Homeschool Robotics Course

The Intro to Robotics course was designed to be used by people with no previous experience in electronics, programming, or robotics. Lessons start at the very beginning building foundational skills that increase in complexity over time.

Level A teaches students to build circuits with common electronic components, use a Raspberry Pi, and write code in Python to control the circuits they build with the code they write line-by-line. The program then moves on in Levels B and C to more complex electronic components and advanced programming while they learn complementary skills such as reading electronic schematics, troubleshooting, and building an Apache web server. In the final level of the program, students will take all the electronics and programming skills they have learned to build a fully programmable mobile robot from scratch.

Click here to see sample lessons and a detailed scope and sequence for each level of the program.

Our goal is for students to build strong base of electronics and programming skills that will enable them to go on in the future and tackle new projects learning new niche skills along the way. To see a complete scope and sequence for this course, please click here.

• Learn how electricity and electronic equipment work
• Learn to properly use common electronic components that make up circuits including breadboards, batteries, LEDs, resistors, jumper wires, and switches
• Build both series and parallel circuits and understand how to use Ohm's Law when designing circuits
• Practice systematic troubleshooting techniques including half-splitting
• Learn to read schematic drawings
• Learn to use a Raspberry Pi (a mini computer) including connecting it to peripherals (keyboard, mouse, etc.) as well as downloading files and software updates
• Learn to use several included software packages including Raspbian OS, Nano, and Thonny
• Learn to to create basic Python programs including comments, merging strings, user input, mathematical functions, lists, if/else statements, and loops to control electronic circuits and create games
• Learn to identify and correct errors in Python computer programs
• Gain the skills to independently tackle advanced projects found online
• Learn troubleshooting skills for both electronic circuits and computer programs

• Work administratively with files, folders, and directories
• Continue to expand coding knowledge to include functions, advanced list commands, logical operators, while true loops, advanced string techniques, try/except/finally, and multithreaded operations
• Understand pulse width modulation
• Learn to work with new types of switches, a matrix-style keypad, potentiometers, phototransistors, infrared sensors, RFID readers, temperature sensors, an I2C display, and ultrasonic range sensors
• Learn to use Github and adjust for various versions of Python
• Work with an analog-to-digital converter integrated circuit

• Expand project flexibility with networking and remote access
• Write Bash scripts and using Bash programming
• Use microphones, speakers, audio amplifiers, and audio software
• Work with servo motors to add movement to project
• Multiple methods for gathering data from internet feeds and databases including API data access as well as how to use data in projects
• Work with accelerometers and gyros to allow for multi-axis measurements in projects
• Use relays to control high-powered devices
• Create your own Graphical User Interface (GUI) using the popular module Tkinter to create a user-friendly interface for programs and display data
• Build a web server using popular server softwares like Bottle and Apache to add web page control to projects
• Use a camera to gather data and see real-time events

• Learn to protect and recover operating files and project data
• Use a digital multimeter (included in kit)
• Construct the robot chassis including wheels, motor mounts, and motors
• Control the robot remotely via VNC
• Add and configure various sensors, an audio amplifier, and speaker on the robot
• Use a camera to collect information and see the world from the robot's point of view
• Set up the mobile power system including gaining understanding of benefits and drawbacks of various battery power options
• Learn to drive and troubleshoot motors through code including coordinating multiple motors
• Set up keyboard control of robot while accounting for focus, keypress, and repeat rate issues
• Build a webpage and use CGI scripts to control the robot remotely
• Use a web page to view video generated by the robot and trigger the robot to play audio files
• Gain the skills to systematically plan large projects including identifying needed functionality, part compatibility, and keep appropriate documentation
• Continue to improve troubleshooting skills for both electronic circuits and computer programs
• Continue to gain the skills to independently tackle advanced projects found online

Yes, this course is designed to be an online, self-paced program that teaches directly to the student.

The lessons assume neither the parent or high school student have previous experience working with electronics, writing Python code, or using a Raspberry Pi. We strive to provide a low-stress option for homeschooling families needing a high school STEM elective with easy-to-follow lesson videos, step-by-step activity instructions (complete with very detailed photos), and equipment kits.

Mature and motivated older high school students should be able to complete the course with a reasonable level of independence. Less mature or younger high school students will benefit from a parent close by or working along side them.

This program was originally designed to be used by older high school students and adults. This applies particularly to the complexity of the concepts taught and the student's attention to detail.

Working with electronics and code requires precision. A small error in the placement of an electrical component in a circuit or even a single incorrect or missing character in the code will cause the circuit or code not to work. While this presents wonderful learning opportunities to improve careful reading and attention to detail, the precision requirement can simply be too frustrating for some students and we encourage parents to use discretion when deciding whether to use this program.

Please note, due to the complexity of the material we do not generally recommend this course for students younger than 16 or 17 unless a parent or older sibling will be working alongside them. We would instead encourage your younger high school student to use our One Semester Electronics and Coding Course and save the higher level skills for later in high school.

Keep in mind that if you purchase the One Semester Electronics and Coding Course, you can purchase just the Level C lessons and the Level D lessons at a later date when your student is ready to tackle that level of complexity.

Click here to access samples of course videos, activity instructions, and a scope and sequence for each level of the course. We'd also encourage you to watch the "Welcome to the Online Classroom" video listed right above the Level A sample links to get a better feel for the logistics of the course and the online classroom environment.

• This course can be completed at your student's own pace. An in-person class requires everyone to work at essentially the same pace. This can prove frustrating for students who are able to move through material more quickly as well as for students who need extra time to practice particular skills. This course allows for students to complete lessons as often as desired, re-watch videos, rework through activities, and pause when needed for additional practice.
  
• Your student gets to keep all the parts for future projects. One of the big advantages to this course is the significant set of electronic components your student will own and know how to use after completing the course. The learning isn't over when the course ends! Your student will be well equipped to tackle novel projects going forward.
  
• This course teaches students to work with real electronic components and real code. Most in-person classes use robotics kits that contain manufactured snap-together parts and proprietary code. While fun, your student won't walk away with many real-world skills. Our course teaches your students to work with the same electronic components you find on electronic supply websites. We also teach them to work with Python--currently the fastest growing computer programming language in the world. Once they've worked through the course, your student will have a broad base of knowledge to continue to learn to work with even more components and code commands as they find niche skill areas to explore. This is a huge advantage!
  
• Our course is significantly more in depth than the local in-person classes generally available. We are committed to every student not only knowing how to work with a range of real electronic components and useful Python code commands, we also work to ensure they understand the how and why behind the science (and even some math!) of electronics and coding. To see a list of the skills taught in this course:
  

While this course contains hundreds of videos and hundreds of activities, we would recommend focusing your evaluation of their work on the activities and projects.

Assuming a student has required minimal amount of help from a parent or our support team, properly working projects in Levels B and C and the robot in Level D require a fairly sophisticated understanding of the material. Simply put, if their projects and the robot work as anticipated, your student has demonstrated significant understanding and retention of the material and should be graded appropriately.

Assigning credit to a homeschool student is ultimately based on your specific state's homeschooling laws and so we cannot provide any official advice. However, we can pass along that homeschooling parents have generally shared with us that this course has required 120-150 hours of time to complete (including additional practice time which we strongly encourage) and that they listed this course as a one credit Robotics course on their homeschooled high school student's record.

• Internet access and an Electronic Device to Use to Access the Online Classroom (course lessons, including videos, are provided via the online classroom so high speed internet access is needed; we do not recommend attempting to use the online classroom with a phone due to the small screen size)
• Computer Monitor with HDMI input port (a television can also be used provided it has HDMI inputs, please note, a laptop computer or Chromebook will not work for this purpose as only very high-end laptops have an HDMI input port)
• HDMI cable (likely attached to your computer monitor)
• AA Batteries x2 (these are used in Lessons A-1 to A-9 to power circuits prior to learning to use the Raspberry Pi)
• Keyboard and Mouse (please use a USB wired keyboard and mouse if possible. Wireless models do not work reliably with the Raspberry Pi. We suggest purchasing the least costly wired USB mouse and keyboard set available--there is typically an option available on Amazon for $15-$20)

• A Desktop Computer, Laptop, or Chromebook (this can be the same device the student is using to access the online classroom; in Level C this is used in networking lessons)
• Anti-Static Mat (highly recommended to prevent damage to more sensitive equipment such as the Raspberry Pi camera; Amazon typically has an option available for under $25)

• AA Batteries x6 (these are used to power the robot in Level D; we recommend rechargeable batteries)
• 9v Battery
• USB Drive (minimum 4 gb)
• Electrical Tape (used in Level D to build a track on the floor for the robot to follow; use black electrical tape if you have light colored flooring, use white electrical tape if you have dark colored flooring)
• USB to SD Card Adapter (optional; Lesson D-1 activity shows students how to back up their SD card to their computer)

If you do not have a family desktop computer monitor, keyboard, and mouse available to borrow to use with the Raspberry Pi, we generally recommend checking thrift stores and pawn shops for inexpensive monitors, keyboards, and mice.

Within 24 hours of purchase, you should receive an email inviting you to join the online classroom (be sure to check your email's promotions and spam folders). If you do not receive that email within 24 hours, please feel free to contact us and we will send you a personalized link to join the online classroom.

We do not offer access to the online classroom separately from the kits. We are 100% committed to troubleshooting any bumps your student may face on the road to learning. Unfortunately component connections can be configured differently or may not be compatible depending on the specific component or manufacturer, even though they may look almost identical. That means you'd likely to run into incompatibility issues and makes it really difficult (and potentially impossible) for us to troubleshoot effectively. Our goal is for our program to be open-and-go and low-stress for homeschooling families.  Ensuring students are working with a standardized kit of parts helps make that happen. If you do already have extra components (and even an extra Raspberry Pi), those items will come in handy later on when your student decides to have several custom projects going at once.

With proper (gentle) use and storage, the components in the kits should last a long time through many projects. However, with repeated use, some small parts such as resistors and LEDs may wear out and need to be replaced. But rest assured those parts are very inexpensive to replace.

However, since there's a potential for things to be misplaced, treated poorly, etc. We do offer replacement parts here on our website in the event you need them.

Please note, there is currently an international shortage of Raspberry Pi's and this situation is likely to continue through mid-2023. This makes Raspberry Pi's difficult to replace as vendors (including us) are often out of stock and used devices are typically selling for 3x-4x their original cost online. If you do find yourself needing to purchase a used Raspberry Pi online, please ensure 1) it is a Model 3B or 3B+ and 2) you have read the description very carefully as many of the devices currently being sold do not work and they cannot easily be repaired.

We are happy to help you as your students work through the course! Contact us via email and we will help you get back on the right track. We rely on email as it's easier to send pictures or copy of your code back and forth--this can help us troubleshoot far more efficiently.

Please note, if your student has a problem with their circuit or their code, we recommend a parent compare what they built or wrote with the detailed activity instructions prior to contacting us. 95% of the support requests we receive turn out to be a slightly misplaced electronic component or a tiny error in the code (every character counts!) While we usually return emails within one business day, we also know it's frustrating for students to wait to hear back. Taking a few moments as a parent to double check their work with a fresh set of eyes, will almost always find the problem and get your student back on track more quickly.

Yes! The Raspberry Pi operating system tends to change fairly regularly. Sometimes the changes are minor, such as moving a menu item, and sometimes the changes are major, such as process changes. As we learn of changes to the Raspberry Pi OS, modules, repository libraries or any other resources used in the course, we will update the online classroom ASAP. When accessing the materials through the online classroom, you will always have access to the most up-to-date version of the lesson materials.

No. Our program consists of four available lesson levels and the packages offered on our website are combinations of those levels geared towards a user's goals (electronics and coding vs. building a robot). We maintain separate homeschool pages and packages as we want to ensure that homeschool parents have access to the best information to make curriculum decisions for their families. As homeschooling parents ourselves (10 years!), we realize choosing high school curriculum is a fraught process. If you have questions not covered on this page, please reach out--we can speak to homeschooling concerns from a place of experience and are happy to do so.

We are an approved vendor with a number of charter schools. Please click here to learn more about ordering the program via your charter school funds.

If we are not currently approved with your charter school, please contact your charter school directly and ask we be added to their list (the approval process tends to move much more quickly if it's initiated by a parent rather than our office).

Please note, we are unable to apply free shipping, discounts, and special offers of any kind to orders placed via purchase order from a charter school.