Learning to Code with Arduino LED Cube Engineering

Course Description

It’s a common misconception that the only way to get started into engineering and computer science is by having access to a 3D printer or laser cutter, by completing all the lessons on Codecademy, or by having an innate understanding of technical concepts. Such false prerequisites make delving into STEM unnecessarily expensive or overwhelming. In most scenarios, all it takes is a project of interest and the will to learn by doing.

This course is designed for students who enjoy learning by doing. Specially, the course will have students learn engineering and coding concepts by them building a LED cube, which is a LED matrix light display. Students will build this cube from scratch and them program it with an Arduino, which is a microcontroller that uses a programming language similar to C/C++. A picture may be found here.

Students will gain engineering and coding skills through project-based learning. Project-based learning is one that places focus on the project itself, and only the skills necessary to complete the project are learned. This prevents from overwhelming a student by narrowing the subject material and keeps a student motivated as all skills learned are immediately relevant. A building kit will be provided, and everything the students build are theirs to keep. Students will walk away with a working LED cube built and programmed by them.

Students will gain a foundational understanding of engineering and coding skills that can be applied for future do-it-yourself projects or algorithm design. Students will also be cognizant of what resources are available and understand how to teach themselves should they want to equip themselves with additional skills for other projects. Finally, students will also walk away with the ability to head start their engineering and computer science career as they can work on, even without access to expensive equipment or extensive engineering or computer science education, other projects of interest at home, allowing them to further advance their college portfolios.

*Students are highly encouraged to bring their own laptops to campus if they plan on enrolling in this class. The course work will be heavily dependent on having access to a laptop. For those students who do not have one, there may be loaners available through our Computer and Information Technology center. Laptop loaners are provided on a "first come, first served" basis.

Prerequisites: As all engineering and coding concepts necessary will be taught, NO PREREQUISITES are necessary for this course. Familiarity with Algebra 1 for algorithm design is helpful, but not necessary.