Welcome to the world of MicroControllers!

This class will take a beginner through the stages of "what is this thing" to confident programming and usage in just a few weeks. No prior knowledge necessary! 

The microbit Microcontroller is the least expensive yet fully functional and feature packed controller on the market.   This microcontroller is the perfect one to start with as it is easy to use, inexpensive, requires no software, and is actually amazingly capable! Nothing else is necessary except a couple of batteries to make truly interesting and elaborate projects as a rank beginner.  All programming is done "online" so there is no software to install.

Class progression:

Week 1: Intro to Microcontrollers and programming
   In the first week we go over the basics of capabilities and programming environment, learning how to write and send a very simple program to the MicroBit. 

Week 2: Display words and graphics!
     This week we will explore using the MicroBit display for words as well as graphics, and making them move. This will also facilitate understanding of basic procedural programming

Week 3: Buttons!
    This week we will explore the use of push buttons and introduce the concept of interrupt driven inputs. 

Week 4: Where's the light?
      This week we explore the light related sensor and introduce the concept of polled inputs

Week 5: Motion!
      This week we explore the motion related sensor and built some simple programs for motion detection and logic. 

Week 6: Where are we headed?
      The final week we explore the compass and some programs using the microbit as a directional finding device.

At the end of this course, the student should be able to utilize the various simple inputs and understand well the concepts of basic programming and microcontrollers value to the world.