Arduino Intro Course Guide

Arduino Intro Course Guide

 

This is an introductory and exploratory course on Physical Computing with Arduino covering 4 major units, namely:

  1. Introduction to Arduino Physical Computing Platform
  2. Interfacing Sensors with Arduino
  3. Working with Actuators, and;
  4. Display and Monitoring Systems

Each unit covers all the necessary learning competencies and the related educational resources such as online articles, hands-on activities, explainer videos, and sample projects. This course guide enables students to learn and discover Arduino for education through a series of hands-on activities that they can do at home or in school.

 

UNIT 1

Introduction to Arduino Physical Computing Platform

 
Content Standard
The learners demonstrate an understanding of the interaction of the hardware and software components in Arduino.
 
Performance Standard
The learners shall be able to independently make and program LED electronic circuits using Arduino.

 

Unit Topic Content
 
Learning Competencies
 
Hands-on Exercises
Learn Arduino Intro App
 
Online Articles
 
Explainer Videos
 
Sample Projects
 

Introduction to Arduino Microcontroller

 

1. Define the Arduino Physical Computing Platform

 

2. Determine the parts of an Arduino microcontroller

 

3. Identify the features of the Arduino IDE

 

 

 

All You Need to Know About Arduino

https://www.arduinointro.com/articles/projects/all-you-need-to-know-about-arduino

 

https://youtu.be/00GZSiJfyVI

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DIY Arduino Lampshade

https://www.arduinointro.com/articles/diy/diy-arduino-lampshade

 

 

How To Create Your Zodiac Sign Using Recyclable Materials and LEDs

https://www.arduinointro.com/articles/diy/how-to-create-your-zodiac-sign-using-recyclable-materials-and-leds

 

 

How to Make a Cloud Mood Lamp with Arduino

https://www.arduinointro.com/articles/diy/how-to-make-a-cloud-mood-lamp-with-arduino

 

 

How to Make a Garden Sunset Lantern with Arduino

https://www.arduinointro.com/articles/diy/how-to-make-a-garden-sunset-lantern-with-arduino

 

 

How To Make a D-I-Y LED Wall Lamp Using Arduino

https://www.arduinointro.com/articles/diy/how-to-make-a-d-i-y-led-wall-lamp-using-arduino

 

 

Making an Arduino Mushroom LED Lights Decoration

https://www.arduinointro.com/articles/diy/making-an-arduino-mushroom-led-lights-decoration

 

 

How to Make a D-I-Y Nano Infinity Gauntlet Decorative Table Lamp Using Arduino

https://www.arduinointro.com/articles/diy/how-to-make-a-d-i-y-nano-infinity-gauntlet-decorative-table-lamp-using-arduino

 

 

DIY Flameless Campfire Using LEDs

https://www.arduinointro.com/articles/diy/diy-flameless-campfire-using-leds

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Using the Breadboard

 

4. Define a breadboard

 

5. Determine the proper use of a breadboard

 

6. Identify the purpose of jumper wires

 

 

 

Learn How to Use a Breadboard

https://www.arduinointro.com/articles/projects/learn-how-to-use-a-breadboard

 

 

https://youtu.be/gGxrD3sitg4

 

LED Circuits and Arduino IDE

 

Arduino Functions:

  • pinMode() 
  • digitalWrite()
  • delay()

 

7. Define an LED

 

8. Explain the purpose of a resistor

 

 

 

 

Making the Arduino Blinking LED Project (a Complete Tutorial)

https://arduinointro.com/articles/projects/making-the-arduino-blinking-led-project-a-complete-tutorial

 

 

 

https://youtu.be/VYI1lg7tt6o

 

 

9. Create an LED circuit using Arduino

 

10. Write an Arduino sketch to turn on and turn off an LED

 

Project 1. Blink (turn on/off an LED)

Working with more than 1 LED

  • Alternate Blink
  • Running Lights

 

 

11. Create a breadboard circuit with 2 LEDs attached to different pins

 

12. Write an Arduino sketch/code to turn on and turn off more than 1 LED.

 

Project 2: Alternate Blink

 

  

 

 

Project 3: Running Lights

 

How to Make an Alternate Blink and Running Lights Effect

https://arduinointro.com/articles/projects/how-to-make-an-alternate-blink-and-running-lights-effect

 

 

https://youtu.be/F2l4ONSlk3E

 

Parallel LED Circuits

  • 2 LEDs 1 Pin
  • 4 LEDs 2 Pins

 

13. Make a parallel connection with 2 LEDs in 1 Pin

 

14. Make a parallel connection with 4 LEDs and 2 Pins

 

 

Project 4: 2 LEDs 1 Pin

 

 

 

Project 5: 4 LEDs 2 Pins

 

 

 

 

2 LEDs 1 Pin, 4 LEDs 2 Pins: Make Your LED Projects Brighter

https://arduinointro.com/articles/projects/2-leds-1-pin-4-leds-2-pins-make-your-led-projects-brighter

 

 

https://youtu.be/GQtYKuk1GLs

 

Fade Effect

Arduino Functions:

  • analogWrite()
  • for() loop

 

 

 

15. Define a PWM pin

 

16. List the PWM pins in the Arduino Uno board

 

17. Discuss how an LED fade effect works.

 

18. Demonstrate a fading effect using 1 LED.

 

 

Project 7: Fade in Fade Out

 

 

Become a Master of the Fade in Fade out Effect (Arduino Style)

https://arduinointro.com/articles/projects/become-a-master-of-the-fade-in-fade-out-effect-arduino-style

 

 

 

https://youtu.be/unIR9nLVYWA

 

 

19. Sequencing a fading effect for two LEDs

     

2 LEDs Alternate Fade Effect (Using the for-loop)

https://www.arduinointro.com/articles/projects/2-leds-alternate-fade-effect-using-the-for-loop

   

Random LED Brightness

 

20. Define the random() and randomSeed() functions.

 

21. Identify the syntax of the random() and randomSeed() functions

 

22. Use random numbers to determine the brightness of an LED

 

23. Apply random brightness to more than 1 LED

     

Randomizing LED Brightness Using random() and randomSeed() in Arduino

https://arduinointro.com/articles/projects/randomizing-led-brightness-using-random-and-randomseed-in-arduino

 

 

https://youtu.be/GUy7sEImZFA

https://youtu.be/rOgP9e-7YcA

 

RGB LED

 

24. Identify the 2 types of RGB LED

 

25. Name the pins of the RGB LED

 

26. Identify the correct circuit for the RGB LED

 

27. Write an Arduino sketch to mix the colors of the RGB LED

     

How to Control an RGB LED with Arduino: A Step-by-Step Guide

https://www.arduinointro.com/articles/projects/how-to-control-an-rgb-led-with-arduino-a-step-by-step-guide

 

Mixing Colors in Arduino Using the KS and KY RGB LED Module

https://www.arduinointro.com/articles/projects/mixing-colors-in-arduino-using-the-ks-and-ky-rgb-led-module

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UNIT 2

Interfacing Sensors with Arduino

 
Content Standard
The learner demonstrates an understanding of the concepts and underlying principles of various sensors.
 
Performance Standard
The learners shall be able to independently create a robotics application applying the functions and capabilities of sensors.

 

Unit Topic Content
 
Learning Competencies
 
Hands-on Exercises
Learn Arduino Intro App
 
Online Articles
 
Explainer Videos
 
Sample Projects

 

Pushbutton/Switch

 

Arduino Functions:

  • digitalRead()
  • if – else statement

 

1. Define a Pushbutton

 

2. Identify the correct breadboard circuit for a pushbutton or switch.

 

3. State the syntax of the if-else statement

 

4. Analyze how an if-else statement works.

 

 

 

Using Simple Pushbutton Switches to Light Up LEDs

https://arduinointro.com/articles/projects/using-simple-pushbutton-switches-to-light-up-leds

 

 

 

https://youtu.be/FJNqYx5EZH4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mini Frisbee Sensor-Based Arduino Project

https://www.arduinointro.com/articles/diy/mini-frisbee-sensor-based-arduino-project

 

 

Arduino DIY Hockey Game with LEDs

https://www.arduinointro.com/articles/diy/arduino-diy-hockey-game-with-leds

 

 

Ring Toss Arduino DIY Sensor-Based Game

https://www.arduinointro.com/articles/diy/ring-toss-arduino-diy-sensor-based-game

 

 

DIY Arduino Bowling Game

https://www.arduinointro.com/articles/diy/diy-arduino-bowling-game

 

 

SHOOT: A Make-Shift Mini-Arcade Game (With Arduino Sensors)

https://www.arduinointro.com/articles/diy/shoot-a-make-shift-mini-arcade-game-with-arduino-sensors

 

 

Arduino Skee Ball Classic Arcade Game

https://www.arduinointro.com/articles/diy/arduino-skee-ball-classic-arcade-game

 

 

How to Make a D-I-Y Mini Billiard Game (Sensor-Based Game)

https://www.arduinointro.com/articles/diy/how-to-make-a-d-i-y-mini-billiard-game-sensor-based-game

 

 

DIY Mini Bucket Toss Game With Arduino

https://www.arduinointro.com/articles/diy/diy-mini-bucket-toss-game-with-arduino

 

 

Making the Arduino DIY Pinball Machine

https://www.arduinointro.com/articles/diy/making-the-arduino-diy-pinball-machine

 

 

3 stacks x 3 shots: an Arduino Game Prototype

https://www.arduinointro.com/articles/diy/3-stacks-x-3-shots-an-arduino-game-prototype

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Determine the current state of a pushbutton.

 

Project 8: Push the button

 

 

6. Create a breadboard circuit with a pushbutton and an LED

 

7. Write an Arduino sketch/code to turn on and turn off an LED using a pushbutton.

 

 

Project 9: Switch on Switch off

 

8. Change the brightness of an LED using 2 pushbuttons

 

Project 10: Light Controller

9. Make an LED remember its current state every time a pushbutton is pressed.

 

 

Sticky Switch Project

Touch Sensor

 

Working Principle of Touch Sensors

 

Creating different modes using if-else if statement

 

10. Define the Touch sensor

 

11. Determine the pins of the Touch sensor

 

12. Describe the working principle of a Touch sensor

 

 

 

Make User-Friendly Arduino Projects with a Touch Sensor

https://www.arduinointro.com/articles/projects/make-user-friendly-arduino-projects-with-a-touch-sensor

 

 

https://youtu.be/Zo_a4FBeiwc

 

 

 

13. Identify the correct connection of the Touch sensor to the Arduino board

 

14. Write an Arduino sketch/code to read the value of a touch sensor.

 

 

Project 11: Touch Sensor value

 

15. Control an LED using the Touch sensor

 

 

Project 12: LED Touch

 

16. Create a mode functionality using the touch sensor

 

Changing Modes with a Touch

 

Adding a Mode Functionality to Your Arduino Projects Using a Touch Sensor

https://www.arduinointro.com/articles/projects/adding-a-mode-functionality-to-your-arduino-projects-using-a-touch-sensor

 

 

 

https://youtu.be/4L7WwMxwZg8

 

Light Sensor

 

LDR (Light Dependent Resistor)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

17. Define an LDR (Light Dependent Resistor)

 

18. Explain how a light sensor works

 

 

 

 

 

Light Sensor: How to Make Your Robots React to Light

https://www.arduinointro.com/articles/projects/light-sensor-how-to-make-your-robots-react-to-light

 

 

 

https://youtu.be/MrHDPBO90X0

19. Make a light sensor using an LDR

 

20. Determine the value of a light sensor

 

Project 15: Light Sensor Reading

21. Write an Arduino sketch/code to turn on and turn off an LED using a light sensor.

 

Project 16: Light-Sensing LED

Basic Piezo Buzzer Project (Beeping Sound)

Piezo Buzzer

 

22. Define the tone() function

 

23. Produce sounds using a piezo buzzer

 

 

Buzzer + LED + Sensor

 

Adding Sound to Arduino Using the MH-FMD Piezo Buzzer Module

https://www.arduinointro.com/articles/projects/adding-sounds-to-arduino-using-the-mh-fmd-piezo-buzzer-module

 

 

 

Tilt Sensor

 

24. Define a tilt sensor

 

25. Determine how a tilt sensor works

 

 

 

Tilt Sensor with Arduino Easy Tutorial

https://www.arduinointro.com/articles/projects/tilt-sensor-with-arduino-easy-tutorial

 

 

https://youtu.be/dS26GODIdSo

 

26. Write an Arduino sketch/code to read the value of a tilt sensor.

 

 

Tilt Sensor Value

27. Write an Arduino sketch/code to turn on and turn off an LED using a tilt sensor.

 

 

Tilt Sensor with 1 LED

 

2 Tilt Sensor 2 LEDs

Proximity Sensors

 

Infrared Obstacle Sensor

 

Relational and Conditional Operators

 

Working with 2 Sensors in 1 Project

 

28. Define Proximity Sensor

 

29. State the working principle of a proximity sensor.

 

 

 

Detecting Objects Using the Infrared (IR) Obstacle Sensor

https://www.arduinointro.com/articles/projects/detecting-objects-using-the-infrared-ir-obstacle-sensor

 

 

https://youtu.be/Ny9lFhp9Db8

 

30. Identify the proper connection of an infrared sensor to an Arduino board

 

31. Write an Arduino sketch/code to read the value of an infrared sensor.

 

 

 

Project 11: Touch Sensor value (*using an IR Sensor)

32. Write an Arduino sketch/code to turn on and turn off an LED using an infrared sensor.

 

 

 

Project 12: LED Touch (*using an IR Sensor)

33. Differentiate the conditional operators in Arduino.

 

34.   Differentiate the relational operators in Arduino

 

35. Combine an infrared sensor and touch sensor in 1 project.

 

2-Sensor Project with 1 LED

 

2-Sensor Project with 2 LEDs

 

 

 

Combining the Infrared Sensor and Touch Sensor in 1 Arduino Project (with Circuit and Sketch)

https://www.arduinointro.com/articles/projects/combining-the-infrared-sensor-and-touch-sensor-in-1-arduino-project-with-circuit-and-sketch

 

https://youtu.be/LWeqClKtRXI

 

Ultrasonic Sensor

 

36. Define an ultrasonic sensor

 

37. State how ultrasonic sensors work

 

 

 

 

Using the HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor to Detect Objects

https://www.arduinointro.com/articles/projects/using-the-hc-sr04-ultrasonic-sensor-to-detect-objects

 

 

https://youtu.be/YjuPtd9XfzA

 

38. Identify the pins of the ultrasonic sensor

 

39. Measure the distance in inches using an ultrasonic sensor

 

 

Project 22: Sonar Distance Calculator

40. Write an Arduino sketch/code to turn on and turn off an LED using an ultrasonic sensor.

 

 

Ultrasonic Sensor with 1 LED

Potentiometer

 

41. Define a potentiometer

 

42. Determine the correct wiring of a potentiometer

 

43. Describe the working principle of a potentiometer (variable resistor)

 

 

 

Adding Potentiometers in Your Arduino Projects

https://www.arduinointro.com/articles/projects/adding-potentiometers-in-your-arduino-projects

 

https://youtu.be/56W0bT-M8nA

 

44. Write a sketch to read the value of a potentiometer

 

 

Project 43: Potentiometer Value

45. Explain the map() function

 

Project 44: LED Brightness Controller

46. Control LEDs using a potentiometer

 

 

Making a LED Meter with a Potentiometer

 

Making a LED Meter with a Potentiometer

https://www.arduinointro.com/articles/projects/making-a-led-meter-with-a-potentiometer

 

 

https://youtu.be/eyyUNNpzLiw

 

 

 

UNIT 3

Working with Actuators

 
Content Standard
The learner demonstrates an understanding of the concept and underlying principles of actuators.
 
Performance Standard
The learners shall be able to independently create a robotics application applying the functions and capabilities of actuators.

 

Unit Topic Content
 
Learning Competencies
 
Hands-on Exercises
Learn Arduino Intro App
 
Online Articles
 
Explainer Videos
 
Sample Projects

 

 

Servo Motors

 

Connecting a Servo Motor to the Arduino Board

 

Controlling 2 Servo Motors

 

Using the for-loop to control a servo motor

 

1. Define an actuator

 

2. Define servo motor

 

 

 

 

Servo Motors Made Simple with Arduino

https://www.arduinointro.com/articles/projects/servo-motors-made-simple-with-arduino

 

 

 

https://youtu.be/WvRlRleC6Zk

 

 

Taz the TRASHmanian Devil: A DIY Arduino Trash Bin

https://www.arduinointro.com/articles/diy/taz-the-trashmanian-devil-a-diy-arduino-trash-bin

 

 

The Fortune-Telling Skills of Robby the Robot

https://www.arduinointro.com/articles/diy/the-fortune-telling-skills-of-robby-the-robot

 

 

Home-y Organizer: An Arduino Servo and Sensor Project

https://www.arduinointro.com/articles/diy/home-y-organizer-an-arduino-servo-and-sensor-project

 

 

DIY LED Lighted Santa Claus Robot

https://www.arduinointro.com/articles/diy/diy-led-lighted-santa-claus-robot

 

 

MERVO: The Entertainment Servo Robot

https://www.arduinointro.com/articles/diy/mervo-the-entertainment-robot

 

 

DIY Smart Trash Bin with LEDs and IR sensor

https://www.arduinointro.com/articles/diy/diy-smart-trash-bin-with-leds-and-ir-sensor

 

 

 

3. Determine the correct wiring of a servo motor

 

4. Write an Arduino sketch/code to move a servo motor at certain angles

 

 

Project 32: Wiper

 

 

5. Connect 2 servo motors to an Arduino board.

 

6. Write a sketch to move 2 servo motors.

 

 

Project 33: Double Wiper

 

Project 34: Follow the Leader

 

 

7. Use a for-loop to make smooth motor movements

 

 

Smooth Servo Motion

 

Adding the Infrared Sensor and LED for Object Detection

 

Simple Radar System with Infrared and Servo Motor

https://www.arduinointro.com/articles/projects/simple-radar-system-with-infrared-and-servo-motor

 

 

https://youtu.be/cnXPad-emw4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Servo Motors and Potentiometers

 

Servo Motors and Pushbutton Switches

 

Increment and Decrement Operator

 

8. Determine the proper wiring of a potentiometer and a servo motor.

 

9. Write an Arduino sketch/code to control the angles of a servo motor using a potentiometer

 

 

Project 45: Potentiometer Servo Control

 

Realtime Servo Motor Control with Switches and Potentiometers

https://www.arduinointro.com/articles/projects/realtime-servo-motor-control-with-switches-and-potentiometers

 

 
 

https://youtu.be/zSf_68xA3Zs

 

 

10. Write an Arduino sketch/code to control the angles of a servo motor using 2 potentiometers

 

 

Project 46: Double Servo Pot Control

 

 

11. Define the increment and decrement operators

 

12. Determine the proper wiring of 2 pushbuttons and a servo motor.

 

13. Write an Arduino sketch/code to control the angles of a servo motor using pushbutton switches

 

 

Project 48: Servo Switch Control

 

Realtime Servo Motor Control with Switches and Potentiometers

https://www.arduinointro.com/articles/projects/realtime-servo-motor-control-with-switches-and-potentiometers

 

https://youtu.be/ko7Wb75pvnk

 

Servo Motors and Proximity Sensors

 

14. Identify the correct wiring of an infrared sensor and a servo motor

 

15. Write an Arduino sketch/code to control the angles of a servo motor using an infrared sensor

 

 

Sensory Reaction

 

Sensory Double Reaction

 

Making Servo Motors React to Sensors

https://www.arduinointro.com/articles/projects/making-servo-motors-react-to-sensors

 

 

https://youtu.be/9SRZ-vKrS4c

 

 

 

UNIT 4

Display and Monitoring Systems

 
Content Standard
The learner demonstrates an understanding of the concept and underlying principles of Liquid Crystal Displays (LCD).
 
Performance Standard
The learners shall be able to independently create an environment monitoring system applying the functions and capabilities of a Liquid Crystal Display.

 

Unit Topic Content
 
Learning Competencies
 
Hands-on Exercises
Learn Arduino Intro App
 
Online Articles
 
Explainer Videos
 
Sample Projects

 

Liquid Crystal Display

 

I2C (inter-integrated communication) Protocol

 

I2C LCD Library

 

I2C LCD Functions

 

1. Define an I2C LCD

 

 

 

 

Displaying Characters Using the I2C Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)

https://www.arduinointro.com/articles/projects/displaying-characters-using-the-i2c-liquid-crystal-display-lcd

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Determine the correct wiring of the I2C LCD

 

3. Determine the Arduino libraries to use for the I2C LCD.

 

4. Install the required libraries for I2C LCD

 

5. Identify the basic commands for the I2C LCD.

 

6. Write an Arduino sketch/code to display characters on the I2C LCD

 

 

Project 49: LCD Hello World

LCD Custom Characters

 

LCD Scrolling Effect

 

7. Identify the commands to create a custom character

 

8. Design a custom character using an online character generator tool.

 

 

Project 50: LCD Custom Characters

 

 

Create Custom Characters for the I2C LCD Easily

https://www.arduinointro.com/articles/projects/create-custom-characters-for-the-i2c-lcd-easily

 

 

 

 

 

9. Determine the commands in making a text scrolling effect

 

10. Explain the process of making a scrolling effect

 

11. Write an Arduino sketch/code to display scrolling characters on the I2C LCD.

 

 

LCD Scrolling Effect

Using Pushbuttons and LEDs with LCD (Display LED Status)

 

12. Make the proper circuit for the pushbutton, LEDs, and LCD

 

13. Monitor the status of an LED using the I2C LCD

 

 

Project 52: LCD LED Status

 

Make Interactive Arduino Projects Using Pushbutton and LCD

https://www.arduinointro.com/articles/projects/make-interactive-arduino-projects-using-pushbutton-and-lcd

 

 

 

 

14. Create a mode functionality using pushbuttons and LCD

 

 

Project 51: LCD Switch Modes

Using Potentiometers and LEDs with LCD (Displaying Potentiometer Value)

 

15. Display the value of a potentiometer on the I2C LCD

 

16. Use a potentiometer to control LEDs and display their status on the screen.

 

Simple LED Meter

 

Simple LED Meter Using Potentiometer and I2C LCD (Quick Tutorial)

https://www.arduinointro.com/articles/projects/simple-led-meter-using-potentiometer-and-i2c-lcd

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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