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Coding for Loops in Python Programs
Sometimes in a program, you might want to do the same thing multiple times. For example, maybe you want to print the word ‘apple’ 50 times? You could write 50 print statements in a row, but there is a much better way to accomplish the same outcome using a loop. The circuit pictured is controlled via a loop program.
Configuring Line Sensors on Your Robot
Programming a robot to follow a line course involves installing and configuring motors and line sensors and programming the robot to drive each motor based on whether the line is detected. Along the way, you'll need to account for the layout of the course, distance between the sensors and drive wheels, and motor response time.
What is Forward Voltage?
Forward voltage (Vf) is the minimum amount of voltage that is required to allow an LED, or other electronic component, to turn on. In Lesson A-2 of our Intro to Robotics program, we teach you to build simple electrical circuits and how to factor in forward voltage for the components you are working with.
Raspberry Pi 3B vs. Raspberry Pi 4
Since the 4th level of our program involves building a fully mobile robot, we include a Raspberry Pi 3b in the kit. While the v4 is a newer version, its power and cooling requirements are significant making it quite difficult to use with a battery pack. A robot is a lot less fun if you have to plug it in to run it!
What Will You Learn in Level A?
Level A starts at the very beginning and systematically teaches you to work with electrical components to build circuits, use a Raspberry Pi, and write common code commands in Python (the fastest growing computer programming language). Level A is perfect for beginners and can be used by adults, high school students, or middle school students.
What Will You Learn in Level B?
Level B takes your electronics and coding skills to the next level by teaching you to incorporate a wide variety of sensors into your projects as well as write intermediate-level Python code. Many of the sensors you will learn to use in Level B will be used later in Level D when you construct your own robot.
What Will You Learn in Level C?
Building on the skills you learned in Levels A and B, Level C teaches you to write advanced-level Python code and build circuits with complex electrical components including servos, accelerometers, speakers, and many more.
What Will You Learn in Level D?
Level D takes all of the electronics, Python coding, and Raspberry Pi skills you learned in Levels A, B, and C and walks you through the process of building a mobile and fully programmable robot.
Teaching Robotics to Younger Students
We generally recommend a student be in middle school (and preferably high school) to use our Intro to Robotics program independently. If your child isn't quite there yet, check out our suggestions for keeping them excited about learning electronics and coding.