Teaching Physical Computing with Raspberry Pi and Python
Why join the course?
Over four weeks, you’ll develop your knowledge of simple electronics and computing, setting up your Raspberry Pi and writing your first program using the Python programming language.
You’ll apply your newfound knowledge to a series of challenges, including controlling an LED with Python, using a button press to control a circuit, and making a button and LED game.
If you’re a teacher, you’ll also have the chance to develop ideas for using the Raspberry Pi and Python in your classroom, and to connect with a network of other educators.
What topics will you cover?
- Introduction to the Raspberry Pi computer. Setting up the Raspberry Pi hardware and software and booting your Pi for the first time.
- Writing your first Python program, and make a simple reaction game.
- The importance of success and failure when learning.
- How simple circuits work, how to connect an LED to your Raspberry Pi, and how to switch your LED on and off using Python code to create light sequences.
- Different kinds of input devices that can be used to sense the real world. Connecting and taking input from a simple button, and how to build your own buttons from simple craft materials.
- Applying your knowledge about physical computing to create a digital making project that is shared with and reviewed by your peers.
When would you like to start?
What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you'll be able to...
Who is the course for?
This course is designed for anyone interested in Physical Computing.
It will be of particular use to non-subject-specialist teachers, computing teachers, and design and technology teachers who are interested in using the Raspberry Pi and Python in their classroom.
What software or tools do you need?
- a Raspberry Pi (models B+ through to 3)
- a microSD card (8GB minimum) with our Raspbian operating system installed
- a monitor and HDMI cable (or VGA adaptor)
- a USB keyboard and mouse
- a 400-point breadboard
- 3 LEDs, a button, 330Ω resistors and jumper cables (male to female).
What do people say about this course?
This course is excellent. It's vital to think in terms of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Maths) and combine as many as possible when doing fun things.
David Sutton
I loved the course. I have been working with the Raspberry Pi in the classroom for more than a year. I am by no means a gifted programmer, yet I found the programs in this course very simple to learn. Nevertheless, it is greatly motivating, and I managed to convince 4 colleagues to take the course so that, in the near future, our school will have a team of 5 teachers with basic 'Pi skills. We'll be setting up new projects and a proper Pi-lab soon!
Ivan Lietaert
Who will you learn with?
James Robinson
James is an experienced Computer Science teacher who runs the Raspberry Pi Foundation's teacher training Programme called Picademy. He still plays with LEGO and drinks lots of tea.
Who developed the course?
The Raspberry Pi Foundation works to put the power of digital making into the hands of people all over the world, so they are capable of understanding and shaping our increasingly digital world.
Free
$0
Upgrade
$44
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