6. Circuit Playground

The Zoom Room link for each lab is given here: 11 am, 12pm, 1pm

Overview

Physical Computing combines objects in the physical world around us as input and/or output that is processed by computer programs. We will be using the Circuit Playground Express, which provides buttons, lights, sensors, switches and sound, and can be programmed from within App Lab.

For this lab you will be in groups to discuss with each other how to get everything to work, but your lab submission will be individual, reflecting your own individual progress.

Pre-lab

1. Follow the instructions to install the Code.org Maker App.

2. Introduction, setup - The Circuit Playground Express device ONLY works when opened and used within the Code.org Maker App.

Lab Activity

Do Lesson 3 up through section 8 to experience features of buttons interacting with the led.
(While you don't have to, if you have time head over to Lesson 5 and explore handling board events, using the toggleSwitch, buttons, and playing sounds with the buzzer.)

Submission

Take a selfie of yourself with your Circuit Playground, where the single LED is turned on, as explained in the setup sequence above. In this google form upload your Circuit Playground selfie.

Exploration (optional)

After going over the previously described Circuit Playground Express lessons, design and build one of the following, or something similar to them:

• 1. Display counter, where each button press increases a counter or a sound

  2. Blinky bike light

  3. On-screen piano keyboard, where pressing different buttons plays different notes

To get started, go here: https://studio.code.org/projects/applab/

To add the circuit playground buttons, click on gear next to toolkit. On drop down, click “Enable Maker Toolkit”. Now, you should see the “Circuit” library show up in your toolbox.

Feeling adventurous? While not required, try using other sensor inputs:

• • Use the light sensor value as the sound to be played, or to sound an alarm when a light goes on.

  • Use the sound sensor to give a warning light if sound is too loud.

  • Have an on-screen slider value determine the sound frequency to play