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This course will allow students to discover computer science concepts and skills by creating personally relevant, tangible, and shareable projects. Throughout the unit, students will learn about programming for the physical world by blending hardware design and software development. They will design and develop a physical computing device, interactive art installation, or wearable, and plan and develop code for microcontrollers that bring their physical designs to life.
Physical computing projects will promote student awareness of interactive systems, including Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and broaden their understanding of abstract computer science concepts through meaningful and authentic applications.
Below is a sample of lessons that students will receive in this course:
Lesson 1: Blink!
Students begin to explore the capabilities of physical computing systems with The Digital Dive game, an engaging,
live-action activity where students “become” computer parts and transmit commands. They learn to use algorithmic
thinking as they prepare to code. Students use block-based coding to create, download, and upload programs to
the micro:bit microcontroller. They learn processes and gain skills to debug programs starting with pre-bugged
programs. They apply these skills to their own project where they code a blinking message that includes text,
images such as emojis, and animation.
Lesson 2: The Ins and Outs
In this lesson, students explore a variety of sensors and actuators to use as inputs and outputs in physical
computing projects. Using different materials to transfer electrical signals, such as conductive thread, alligator
clips, conductive paint, and copper tape, students create their own input device—a sensor or switch—to interact
with a program they develop on the microcontroller. They use these skills in the lesson’s project to design, develop,
and program a system to protect safes and secrets.
Lesson 3: Program the Physical World
Within teams, students become innovators and makers. Teams apply their physical computing knowledge and
skills as they design and create one of three problem options:
• A wearable safety device someone might use when completing a physical activity outside at night
• An engaging art installation to help improve a community space
• A useful mechanical dispenser for a person or animal who needs assistance to retrieve an object
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