Arduino
This is the big leagues. Arduino is the world's most popular open-source electronics platform. Control motors, displays, and sensors using C, a powerful professional language. No prior experience is required, but these projects require more time and precision.
Ready to Build?
Platform initialized for Arduino.
Verify the What You Need checklist below, and then proceed to Project Steps to learn how to build Arduino projects.
01. What You Need
02. Vital Notes
Instructor notes and materials are always displayed in this amber color. They are meant to help you understand the project and how to teach it, but they are not necessary for students to read.
The Arduino IDE must be installed. Internet is needed for the initial download but not for development.
Note: Arduino uses C/C++, which is case-sensitive. digitalWrite() is not the same as digitalwrite().
C is powerful but unforgiving. Watch the syntax coloring: if your code doesn't change color, you likely have a typo or missing curly brace {}.
Copying code accurately is often the biggest hurdle; consider providing text for them to copy and paste (every code block has a copy option above it).
Arduino projects almost always involve physical circuit building; we recommend setting aside at least 60 minutes per session.
Setup: Go to Tools > Board to select your board type, and Tools > Port to select the connection.
Every project includes a print link which you can use to create student handouts.
03. Project Steps
Open the IDE
Launch the Arduino IDE software.
Connect Hardware
Connect the Arduino to your PC via USB.
Create A Sketch
Click File > New to create a new 'sketch' (program).
Write Your Code
Type the project code into the editor.
Save Your Code
Click File > Save, ensuring the name ends in .ino.
Upload Your Code
Click the 'Upload' (arrow) button. This compiles and sends the code to the board.
Test Your Project
The board will begin running the code immediately after the upload completes.
Fix Errors
Check the bottom console for orange text—these are errors. Fix the code and upload again.
Keep Going
Try changing timing values or pin numbers to see how the hardware reacts.