Experimenters will construct their own Raspberry Pi systems and learn computers, applications and coding hands-on from the ground up. Working individually or in small teams, members explore and have fun with a powerful computer and the vast universe of open-source educational software applications and tools. Students can select a Maker Education oriented focus area once through system essentials:
- Students learn essentials about the Raspberry Pi Open-Source hardware, Linux operating system, and application software running on their Pi's. In every class the student assembles their personal system and resume projects or start something new.
- Pi applications and hardware supported in the workshop include Sonic Pi (create music - learn coding concepts), Pi Camera (video-photo/Python coding), and Minecraft (networked game play/Python coding).
- Maker projects include building Pi based breadboard circuits, learning basic electronics and writing Python code to interface a variety of devices and sensors (pre-robotics). Camera projects with video effects and Python control for time lapse, remote video and networking.
- Robotics projects are available in Pi Shop 2. We rebuild used RC cars using Pi Zero and motor driver device to build and develop autonomous driving Python scripts.
- Python coding taught in breadboard, Pi Camera, AstroPi, Minecraft and robotics focus groups. Each focus area has incremental python exercises to learn programming while completing projects and getting their own ideas.
The Raspberry Pi is an international non-profit educational computer platform used extensively (19M+ units!) over last 5+ years in UK schools and growing in Europe, U.S. and else ware with a network of hobbyists, students, educators and engineers. The Open Source Pi platform provides extensive resources and materials for educators and students of all ages, and is a respected world-wide internet community (raspberrypi.org).
Instructor: Dan Schmidt is a retired telecommunications software/systems engineer working to share the fun of computers and joy of building things. He has assisted several Lego robotics classes and conducted a Raspberry Pi enrichment class at North Star Academy in 2017. Dan conducted winter and spring Pi Shop workshops in 2018/2019. He also consults in non-profit work using Raspberry Pi's in recreation products for mobility challenged folks.
- Raspberry Pi: Learn to bring up and use your class Pi system, applications, devices and software tools
- Coding: Learn Python 3 coding basics and use Mu editor to write and debug basic scripts.
- Minecraft: Learn to use a Python API (Application Program Interface) and write scripts to create structures and interact in the Minecraft VR world. Networking multiple players adds fun factor!
- Pi Camera: Learn Python API to control a HD camera for photo/video projects (stop motion, time lapse, 1st person video). Learn to program switches and LED’s for camera operation.
- Portable Pi: Create portable Pi projects to unleash your Pi with battery operation. Examples: Personal movie camera. Time-lapse operation and motion sensors with night vision for nature photo/video projects. Aerial photo/video with a kite or balloon.
Pi Shop 2 is planned for continuing Pi Shop students with the following curriculum:
- Breadboarding: Learn to use a breadboard to build basic circuits connected to the Pi GPIO interface
- Sensors: Use ultrasonic and infrared sensors and write Python code to detect objects
- Servos: Control a servo to point a sensor or camera in different directions
- Motors: Learn about motor control and Python code to control speed and direction
- Robotics: Integrate a Pi Zero into a hacked toy RC car and learn autonomous driving basics
- Write code to control car speed and turning. Test driving on playground via wifi
- Integrate an ultrasonic sensor and develop driving scripts to avoid collision
- Explore other devices for driving and navigation including Pi Camera for first person video projects