Arduino Fundamentals and Circuit Basics

This unit introduces students to the Arduino ecosystem, core hardware (Uno and related boards), the Arduino IDE, and foundational sketch development while covering basic electronics concepts, measurement techniques, and hands-on assembly skills. Students will practice tool selection, soldering, circuit measurement, and component-level behaviors (LEDs, buttons, motors, diodes, PWM) to prepare for more advanced programming and circuit design in subsequent units.

Learning Objectives

• analyze the Arduino platform by describing its history, identifying the architecture and common board variants (e.g., Uno, Nano), and comparing shields and peripherals for appropriate application selection
• demonstrate the ability to write, upload, modify, and troubleshoot basic Arduino sketches using the IDE to control LEDs, buttons, virtual inputs, and simple motor outputs
• apply fundamental electrical principles, including Ohm’s law and PWM concepts, to calculate circuit values and use a multimeter to measure voltage, current, and resistance in simple Arduino circuits
• evaluate and perform safe hands-on assembly practices by selecting appropriate tools, demonstrating basic soldering techniques, and integrating components (motors, diodes, resistors) with basic protection and wiring best practices