Physical Computing for Kids – Level 1

Basics of physical computing with coding activities and games for kids

Number of Lessons

Learning Hours

13+

Grades

Physical Computing for Kids – Level 1 is a coding curriculum for middle school designed by computing curriculum experts for teaching physical computing through exciting activities such as controlling characters using evive, creating exciting games, making a smart LED street light, etc.

With its clear explanations and a variety of exciting coding activities and games, Physical Computing for Kids – Level 1 will help students develop basic physical computing skills in no time.

Learning Outcomes

After completing Physical Computing for Kids – Level 1, students will become familiar with the basics of physical computing and gamification, algorithms, and logical reasoning with the help of a wide variety of coding activities.

Apart from the aforementioned learning outcomes, this STEM curriculum will also help them develop important skills such as problem-solving, attention to detail, and abstract thinking.

Prerequisites

Completed Electronics for Kids – Level 1 and Introduction to Programming for Kids or have worked on Scratch.

Curriculum Lesson Plan

Section 1 - ABC of Physical Computing

Students will be introduced to the basics of physical computing with the help of engaging coding activities based on evive.

1.1 - Digital Output – LED State Control

What is physical computing? How to interface evive with PictoBlox in Stage mode? How to control the digital state of a pin to turn an LED ON and OFF?

1.2 - Analog Output – LED Brightness Control

How to control the brightness of an LED in PictoBlox using analog output?

1.3 - Digital Input – Reading the State of Switches

What is digital input? How to read the state of a digital pin in PictoBlox? How to read the state (pressed or not) of evive tactile switch? How to read the state (up, down, or center) of evive's slide switch?

1.4 - Analog Input – Reading Potentiometer

What is analog input? What is its range? How to read the analog state of pins in PictoBlox? How to read the state of evive's potentiometer?

1.5 - evive’s Display – Hello World!

What are the specifications of evive's display? How to display and manipulate text on the display using the evive Display Extension?

Section 2 - Ready. Set. Play!

Students will learn the basic elements that make up a game and will code two simple games on their own in PictoBlox that can be played using evive.

2.1 - Beetle in the Maze

How to make games and animations in PictoBlox? How to read the sate of evive's navigation key?

2.2 - The Hungry Shark Game

How to create clones in PictoBlox? How to detect contact between two sprites and perform actions accordingly?

Section 3 - Do-It-Yourself!

After gaining ample knowledge about physical computing, students will make various exciting DIY projects using PictoBlox and evive by implementing the knowledge.

3.1 - Displaying Patterns on RGB LED Strip

What is an RGB LED strip? How to connect the RGB strip to evive and program it to display different patterns?

3.2 - Making Custom Patterns on RGB LED Strip

How to program individual LEDs in an RGB LED strip to make custom patterns?

3.3 - Controlling a DC Motor using PictoBlox

How to program evive to control the direction and speed of a DC motor in PictoBlox?

3.4 - Smart Hand Band for Blind People

What is an ultrasonic sensor? How does it work? How to connect it to evive? How to get the distance of an object using the sensor in PictoBlox?

3.5 - Controlling a Servo Motor using PictoBlox

How to control the angle of a servo motor in PictoBlox?

3.6 - Smart LED Street Light

How to read the reading of analog sensors in PictoBlox? How to automate something based on a sensor's data?

Section 4 - Capstone Project

After learning the basics of physical computing, students will make a capstone project which should use their learning from the curriculum. Some example projects they can make are ultrasonic radar system, smart dustbin, smart toilet, etc.
The students will work on the project for 3-5 sessions depending on the engagement. Craft material like cardboard, string, rubber bands and other should be provided to the students.
In the first session, students will be briefed about the capstone project. Then, they will get time to ideate on the project and make rough sketches of the model they want to make. They will also list down the material required to build the project.
In the remaining sessions, students will make the project.