Physical Computing

Physical computing involves interacting with the physical world in addition to a screen.  You may take in data from light, motion, or temperature sensors, and control devices such as motors, speakers, and lights.
Its fun, engaging, and makes learning to code easier and more understandable.

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Arduino

Arduino IDE  (Interactive Development Environment)

Download Arduino IDE(PC/Mac/Linux)
or Arduino Create(Browser-based)
 https://www.arduino.cc/en/Main/Software
https://www.arduino.cc/en/Guide/HomePage

Arduino Tutorials - there are many available online. Here are a few:
Programming Electronics Academy - free video tutorials
https://programmingelectronics.com/
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Sparkfun (lots of teaching resources and more)
​https://learn.sparkfun.com/resources

• Sparkfun Inventor's Kit Experiments
• SIK Kit Guide(pdf)

Instructables: Introduction to Arduino Class with Becky Stern

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Micro:bit programmable computer

http://microbit.org/

​The 'new kid on the block' in embedded computing, and a great platform for those not yet rady for Arduino. The BBC Microbit is a low cost microcontroller with integrated sensors and displays, including:

• 25 individually-programmable LEDs
• 2 programmable buttons
• Physical connection pins
• Light and temperature sensors
• Motion sensors (accelerometer and compass)
• Wireless Communication, via Radio and Bluetooth
• USB interface

It incorporates an easy to use drag-and-drop block coding environment, built-in onscreen simulator, as well as a growing ecosystem of accessories, interfaces, and code extensions.

Edgerton Center Projects
​developed for our teacher workshops

"Harvey", a simple but expressive robot face

Mechanisms behind Harvey's face

Automatic plant watering machine

Light-sensing Theremin

Doorbell with Messages

Compass