Introduction to Arduino Programming Using Tinkercad

Overview

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of Arduino programming using Tinkercad’s virtual simulation platform. Students will learn basic electronics and programming concepts through hands-on virtual experiments, preparing them for physical Arduino projects.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Understand basic Arduino programming concepts and syntax
• Create and simulate basic circuits in Tinkercad
• Write and debug simple Arduino sketches
• Implement fundamental input/output operations
• Develop basic electronics projects virtually

Prerequisites

• Basic computer literacy
• Access to a web browser and internet connection
• No prior programming experience required
• Free Tinkercad account (www.tinkercad.com)

Course Overview

• Total Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Sections: 5
• Lectures: 13

Course Outline

Section 1: Getting Started

1. Introduction to the Course
   • What is Arduino?
   • What is Tinkercad?
   • Why use Tinkercad for Arduino?
   • Course objectives and outcomes.
2. Explore Tinkercad
   • Duration: 03:22
   • Learn how to navigate Tinkercad’s interface.
   • Understand the components available in the simulator.
   • Create your first simple circuit.

Section 2: Basic Electronics

1. Introduction to Basic Electronics
   • Duration: 15:00
   • What is electricity? Voltage, current, and resistance explained.
   • Ohm’s Law and its importance in circuit design.
   • Understanding series and parallel circuits.
2. Common Electronic Components
   • Duration: 12:00
   • Resistors, capacitors, LEDs, and their uses.
   • How to read resistor color codes.
   • Introduction to sensors, buzzers, and motors.
3. Prototyping Tools
   • Duration: 12:56
   • Introduction to breadboards, wires, and connectors.
   • Learn how to connect components in Tinkercad.
   • Build a basic circuit with an LED and resistor.

Section 3: Digital Outputs

1. Digital Output – How to Control a Buzzer
   • Duration: 06:53
   • Learn how to use digital pins to control a buzzer.
   • Write your first Arduino code to make the buzzer beep.
2. Digital Output – Traffic Light Project
   • Duration: 19:12
   • Simulate a traffic light system using LEDs.
   • Write code to control the sequence of lights.
   • Understand the concept of delays in Arduino programming.
3. Digital Output PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) – RGB LED
   • Duration: 13:31
   • Learn about PWM and how it controls brightness.
   • Control an RGB LED to create different colors.
   • Write code to fade and mix colors.
4. Digital Output PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) – Servo Motor
   • Duration: 07:58
   • Learn how to control a servo motor using PWM.
   • Write code to move the servo to specific angles.
   • Build a simple project to demonstrate servo control.

Section 4: Sensors and Inputs

1. LM35 Temperature Sensor with Buzzer
   • Duration: 15:39
   • Learn how to read analog data from the LM35 temperature sensor.
   • Write code to trigger a buzzer when the temperature exceeds a threshold.
   • Understand analog-to-digital conversion.
2. PIR Motion Sensor with LED
   • Duration: 11:07
   • Learn how to detect motion using a PIR sensor.
   • Write code to turn on an LED when motion is detected.
   • Build a simple security system simulation.
3. Photoelectric (Light) Sensor with RGB LED
   • Duration: 16:08
   • Learn how to use a light sensor to detect ambient light.
   • Write code to change the color of an RGB LED based on light levels.
   • Create a dynamic lighting system.
4. Ultrasonic Sensor with Buzzer
   • Duration: 10:46
   • Learn how to measure distance using an ultrasonic sensor.
   • Write code to trigger a buzzer when an object is too close.
   • Build a simple obstacle detection system.

Section 5: Conclusion

1. Course Wrap-Up and Next Steps
   • Duration: 10:00
   • Recap of what you’ve learned.
   • Ideas for further projects and learning.
   • Resources for advancing your Arduino skills.