Raspberry Pi and Python Standard Course

This Raspberry Pi + Python Standard Course includes Lesson Levels A and B which start at the very beginning teaching you how to work with electronic components, build circuits, use a Raspberry Pi, and write code in Python. As the lessons go on you'll learn to use increasingly complex electronic components and code commands. To see a detailed 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
• 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
• Continue to improve troubleshooting skills for both electronic circuits and computer programs
• Continue to gain the skills to independently tackle advanced projects found online

Curious to see a lesson in action? Click here to access sample videos, activity instructions, and a complete scope and sequence for the course.

• 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 (a television can also be used provided it has HDMI inputs, please note, a laptop computer will not work for this purpose)
• 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)

The first 18 lessons of this course (Level A lessons) generally take 45 to 60 minutes to complete. The second 18 lessons (Level B lessons) generally take 60-90 lessons to complete. We recommend aiming to complete 1-3 lessons per week and building in plenty of time between lessons to practice your new skills.

We are thrilled to help! Contact us via email and we will help you get back on the right track.

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.

We teach Python for a couple of reasons:

• Python is currently the fastest growing computer language. Companies such as YouTube, Dropbox, Google, Quora, Instagram, Spotify, Reddit, and Yahoo Maps used Python to build their platforms. While programming languages tend to come and go over time, Python is well rooted and is likely to be a popular language for many years.
• Python is particularly well suited to beginners. The code is intuitive and easy to read. It also requires far fewer lines of code to accomplish tasks compared to other popular languages such as C++ and Java.
• Learning Python first makes it easier to move on to other more complicated languages such as Ruby and Javascript. Have you ever heard that knowing Spanish makes it easier to learn French because they are both based in Latin? The same general principle applies to learning computer programming languages.