Summer Camp Arduino
We are very excited to offer our first Arduino class this summer. Arduino is an open source microcontroller development board with its own development environment and boy is it cool.
Course Description
This is a 3 weeks class in innovation and invention that results in 0.5 per high school credit. The class can be taken both sessions, for a 1 high school credit. Students will study the process of prototyping and programing electronics of their own design. This course will take students from the electronics lab to the computer lab to enjoying a summer day while watching their creations interact.
Units of Study
- Creative Thinking
- Basic Electronics Components
- Circuit Assembly
- Arduino Introduction (development board)
- Arduino Input and Programing
- Arduino Output and Programing
- Programing Logic
- Prototype Development and Testing
Materials Needed
There is a list provided of good places to acquire the needed equipment. If there are any questions, please do not hesitate to call or email.
- Inventors Notebook
- Medium plastic toolbox
- Soldering Iron and Stand (to be turned into the lab upon arrival)
- Arduino Duemilanove (see next paragraph)
- Any Arduino kits or shields that interest the student
Why Arduino
Simply, it allows beginners to do complex things. The Arduino is a micro controller development board and programing environment that is designed for students. It is completely Open Source which allows for students to learn from examples and tutorials done by other members of the online Arduino community.
With it being so inexpensive and open, there are many kits that can expand its functionality, for example you can easily network enable it and allow it to communicate on its own over the Internet.
Prerequisites
No experience with electronics or programing is required.
Evaluation
Most class time will be spent working with others on ideas and projects
- Prototype Ideas
- Soldering and Assembly
- Programing
- Teamwork
Class Grades will be weighed based on the following break down:
- Lab activities 40%
- Participation 30%
- Progress 20%
- Homework 10%
Grading Scale:
- A 90-100%
- B 80-89%
- C 70-79%
- F 69% and below
Inventors Notebook
A notebook will be kept that includes in-class notes, programing examples, ideas, designs, and the steps of design and development. Most projects will be done in groups; however each student will be expected to keep track of the groups steps.
Classroom Expectations
- Each student is expected to be a productive member of the class.
- Students will be in the classroom on time with the necessary materials in their possession.
- During group work or discussion, students are expected to remain on task and participate.
- During any prototyping work, students are expected to behave in a safe manner.
- Students will be dismissed by the instructor (not the bell) at the end of each period.
- Any unsafe conduct or horseplay will result in immediate and permanent dismissal from the class.
Absent Work
This class will move very quickly and build off of each days material.. All absent work will need to be arranged with the instructor.
Homework
Students will be regularly assigned homework that is designed to reinforce and extend the material covered in class. Homework is graded on the pass/fail scale and is not allowed to be turned in late. The instructor will be available every day during study and free time for any student needing help with class assignments or just wanting to learn more
Extra Credit
Helping others may earn a student extra credit; however no extra credit will be given until class work is completed.
Arduino and Electronics Kits and Supplies
Arduino Duemilanove
Ethernet Shield
LCD
Tank Shield (make it mobile)
Other Cool Sources for Components and Sensors
