Interactive Circuits and Sensors

This unit guides students through hands-on prototyping with Arduino: safe soldering, reading circuit diagrams, integrating sensors (buttons, piezo, pressure/force/load), and controlling outputs (LEDs, motors). Students will use libraries and Processing sketches to visualize data, practice parts selection and sourcing, and leverage open-source resources to prepare for more complex system design in later units.

Learning Objectives

• Apply soldering techniques and safety protocols to assemble and verify functional prototype circuits (LEDs, buttons, DC motors) using continuity checks and visual inspection
• Demonstrate integration of input sensors (momentary buttons with debouncing, piezo elements, pressure/force/load sensors) with Arduino to produce reliable digital and analog readings and to control outputs (LED blink/fade, motor spin)
• Analyze and modify Arduino sketches and external libraries and implement Processing sketches to graph and visualize single and multiple sensor signals for troubleshooting and data interpretation
• Evaluate circuit diagrams, component specifications, and open-source hardware/software resources to produce a parts list, vendor choices, and cost estimate for a small Arduino-based project