C++ Programming (Implemented With An Arduino)

Unit Overview, Introduction, Outline

This Unit is all about learning to use the Arduino Micro-controller and Learning to program it with C and C++.  While the goal is to learn C++, the main goal of this Unit is to learn to programmatically access sensors and other input devices, act on them with a control program, and then manipulate outputs to actually control the real world.  I teach C++ before I teach Python, not because I think it's a better language, but rather because I want to use the Arduino hardware platform first.

This C++ Programming Unit is intended to introduce students not just the syntax of coding, but to the concept of Design Thinking when playing with an Arduino or planning and writing a C or C++ Program.  While we will learn basic C++, we will actually focus on the libraries and specific syntax used when programming an Arduino and other micro controllers.  For all practical purposes we are learning C, because we really are not going to get too deep into the Object Oriented aspects of C++.

Learning Objective:

• Inspire Life Long Learning by applying concepts like Design Thinking and Computational Thinking, Top Down Design and step by step Problem Decomposition and Debugging

• Students will have a basic, but fundamental knowledge of setting up, configuring, and connecting an Arduino to the physical world.

• Apply Scientific Methods, fundamental principles of computer science to design Top Down, modular and reusable Arduino code

• Demonstrate the principles of object-oriented programming and the interplay of algorithms and data structures in well-written modular code;

• Solve C & C++ coding exercises and problems requiring the writing of well-documented programs in the C++ language

• Demonstrate significant experience with the Arduino IDE program development environment

This is my best attempt to create a C++ & Arduino Resource page for my Mechatronics Engineering class.  Let me know how to make this better, what I may  be missing, and what I can add.  Contact me at TopClown@STEAMClown.org.