of these kits would be more than sufficient for this class. There are larger kits with more components, but they are not necessary for this class.
Recommended Devices/kits if you are purchasing components separately:
Arduino Uno (or clone) with USB cable
solderless breadboard
3 different color LEDs
3 1000-ohm resistors
3 220-ohm resistors
1-3 pushbuttons
1-3 potentiometers
1 servo motor
1 ultrasonic sensor
1 passive piezo buzzer
1 stepper motor and motor driver
1 DC motor
1 active buzzer
1 passive buzzer
1 LCD, preferably with backpack (https://www.amazon.com/Qunqi-Serial-Backlight-Arduino-MEGA2560/dp/B01E4YUT3K/ref=pd_rhf_se_p_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=82F2F1N5PA4D76EEHV6H)
1 LED array
1 7-segment LED (1 digit)
1 - 4- digit LED
1 micro servo
1 continuous servo (optional)
Many male-male jumper wires of different colors
Many male-female jumper wires of different colors
Recommended Kit that contains all the parts:
https://www.amazon.com/EL-KIT-001-Project-Complete-Starter-Tutorial/dp/B01CZTLHGE/ref=asc_df_B01CZTLHGE/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=241907595991&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8544331822937541734&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9015321&hvtargid=pla-464156272733&psc=1
This will make the LCD easier to work with:
https://www.amazon.com/Qunqi-Serial-Backlight-Arduino-MEGA2560/dp/B01E4YUT3K/ref=pd_rhf_se_p_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=82F2F1N5PA4D76EEHV6H
Individual parts if you don't have the large kit:
Here are some items that you will need for this class:
8x8 LED matrix: https://www.amazon.com/Organizer-MAX7219-Display-Single-Chip-Control/dp/B07VM6HXN5/ref=sr_1_3?crid=YQ12DPYJV6VV&dchild=1&keywords=8x8+led+matrix+arduino&qid=1632697197&sprefix=8x8+arduino+mat%2Caps%2C199&sr=8-3
7 segment display: https://www.amazon.com/microtivity-7-segment-Display-Common-Cathode/dp/B004S95VJE/ref=sr_1_9?dchild=1&keywords=arduino+7+1+digit+segment+display&qid=1632697304&sr=8-9
4 digit display https://www.amazon.com/HiLetgo-Digital-Segment-Display-Arduino/dp/B01DKISMXK/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=3IUD9L2USXBRF&dchild=1&keywords=arduino+7+segment+display&qid=1632697250&sprefix=arduino+7+seg%2Caps%2C200&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyVDkxVFdGWVQwMk8xJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMzc5MjkwN09GREFLQVJYWldZJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA1NTY1MTcyNklTTjZOV0o5MzZEJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==
Optional but fun: Neopixels: https://www.amazon.com/Adafruit-NeoPixel-Ring-Integrated-Drivers/dp/B00KBXT9I0/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=neopixel+ring+adafruit&qid=1632697401&sr=8-2
https://www.amazon.com/Adafruit-NeoPixel-Ring-Integrated-Drivers/dp/B00KBXT9I0/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=neopixel+ring+adafruit&qid=1632697401&sr=8-2My classes will teach you coding skills needed to program an Arduino microcontroller. In these classes you will learn about the Arduino and how to write code that allows it to read input from sensors and send output to actuators. You will be guided through the wiring and coding for each type of sensor and actuator so that you will eventually be able to create your own inventions.
I have been a private school middle and high school science teacher for over 30 years. During that time, I taught classes in chemistry, engineering, earth science, life science, chemistry, forensic science, biology, and health. I enjoy teaching through hands-on experimentation and I believe that students learn best when they are activity engaged in the learning process.
I am an amateur photographer and love to photograph my grandchildren, my dog, and wildlife. I enjoy creating scrapbooks from my photos. I also enjoy tinkering with my Arduino and 3D printer to create inventions of my own.12 total ratings, 11 with reviews


Elene makes learning beginner coding for all three parts of this Arduino...













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