Learn to use basic programming to control lights, sensors, sounds, and motors!
| Age Range | 7-16 |
| Class Type | Self-paced |
Pricing Information
| Per student | $35 |
Learn how to control lights, sounds, sensors, and motors by building a simple head-turning robot with the Adafruit Circuit Playground Express using free, online Microsoft MakeCode software. It’s a great way to explore how software and hardware work together in robots, game controls, health monitors, and more. No robotics or coding experience required! This intro course fulfills the requirements for BOTS 3: Code-Design-Build.
A note on supplies:
- The supplies for this course are also sufficient for BOTS 3. Cost is $45-$65 through online electronics retailers like Adafruit or Amazon. See the Supply section for more details.
- The Adafruit electronics parts savings bundle has the electronics plus the book if you want to catch up with BOTS 1. If it is out of stock, you can request an email to let you know when it is available.
- Contact Kathy if you need help finding materials!
Time Commitment
This self-paced class consists of written and video tutorials. It will take about 60-90 minutes to complete.
What to Expect
This self-contained, self-paced class will take you through the building and programming of a simple head-turning robot. It is meant to serve as a prerequisite for BOTS 3. To participate in BOTS 3, you should be familiar with the following:
- how to attach the motor and other electronics to a cardboard robot body
- how to connect the motor and other electronics to each other
- how to write a program to control lights, sound, and a motor using free, online Microsoft MakeCode
- how to download a MakeCode program to the Adafruit Circuit Playground Express microcontroller
- how to troubleshoot any issues that you may have with your hardware or software
Supporting Your Learner
Younger students may need help with building, coding, or working with the computer. Written instructions are provided to make it easier to follow along.
Need Help?
NOTE: If you intend to take BOTS 3, you will need the materials in the full list below. For just this Intro to MakeCode workshop, all you need is:
- computer with USB port and internet access
- one (1) Adafruit Circuit Playground Express microcontroller board with USB data cable and battery case
- three (3) alligator clip to male header jumper wires in different colors (such as https://www.adafruit.com/product/3448)
- one (1) 9g micro servo motor (such as https://www.adafruit.com/product/169)
- a small, sturdy cardboard box for the robot’s body
- a smaller box or extra cardboard for the robot’s head
I have created shopping lists on the Adafruit Industries website and Amazon to help you find supplies. Contact me if you need help!
Requirements for Coding Activities:
- This class uses free, online Microsoft MakeCode software. It works best using the Chrome browser.
- To download the code to the programmable board, you will also need a laptop or desktop computer (not a tablet) that can be connected to the board with a standard USB data cable (see the supply list for details).
- Many families find it useful to watch the class on a second device while working with MakeCode on their computer.
Full Supply List for BOTS 3
Electronics for BOTS 3
- computer with USB port and internet access
- one (1) Adafruit Circuit Playground Express microcontroller board with USB data cable and battery case
- six (6) alligator clip to male header jumper wires in different colors (such as https://www.adafruit.com/product/3448)
- one or two (1-2) 9g micro servo motors (such as https://www.adafruit.com/product/169)
- one or two (1-2) micro continuous rotation servo motors (such as https://www.adafruit.com/product/2442)
- nylon conductive tape with conductive glue (such as https://www.adafruit.com/product/3961)
- LED “fairy light” strands (such as https://www.adafruit.com/product/895) — or find in dollar stores
- wire strippers (such as https://www.adafruit.com/product/527) — highly recommended
Crafts and/or Recycled Materials for BOTS 3
These are just suggestions. Use what you have! Here’s my list of Maker Supplies to give you more ideas.
recycled containers and materials, such as:
small corrugated cardboard mailing boxes
heavy and lightweight scrap pieces (cereal boxes, old postcards, index cards)
cardboard tubes
cardboard coasters (for wheels)
- building kits and parts, such as LEGO
- old clothing (t-shirts, headbands, hats, gloves)
adhesives, such as:
regular household tape, such as clear tape or masking tape (have a lot on hand for quick prototyping!)
peel-and-stick Velcro dots — great for microcontroller boards
adhesive dots — good for googly eyes and other decorations
Optional:
electrical tape
removable mounting squares (used for hanging posters)
hot glue gun (to be used outside of class)
connectors, such as:
paper clips
metal brads
pipe cleaners
mini zip ties
wire, twist ties
paper or plastic straws
bamboo skewers, cocktail picks, and/or toothpicks
cutting tools, such as:
scissors (preferably small, sharp scissors like sewing or nail scissors)
sharp pencil (for poking holes)
decorative materials, such as
colored markers
glitter glue
googly eyes
craft sticks in assorted sizes
large wooden or plastic beads
peel and stick craft foam
LEDs
Kathy Ceceri, B.A.
Kathy Ceceri is an award-winning writer and educator, and the author of more than a dozen books of hands-on STEAM activities for kids and teens. Formerly the Homeschooling Expert at About.com (now ThoughtCo), she wrote the Hands-On Learning column for Home Education magazine and taught her own two children at home from kindergarten until college.
Kathy’s workshops and activities are designed with the non-expert in mind. They introduce basic concepts in science and technology, and give students the skills and information they need to troubleshoot their projects and build upon what they’ve learned. Additional background material and resources look at the diverse people behind the inventions and put them into context in the larger society.
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We offered Kathy’s DIY Buzzing Game online workshop last month and it was great! The kids had such a good time. Really creative! Lara R. Cohen, Youth Services Librarian
The kids had such a good time. Really creative!
Teacher: Kathy Ceceri
I just wanted to say thank you for teaching this class. My son enjoyed it so much and learned a lot. He is really into motors and circuits right now and this class was a great help to his robotics learning. Parent of student in Build BOTS class
My son enjoyed it so much and learned a lot.
Teacher: Kathy Ceceri
My daughter is really enjoying your class. We’ll sign up for anything that you do, as you are an excellent teacher. Mom of Build BOTS Student
Kathy is an excellent teacher
Teacher: Kathy Ceceri