Prototyping with Sensors and Actuators

This unit develops hands-on prototyping skills with Arduino hardware, including soldering, circuit assembly, sensors (piezo, pressure, force), actuators (LEDs, motors), and use of libraries and Processing sketches to collect and visualize data. Students practice safe soldering, read and build from circuit diagrams, debounce inputs, and evaluate open-source resources and suppliers to prepare integrated projects in subsequent units.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze circuit diagrams and breadboard layouts to translate schematic components (buttons, LEDs, piezo sensors, motors, resistors) into correct physical wiring for at least three different circuits
• Apply safe soldering practices and assembly procedures to construct and troubleshoot prototype boards and at least two durable sensor or actuator connections
• Demonstrate the ability to write, modify, and deploy Arduino sketches and associated libraries (including a Processing sketch) to read multiple sensor inputs, implement debouncing, and control an LED fade and a DC motor
• Evaluate open-source libraries, tutorials, and component vendors to select appropriate parts and software resources for a planned Arduino project, justifying selections based on specifications, cost, and community support