Physical Computing

Using physical computing allows you to communicate with the world around you through hardware. Sensors can measure human input, meteorological information or changes in electronic signals coming from changes in energy in the form of light, sound or heat. The workshop will be an introduction in how to interpret these signals from sensors and convert that data by means of small computers, microcontrollers. Finally we will find out how to establish communication between them and other computers.

Goals

• Gain insight in the world of sensors, actuators and microcomputers
• Learn about communication protocols between computers
• Introduction into programming a microcomputer using a visual programming language.

Requirements

Students need to have an account for the MakeCode / micro:bit.

Project

We will make a few simple project using a BBC micro:bit - a microcontroller that can be programmed with a visual programming language.

Next Steps

• Frederik Vandenbosch has an amazing YouTube channel showing how he builds crazy machines and hacks. Have a look at syntax programming for the same micro:bit. Wander around in the world of Arduino, Raspberry Pi or build a banana piano with Makey makey Visit a Maker Faire to see other people working in the field.