Have you ever wanted to bring your ideas to life with electronics but weren't sure where to start? This hands-on introductory class is your perfect gateway into the exciting world of Arduino! Imagine building your own smart home devices, crafting interactive art installations, or automating everyday tasks. In this guided workshop, you'll learn the fundamental concepts of physical computing by working directly with the versatile Arduino platform and the classic SparkFun Inventor's Kit (SIK).
Through engaging, project-based learning, we'll demystify electronics and programming. You'll gain a solid understanding of basic electronic components, how to read schematics, and how to use the Arduino Integrated Development Environment (IDE) to write and upload code. By using the SparkFun Inventor's Kit, you'll have all the necessary components and a detailed guide to build a series of fun and practical circuits that lay the groundwork for your future inventions.
By the end of this class, you'll be able to:
· Understand the core components and capabilities of an Arduino board.
· Safely connect and power basic electronic components using the SIK's breadboard and included parts (LEDs, resistors, buttons, sensors).
· Write, upload, and debug simple Arduino sketches (programs).
· Control digital outputs (like blinking LEDs) and read digital inputs (like button presses).
· Explore basic analog inputs (like reading sensor values).
· Troubleshoot common issues and find resources for continued learning.
Who is this class for?
This class is ideal for absolute beginners with no prior electronics or programming experience. It's perfect for anyone curious about automation, interactive art, or simply wanting to expand their creative toolkit. This class is geared to adults, however ages 16 and up are welcome if attending with an adult.
What to bring:
Just your curiosity and a willingness to learn! All necessary Arduino boards, SparkFun Inventor's Kits, components, and tools will be provided for use during the class. Makerspace computers will be available, but we highly recommend participants bring their own laptop if possible for a more personalized experience.
Prerequisites:
None! This is an entry-level course.
Rockford MakerSpace