This camp provides students with the fundamentals of robotics by assembling a functional robot and learning to program an Arduino microcontroller to do useful things. It is meant for students who are interested in robotics and programming and would like to learn using real sensors and electronic components.

Prerequisites

Assembling the robot requires a degree of manual dexterity and patience. Everything fits together very nicely, but assembly requires joining together electronic components without bending pins and joining together parts using some of the smallest nuts and bolts you've seen in your life. It's very satisfying as it comes together, though. I was able to put it together in under two hours using the tiny screwdrivers provided plus a flashlight occassionally. Somebody with better eyes could probably assemble it a bit quicker, but I'm anticipating we'll spend about three hours assembling it in class.

The Arduino portion of the class involves requires some basic comfort using computers. We'll be editing some text (i.e., programming) and using a program that sends the instructions to the microcontroller. It's fun when the electronics do what you expect it to do. It's also interesting when the electonics do what you actually told it to do.

Lessons include

• LEDs
• Digital Inputs
• Active abd Passive buzzers
• Tilt Ball Switches
• Stepper Motor / Servo motors
• Ultrasonic Sensor Modules
• Temperature and Humidity Sensors
• Analog Joystick Modules
• IR Receiver Modules
• LCD Displays
• The Serial Monitor
• Photocells
• Relays

The amount and pace of content coverage will depend on the prior knowledge of students enrolled as well as class interest on various topics with a desire to dive deeper into specific content.

This is a secular class.

Schedule

Class will meet from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Mondays through Friday from 7/10 to 7/14/23.

Please arrive promptly, prepared to hit the ground running.

Space is limited, so only sign up if you intend to attend all five classes, as you will be taking a slot that could have been occupied by somebody else.

Cost

The cost of the one-week camp is $225 and includes all camp materials. Half is due to reserve your spot and the remainder is due by the first day of class.

Assignments and Grading

There will be no homework for this class, however if students wish to work on projects outside of class time, I will support them on that.

Our goal is to understand and be able to apply scientific and computer programming principles. I want the students to be able to think critically, like a scientist.

Students should be prepared to use a laptop and carefully work with electronic components.

Involvement by parents is key, but I will not expect you to do any of the teaching. What I will expect from parents is this:

• Respond to my emails, usually in the form of "Got it"
• Get your student(s) to class on time
• Don't get mad if we run overtime. We don't have a bell that rings and I won't stop mid-sentance because the clock hit a number. Feel free to come in and pull your student(s) out if you need to go, though
• Be responsive if I ask something and abide by the written policies of the school, which will be provided to you prior to registering
• Parents are welcome to stay for class or drop off

Involvement by your student is even more important. What I will expect from students is this:

• Be attentive in class
• Be safe at all times
• Ask questions

I highly encourage questions. We ask a lot of questions in my current classes. Many of the questions are seemingly unusual and lead us down unplanned paths, but they all educate. I don't tolerate completely frivolous questions, though.

New students will require an in-person interview before being accepted into this class. Students may be denied entry into the class at my sole discretion, for reasons which may include lack of maturity, lack of interest in the subject matter or lack of tolerance of viewpoints with which they may not agree.

Class Materials

Students must bring a laptop computer. If your student does not have a laptop computer, we have a limited number that we can loan out, so please inquire. Other than that, all class materials will be provided. Students should just bring a pen and typical classroom materials.