Python & Building Robots & Rovers - 🤖🚙
Python, Python Based Hardware, & Internet of Things (IoT)

Seeing, Processing & Controlling The World With Python

Unit Overview, Introduction, Outline

Author: Jim Burnham - TopClown@STEAMClown.org. License: Distributed as Open Source.

In this course, you will learn primarily Python, some Linux, work some hardware labs using Adafruit Circuit Playground, Raspberry Pi's and other Python-based Microcontrollers & Microprocessors. You will understand how to use Python to interact with Sensors, Motors, and the network and web pages. You will have some lessons and labs focused on the Internet of Things (IoT).

A Cap Stone project will be updating a Robot Rover to run with a Raspberry Pi as it's primary controller. The goal is to be able to control the Rover over the Internet with IoT, and eventually run AI training to let the Rover Autonomously navigate

You'll work on developing programs and implementing them using both a browser interface as well as the Raspberry Pi console-based integrated development environment (IDE), and a graphical user interface (GUI) based interfaces. You'll work primarily with Python, but some other languages and interfaces will also be used.

You will also spend some time learning about and gaining experience in the best practices of software development, such as top-down design, object-oriented design, code debug, code validation, corner case testing, and technical/end-user documentation.

I'm a huge supporter of Open Source and Creative Commons resources. This is another way of saying Free, Equitable and Accessible resources... 📽️ 🎧 📰 📖 📝🛠️ 🖼️ - Want to Support Me on this endeavor?

Let's get started... Its going to be a wild, fun, awesome ride...

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WORK IN PROGRESS

Note From Mr. Burnham AKA "jim The STEAM Clown":

Why another Python class? - I think the main reason for another Python class, is that you can never find just the right site, with just the right examples... or structured just the way you want it. Some are too hot and some are too cold... for me, I'm hoping this class is just right. :-)

I'm am targeting this class to Engineering High School students, and I want to run my class a certain way, with lessons that are a specific length and complexity... While there are some AWESOME programming sites out there, I wanted a class I could point my students to, that was organized around my Mechatronics Engineering Python Units.

Believe me, I'm going to beg, borrow and "steal" any good code and point to sites that help me teach my students Python.

So, Sorry for another site and class for learning Python, Linux & Adafruit Circuit Playground, Raspberry Pi, Jetson Nano or other Python capable devices. Not Sorry...

Unit: Programming - Python & IOT
- Module: Python & IOT Introduction
This is a LEARNING & DOING : Lesson / Lab

Last Revised: Nov. 24, 2025 - Authored: Dec. 28, 2020
Original Author: Jim Burnham - TopClown@STEAMClown.org
Content License: Distributed as Open Source. See Rights & Usage

Note: TEACHERS!!!! If you are going to use any of these lessons or labs, please let me know. I would really like to understand how you are using this material. I want to know what works, what does not work, what would you like me to add, and how I can make it better. If you changed something, let me know, because it's probably a good idea and you should share it with me, so I can add it and share with everyone else.

This Module or lesson is how I teach in my class. Many of the lessons might be specific to my class, but you could probably adjust them for your class. I'll try to make them a neutral as I can, so they can be used in any Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, or any other Engineering / Technology class. Let me know how I can make that better. I'll try to keep this unit current and relevant. Please let me know if any resource links are broken or not accessible.

Send me email at TopClown@STEAMClown.org You can also Join the STEAM Clown's Mailing List. If you want to Unsubscribe, click my Unsubscribe From Mailing List link

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(If you would like to sponsor this, or other Modules or presentation, please contact TopClown@STEAMClown.org or check out my "How To Help Page"

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Learning Objective:

This Raspberry Pi & Python Unit is intended to introduce students not just the syntax of coding, but to the concept of Design Thinking when playing with a Python capable hardware like Adafruit Circuit Playground, Raspberry Pi Pico, Pi3 -5, Jetson Nano, or planning and writing Python Programs.

Module Scope:

Introduction to the Python Programming Language
Description of best practices for creating and writing a Program
Present Tips and Tricks to Apply Scientific Methods, fundamental principles of computer science to design Top Down, modular and reusable Python code

Learning Targets:

Inspire Life Long Learning by applying concepts like Design Thinking and Computational Thinking, Top Down Design and step by step Problem Decomposition and Debugging using Python
Students will be able to demonstrate a basic, but fundamental knowledge of setting up, configuring, and connecting a Raspberry Pi to the physical world
Students show they can solve Python coding exercises and problems requiring the writing of well-documented programs in the Python language

Prior Knowledge or Prerequisites:

No explicit prerequisite course work or coding knowledge is required, but students are expected to have a good understanding of basic computer principles.
You will need to have access to a Raspberry Pi, Jetson Nano or personal computer so you can write programs and do the lab assignments and the final project. Python runs on Windows, Mac OS X, Chromebooks, and Linux, so almost any computer will do.
Access to a Python capable device - In class, we'll be implementing programming examples on Adafruit Circuit Playground, Raspberry Pi Pico, Pi 3-5, Jetson Nano, Adafruit Clue, or other Python capable microprocessor/controller using the Python IDLE application or working inside a Terminal window. We'll be using Python 3 in this course.

Resources & Materials Needed:

PC, Laptop or Other device to access the Python IDE
Each lesson will have specific items needed to complete the labs and tasks

Caution & Safety Considerations:

Primer: "Aaron, I can imagine no way in which this thing could be considered anywhere remotely close to safe. All I know is I spent six hours in there and I'm still alive... You still want to do it?"

As with any activity, please make sure you are using appropriate safety equipment. If you are coding, writing, reading, or working a lab, make sure you stand up and stretch every hour or so, Please consider any safety issues connecting to a Raspberry Pi, Arduino, computers and other electronic equipment.

Essential Questions:

How does learning Python on a Raspberry Pi, or other Python based hardware, help you understand real-world embedded systems used in engineering applications?
In what ways does programming in Python teach you to think critically about hardware-software integration?
Why is Python a powerful language for engineering problem-solving, especially when working with Linux based devices like a Raspberry Pi or Jetson Nano?

Key Academic Vocabulary or Concepts:

Algorithm - A step-by-step procedure for solving a problem or performing a task. Both Python programming and hardware control rely on algorithms to define system behavior.
Interpreted - Python is a programming language that is executed line-by-line by an interpreter rather than being compiled into machine code ahead of time. In an interpreted language, the program is read, translated, and executed on the fly. There is no separate “build” or “compile” step that produces an executable file.
Variable - A named storage location that holds a value in a program. Variables allow data to be changed, read, and reused in Python scripts and hardware applications.
Conditional Statement - A programming structure (e.g., if, elif, else) that allows decision-making based on logical tests. Used heavily in sensor-based Raspberry Pi projects.
Iteration (Looping) - The process of repeating a block of code using for or while loops. Crucial for hardware tasks such as continually reading sensors.
Input/Output (I/O) - Refers to communication between the program/hardware and the outside world, such as reading sensors or controlling LEDs and motors.
GPIO (General-Purpose Input/Output) - The pins on a Raspberry Pi that can be programmed to read inputs or send outputs. A foundational hardware concept.
Function - A reusable block of code that performs a specific task. Functions support modular programming and are vital for structured robotics and electronics code.
Debugging - The process of identifying and fixing errors in code or hardware setups. Critical for both Python logic and troubleshooting wiring or signals on a Raspberry Pi.
Syntax - The set of rules defining how Python code must be written to run correctly. Understanding syntax is a core academic skill in programming.
Runtime Environment - The system where programs execute, such as the Raspberry Pi OS, terminal, or Python interpreter. Students must understand how code interacts with the hardware environment.

Getting Started:

Python is a general purpose and high level programming language. You can use Python for developing desktop GUI applications, websites and web applications. Also, Python, as a high level programming language, allows you to focus on core functionality of the application by taking care of common programming tasks. The simple syntax rules of the programming language further makes it easier for you to keep the code base readable and application maintainable. There are also a number of reasons why you should prefer Python to other programming languages. Check out this Python: 7 Important Reasons Why You Should Use Python

Unit Topics and Lessons

Python, Python Based Hardware, & Internet of Things (IoT)
Robots & Rovers - 🤖🚙

8.0.0 - Programming - Introduction to Python, Internet of Things (IoT), Robots & Rovers - 🤖🚙

Teachers: How I teach These Modules, Lessons, and Labs:

I have these Python, Linux, and IoT topics split into topical modules, but invariably I teach them as an interleaved set of lessons and labs that focus on building a Python based Rover, capable of AI Autonomous navigation, AI Machine Vision & Lot's of sensor integration & data collection / analysis.

8.0.1 - Programming - Python & Internet of Things (IoT) Introduction:
8.1.0, 8.3.0 - Programming - Python - Robots & Rovers - 🤖🚙- Seeing, Processing & Controlling The World (Python and Python Based Hardware Modules)

You'll work on developing programs and implementing them using both a browser interface as well as the Raspberry Pi console based integrated development environment (IDE), and a graphical user interface (GUI) based interface. You'll work primarily with Python, but some other languages and interfaces will also be used.

See all the Lessons and Resources on the Python (Focused On The Raspberry Pi & a AI based Rover - 🤖🚙) - Presentation order is interleafed to build a capstone Python based Rover
Programming - Python & Internet of Things (IoT) Introduction - STEAM Clown - 📰 Slide Presentation
- Programming - Python & Internet of Things (IoT) Introduction - 📖 Lesson Tutorial
- *Programming - Python & Internet of Things (IoT) Introduction - 📽️ Video / Podcast (Soon)
What Computer & Technology Are You Using? - STEAM Clown
Programming - Why Learn To Code? - STEAM Clown
Programming - Computer Science is Changing Everything - 🎧 📽️ 📝 - STEAM Clown
Programming - Reasons Why Coding Is Important 📖 📝 - STEAM Clown
Programming - Your Brain On Coding - 📖 📝 - STEAM Clown
Programming - Coding is Good for your Brain - 📖 📝 - STEAM Clown
Programming - Programming Brain - 📖 📝- STEAM Clown

8.1.1 - Programming - Cisco Network Academy - Python Essentials Class:

Python Essentials Introduction - Cisco Network Academy - STEAM Clown - 📰 Slide Presentation
- Programming - Python & Internet of Things (IoT) Introduction - 📖 Lesson Tutorial
- Mechatronics - <topic> - 📽️ Video / Podcast (Soon)
Python Essentials - Cisco Network Academy - Old Link

8.1.2 - Programming - Cisco Network Academy - Internet of Things (IoT): (Coming Soon)

8.1.2.0 - Internet of Things (IoT) - Cisco Network Academy - STEAM Clown - 📰 Slide Presentation
- Internet of Things (IoT) - Cisco Network Academy- Introduction - 📖 Lesson Tutorial (Coming Soon)
- Internet of Things (IoT) - Cisco Network Academy- Introduction - 📽️ Video / Podcast (Coming Soon)

8.4.0 - Programming - Linux & The Command Line

Linux & Command Line Introduction - STEAM Clown - 📰 Slide Presentation
- Old Link - Linux & The Command Line

Reference, Attribution & Resources:

License - "Be A Hero"... Distribute Your Content As Open Source... That Is What I'm Doing...

The content on this site may have been pulled from other open source sites, but typically the interpretation and presentation is primarily the Intellectual Property of Jim Burnham, - TopClown@STEAMClown.org at www.steamclown.org and the Student curriculum can be found under the specific Mechatronics Engineering Units section of this web site.
If you do use my material, and make changes, I would appreciate getting a copy... because if you are making changes, it means that you think there is a better way to teach this… and I would really appreciate understanding that. Please send me feedback on my Questions or Feedback form. Please don’t hesitate to ask questions or comment.
You also should keep and include my STEAM Clown Logo and Copyright in any derivative works you create. I would appreciate if you would include one of these images found on my Steam Clown License page and link it to www.steamclown.org

Teachers - Unit, Module and Lesson Plans

If you are a teacher and want to connect and teach this Lesson or Module, discuss how I teach it, give me feedback, please contact me at TopClown@STEAMClown.org

To access this Lesson Plan and the Teacher collaboration area, you will have needed to connect with me so I can Share the content with you. Please go to the Teachers & Partner Page, check out my Licensing and fill out my Collaboration and Curriculum Request Form. I'll review and then grant you access to the requested areas and lesson plans if they exist.

If you have questions or feedback on how I can make a presentation, lesson, lab better please give use my Feedback Form.

Standards Alignments & Objectives:

I’ll work on getting these in, but it’s the last thing I want to work on :-) When I have them updated, I’ll move to the top of the Lesson Plan.

NGSS: <list standard numbers>
California CTE Standards: <list standard numbers>
Related Instructional Objectives (SWBAT): <list standard numbers>
CCSS: nnn, RSIT: nnn, RLST: nnn, WS: nnn, WHSST: nnn, A-CED: nnn, ETS: nnn <list standard numbers>
Main Standard:
Priority standards:
National Standards:

Resource Attribution:
Sites Referenced or Summarized:

Reference Text Book - Links
Reference Sites -

Images:

https://imgbin.com/png/ZJtzkYZZ/under-construction-png

Random Stuff To Sort

add to resources:
- Pi My Life - https://pimylifeup.com/
  - Pi My Life Up - Pi My Life Up - Raspberry Pi Project Resources - STEAM Clown Library
  - Pi My Life Up - Pi My Life Up - Arduino Project Resources - STEAM Clown Library

move or delete

Programming - Hardware Platforms & Technology

What Computer & Technology Are You Using? - STEAM Clown
- Technology - What Computer & Phone are you using? - Survey Form

Resource Key:

<Unit> - <Module Name> - Lessons - Daily/Weekly Lesson Plan

Key: 📰 Slides / Audio 🎧 / 📽️▶️ Video/YouTube / 🎧▶️📽️ Audio/Video / ✨ Resources / 🖼️ Tutorial / 📖 Reading Activity / 📝 Writing Activity / 📖 📝 Reading/Writing / 📟 Coding / 🛠️ LAB Activity / 🚀 Quiz / 🔎 Review / ✔️ Mastery Check / ✍️ Sign Up /🍕 Extra Credit / 🕸️ Web Links / 👩🏽‍🎓🧑🏽‍🎓🧑🏿‍🎓👩‍🏫 Class / 🏵️📜📃 Certificate / 🗂️ 📈 Collecting Survey Data

/🧟 Review / 🦾 Practice / 🆙Level Up /

🎚️🦑📤🎯 🚧

- 🦑 Special Project -

Assignment Type: ⚓ Establishing (Minimum Standard) / ⛏️ Developing (Digging Deeper) / 💎 Aspiring (Putting It Together)

This is an ⚓ Establishing Assignment (Minimum Standard) - "Everyone Do" Assignment

This is an ⛏️ Developing (Digging Deeper) - "Everyone Should Do, To Stretch" Assignment

This is an 💎 Aspiring (Putting It Together) - "When you have done the ⚓ Establishing and⛏️ Developing" Assignment

🚀 Formative Quiz - 🔎 Review
🚀 Quiz -🔀 Mastery Path
🚀 Summative Quiz -✔️ Skills Mastery Check

Quiz - verify that they are all listed as a "Formative", "Mastery Path", or "Summative"

🚀 Formative Quiz - These are quizzes that the students can take a few times. I have them either set for unlimited times, or 3-5 times, where the final score is their average. The idea is that these Formative Quizzes are designed for students to learn and master a skill. while I want them to ger 100%, and when it's set to unlimited tries, the student should get 100% eventually. When the quiz is set to 3-5 tries with an average, then they should be prepared and should take the quiz seriously. I set the quiz to not show the right answer, but I do let them see their wrong answer. I also put the explanation of the right and wrong answer in the right and wrong answer prompt for each question. That way they can see why they got the answer wrong and learn from that experience.
- 8.1.0.3.2.4 - Python - Ch 3 - Functions - Quiz #2 -Built-In Functions - 🚀 Formative Quiz
🚀 Quiz -🔀 Mastery Path - These Mastery path quizzes are to be presented after the student has had a chance to do some labs and some Formative quizzes. The goal is to let students have 2 chances to take this quiz, and take the average of the 2 attempts. Based on the average, they will be presented with a Canvas Mastery Path, where they will have an option for take additional quiz and assignments to help with remediation. This will get them ready to take the Summative Quizzes.
- 8.1.0.3.3.1 - Python - Ch 3 - Functions - Mastery Quiz #1 - 🚀 Quiz -🔀 Mastery Path
🚀 Summative Quiz -✔️ Skills Mastery Check - These Mastery path quizzes are to be presented after the student has had a chance to do some labs and some Formative quizzes. The goal is to let students have 2 chances to take this quiz, and take the average of the 2 attempts. That will be their final module/subject topic grade.
- 8.1.0.3.3.1 - Python - Ch 3 - Functions - Skills Mastery Check Quiz #1 - 🚀 Summative Quiz -✔️ Skills Mastery Check

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Python & Building Robots & Rovers - 🤖🚙Python, Python Based Hardware, & Internet of Things (IoT)