Already know what a variable is? How about a for-loop? Then this Arduino workshop is for you! Attendance is capped at 8 people so you'll be guarenteed lots of individual instructor attention.
In this 3 hour course, we willl:
Start off by using these Arduino prototyping boards from Sparkfun: https://www.sparkfun.com/products/10889.
Write code to make the supplied electronics components buzz, light up, and react to human input
Move along to the Arduino Uno and learn about electricity and curcuits using "breadboards" and "jumper wires"
Never soldered before? Yep, we'll do that too!
Remember that materials are worked into the registration fee so, at the end of the workshop, you walk away with your own:
Arduino Uno w/ USB cable
Breadboard and jumper wires
LEDs and resistors
Buzzer
Light sensor
Servo Motor
Prerequisites:
Note that I assume no previous electronics experience however I ask that you are comfortable reading and writing code. The Arduino programming language is based on a simplied version of C++ but if you know the basics of JavaScript, Java, Processing, Python, etc then you should be fine.
Try reading this:
int numMice = 3;
char type[6] = "blind";
void printMice() {
for ( int i = 1; i <= numMice; i++ ) {
if ( i == 1 ) {
Serial.print( i + " " + type + " mouse" );
}else{
Serial.print( i + " " + type + " mice" );
}
}
}
printMice();
(If the above is gibberish, you should instead attend my Intro to Arduino Programming (for absolute beginners) workshop. Please check klab.eventbrite.com for upcoming workshops. If it's not listed, please let me know if you would like me to host one! I only need 6 attendees to make a workshop happen.)
If you have any questions, feel free to reach me at pearl[at]karma-laboratory.com.
Things to bring to the workshop
Bring your laptop and power cord! If possible, please also download and install the Arduino 1.0.2 software for your operating system in advance from http://arduino.cc/en/Main/Software
Want to bring your son, daughter, neice or nephew along?
Kids and teenagers (12 and up) are welcome to attend when accompanied by an adult. If you choose to bring them along, you will be "pair programming" with them on the same laptop and electronics kits.
About the host
Maker Kids is a non-profit organization that enables kids to build their ideas with real tools and materials. Our goal is to inspire and empower kids to think, design, experiment and create. We offer workshops, seminars, and afterschool programs at our Makerspace in Roncesvalles village, and participate in events in Toronto and the area.
