Arduino

Arduino is an open source electronic microcontroller based on flexible, easy-to-use hardware and software. Arduino boards are able to read inputs—light on a sensor, a finger on a button, or a Twitter message—and turn it into an output—activating a motor, turning on an LED, publishing something online. All this is defined by a set of instructions programmed through the Arduino Software.

The Arduino is essential the brains of a computer without the nice plastic case. It is, in fact, a small microcomputer that can receive input from sensors, use that information in a computer program, and take action by controlling lights, motors and other output devices. Building and programming robots with Arduino may be messier than using LEGO, but Arduino is more flexible and powerful and allows students to progress beyond the world of LEGO robotics.

Additional resources on Computational Thinking and Coding are available HERE. This includes appropriate levels for students to start exploring arduinos.