INTRODUCTION:
In this 12-week flex class, students will learn how to code an Arduino Uno to create projects that move, light up, and make sound. They will learn about microprocessors, breadboard circuits, sensors and actuators, as well as the code required to use them in projects.  Students will learn how to create circuits and write code in order to use an LED, RGB LED, servo motor, potentiometer, photoresistor, thermistor, pushbutton, passive speaker, and ultrasonic sensor. They will learn how to read sensors and use the information obtained to perform an action. For example, if it gets too dark, an LED will light up and music will play. Each week, students learn about a different component culminating in a final project that students will create and share with the class.  

FORMAT OF THE LESSONS:
Every Sunday, a new lesson will be posted in the classroom on Outschool.  Each lesson begins with a recorded video that is uploaded to the classroom in Outschool.  A combination of the Arduino IDE and TinkerCad are used to teach the lessons in the videos.  Provided in the video are detailed explanations of the Arduino IDE software as well as demonstrations showing how to use it to write code, compile the sketch, and upload it to the Arduino.  TinkerCad is used to model and demonstrate how to build the circuit and also to show students the code needed to use the components.  Depending on the number of students and the various time zones involved, live Zoom classes may be scheduled to provide assistance or to share final projects with the class.

IMPORTANT:  If you are using an actual Arduino, you will need to have access to a computer and not just a chromebook or tablet because the Arduino IDE does NOT work on those devices.

Each video begins with a short PowerPoint presentation that explains the basic principles.  This is followed by a detailed guided demonstration that shows how to connect the components and the code used to control them.  Each student is expected to actively participate by following the directions described in the lesson using their components and the Arduino software and or using the simulation on TinkerCad.   It may be helpful to have separate devices: one for watching the video and a computer to try out the lessons. This will make it easier to follow along with the lessons.

Each week, an activity worksheet will be posted in the classroom that describes the objectives of the lesson, the new code commands that students will learn, and a list of activities to try. Students will have one week to complete the activities and are required to share their results and participate in the classroom discussions as described below.

STUDENT INTERACTIONS:
Students are expected to interact with each other and with the teacher every week within the framework of the Outschool Classroom site. In the first week of the class, students will be required to post video or a paragraph introducing themselves and stating what they hope to learn.  Every week thereafter, there will be post describing the interactions required for that week's lesson. These instructions will be provided on a worksheet as well as posted in the discussion forum.  Interactions will include prompts for discussion, games, contests,  surveys, sharing work, and posting videos of projects as described below. 

Some interactions will begin as a prompt posted in the classroom. These prompts will be used to initiate discussion, reinforce concepts and assess knowledge. For example, I will post a sketch with many mistakes, and each student will be required to correct one mistake. 
Other posts will include brainstorming activities, or a surveys asking students to list something new they learned or explain a challenge they experienced that week. Additionally, some posts will also include games, such as "I have....Who has?" to help build coding expertise. Prior to the game, each student will be privately emailed an Arduino command and a definition of a different command. Then the game begins when I post the first question, "Who has command that sends voltage from pin 4?" The student who was given that command will respond by posting, "I have 'digitalWrite(4, HIGH);' Who has ...." until the last student has responded.  Another game that will be used is "I'm thinking of a device" whereby each student must submit the name of a device that meets the criteria.  For example, "I'm thinking of a device that uses an ultrasonic sensor and a servo motor." and students responses may include: an automatic door automatic faucet, or an automatic batter. The first student that responds correctly gets to set the criteria for the next question.

Students will be required to use discussion forum to post responses to worksheet questions, upload code for worksheet assignments, and share videos of weekly project assignments. Additionally, each week, students will be required to provide feedback to at least two other students. It can be in the form of encouragement or assistance.  At any time during the process, students can ask for help with their circuits or their code and collaborate with other students. 

During the last week of the class, students will share their final projects with the class.  Students will post their final project code and a video explaining their project, how it works, and the challenges they encountered.  Students will be required to provide feedback to two of the other students about their final projects.  If it can be arranged, a live class will be scheduled so that students can share their projects in real time.

Students will receive weekly feedback from me about their responses, code, videos and comments. I will provide help and encouragement as students become proficient in their coding skills.  Students who feel they need additional assistance can request a live meeting with me and I will be happy to try to arrange it.

PRIOR KNOWLEDGE:
Students do not need to have any prior coding knowledge or even own an actual Arduino Uno. It will be more fun if they do have actual components to use in this class, but they can still complete these lessons using the simulated Arduino program on TinkerCad circuits. Please see the recommended materials listed in the "Learner Supply List" shown below.

LESSONS:
Week 1:  Introduction the Arduino Uno and “Blink”
Objective: Learn about the role of microprocessors and the parts of an Arudino Uno.  Learn basic coding commands use in the sketch   
          “Blink”
Parts Required:  Arduino Uno, USB cord, Arduino IDE downloaded from www.arduino.cc
        or an account created on www.tinkercad.com to use the Arduino circuits simulation

Week 2: Breadboards, Variables and Functions
              Objective: Learn how to make circuits using a breadboard.  Learn about the types of variables and how to use them.  Learn how  
                     to write a function.
              Parts Required: Computer, Arduino Uno, three different color LEDs, three 220-ohm resistors, jumper wires, breadboard,  Arduino 
                    IDE or tinkercad

Week 3: Serial Monitor
              Objective:  Learn how to turn on and use the serial monitor to see written text.  
              Parts Required: Computer, Arduino Uno, three different color LEDs, three 220-ohm resistors, jumper wires, breadboard,  Arduino 
                     IDE or tinkercad

Week 4: RGB LED
          Objective: Learn how to wire and use an RGB LED to mix colors by using PWM pins and the analogWrite command.
          Parts Required:  RGB LED, three 220-ohm resistors, jumper wires, Arduino, breadboard

Week 5: Potentiometer
         Objective: Learn how to use a potentiometer to control the brightness of a bulb both both as a component in the circuit and as a 
                sensor.
        Additional Parts Required:  potentiometer

Week 6: Photoresistor and thermistor
         Objective: Learn about voltage dividers and how to read a photoresistor.  Learn how to use the readings of the photoresistor to turn  
               on or off an LED.
         Additional Parts Required:  photoresistor and thermistor

Week 7: Servo Motor
         Objective: Learn how to attach a servo motor, use an Arduino Library, and how to make the arm of the servo move a particular 
               position.
         Additional  Parts Required:  servo motor

Week 8: Passive Buzzer
         Objective:  Learn how to use the “tone” command to create a sounds and musical notes.
         Additional Parts Required: passive buzzer

Week 9: Ultrasonic Sensor
        Objective: Learn how an ultrasonic sensor works, how to connect it, and how to use it to measure distance.
        Additional Parts Required:  ultrasonic sensor

Week 10: Pushbutton
        Objective:  Learn how to connect a pushbutton, how to read it, and how to write code that uses a button.
        Additional Parts Required: pushbutton

Week 11: Button Debouncing
         Objective: Learn what button bounce means and how you debounce it.  Learn how to use buttons as an “interrupt.” Learn how to  
            count elapsed time.
        Additional Parts Required: pushbutton
 
Week 12: Combining Devices to Make Projects
          Objective: Learn how to combine codes needed for different devices in order to make an invention that uses multiple devices. 
               Students will design and make an invention using multiple devices.
         Additional Parts Required: servo, LED, passive buzzer, ultrasonic sensor, pushbutton

I am excited to teach you how to code and to see what inventions you will make!