Interactive Devices and Maker Practices

This unit guides students through integrating sensors, actuators, and sound to create polished Arduino projects while emphasizing testing, packaging, and community-driven documentation. Students will combine programming, circuitry, and maker practices to deploy, share, and iteratively improve interactive devices.

Learning Objectives

• Apply Arduino programming and serial communication to integrate sensors (PIR, ultrasonic) and servos, producing specified movement patterns and distance- or motion-triggered responses
• Design and build a complete, safe circuit and enclosure for an Arduino project that demonstrates correct wiring, power management, and secure physical packaging
• Demonstrate use of the Arduino Web Editor and maker platforms (Instructables, forums, YouTube) to upload code, create reproducible project documentation, and share project artifacts
• Evaluate device performance through systematic testing and troubleshooting of hardware and software (movement, distance measurement, audio), document iterative refinements, and incorporate peer feedback