Each lesson takes from 45-120 minutes to complete. Earlier lessons (Level A lessons) in the courses are foundational and therefore simpler so they often take less time to complete. Later lessons (Levels B, C, and D lessons) tend to take significantly more time to complete.

• Electronics + Coding Standard Course: 40-60 hours
  
• Electronics + Coding Complete Course: 65-80 hours
• Intro to Robotics Complete Course: 80-100+ hours

Please note, these estimates assume you are an adult working at home at your own pace. For older high school students, we recommend planning on an additional 50% more time to complete each lesson. For high school classroom settings, we recommend planning on 2-3x the time to complete each lesson. Please click here for more information on using this program in a classroom setting. 

In addition to the online classroom access and equipment kit(s) you will receive when you order, you will also need the following items.

Required Equipment For All Courses

• Internet Access and a Computer or Tablet to Access the Online Classroom: Course lessons, including videos, are provided via the online classroom. Learning materials cannot be downloaded or used offline.
• Computer Monitor and HDMI Cable: Used to interface with the Raspberry Pi. A television can also be used if it has HDMI inputs. A laptop computer or Chromebook will not work for this purpose as they only have an HDMI-output port.
• Keyboard and Mouse: Used to interface with the Raspberry Pi. A wired USB keyboard and mouse will communicate more reliably with the Raspberry Pi (and cost less) than a wireless model. There is typically an option available on Amazon for $15-$20.
• AA Batteries

Additional Equipment For Specific Courses

• Electronics + Coding Complete Course and Robotics Course: You will need a computer or Chromebook to use in the networking lessons. This can be the same device you use to access the online classroom. An anti-static mat is highly recommended to prevent damage to more sensitive equipment such as the Raspberry Pi camera. Amazon typically has an option available for under $25.
• Robotics Course: You will need a 9v Battery, a USB drive (minimum 4 gb), and a roll of electrical tape. The tape is used to make a course for the robot to track. If you have dark floors, buy white tape. If you have light floors, buy black tape. A USB to SD Card Adapter is highly recommened. It is used in an optional activity to teach you to back up your SD card to your computer. This is a very useful skill to have as your projects grow in complexity.

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 contact us and we will send you a personalized link to join the online classroom.

Equipment kits ship within 3 business days from North Carolina. You will be notified if we anticipate a shipping delay.

Access to the course is only available through the online classroom. Internet access is required. No documents, videos, or files from the classroom may be downloaded or used offline.

Online classroom accounts expire 24 months after purchase. However, if you are still actively working on the course after 24 months, please contact us so we can assist you with an extension.

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

We are here to help! Contact us via email and we will help you get back on the right track. We normally respond to requests for help within one business day. Please note, we only provide support via email as it enables you to send pictures or copy of your code to us--this allows us troubleshoot far more efficiently.

Yes! With proper care the parts in the kit are reusable for future electronics and robotics projects.

If you decide you need to replace a part or want to have extras on hand, click here to purchase replacement parts.

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 very 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.

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.

Our online classroom system grants access to users for 24 months from the date of purchase. If you are still actively working through a course at the end of 24 months, please contact us so we can assist you with an access extension.

• You can purchase the additional lessons included in the Raspberry Pi and Python Complete Course by purchasing the Level C Lessons here.
• You can purchase the additional lessons included in the Robotics Course by purchasing the Level C and Level D Lessons here.

If you previously purchased the Electronics + Coding Complete Course:

• You can purchase the additional lessons included in the Robotics Course by purchasing the Level D Lessons here.

If you previously purchased the Intro to Robotics Course: You already have all lessons we offer and there are no additional lessons available at this time.

The courses are most commonly used by adults and older high school students.

When considering using our courses with a high school student, there are a few factors to keep in mind. 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 you to use discretion when deciding whether this program is the right fit for yourself or your high school student.

All of our courses include access to video lessons. The number of videos included in each course is listed on the course page.

Our courses are online and self-paced. We do not offer live classes or one-on-one coaching sessions. Users are welcome to contact our support team with any questions they have while using the course.

Please note, users who purchased a course prior to April 16, 2021 should contact us for access to the online classroom.

Once you have completed at least 95% of all lessons in your course, you are welcome to contact us and request a certificate. Be sure to specify the name and email address listed on your online classroom account as well as how your name should be listed on the certificate so we can verify spelling, etc. The certificate will list the course title and the month and year the last lesson was completed.

Please note, we can issue a course completion certificate for the Standard Course, Complete Course, and Robotics Course. We do not issue completion certificates for individual lesson levels but if you are a long-time user and completed multiple levels prior to the release of the current course format, we can aggregate that information into a single certificate if requested.

Unfortunately, we don't offer online classroom access separately from the kits. We are 100% committed to troubleshooting any bumps students may face on their road to learning. 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 makes it really difficult (and potentially impossible) for us to troubleshoot effectively. Our goal is for beginning students to learn these skills well and we can only ensure that if students are working with a standardized kit of parts.

The good news is that even if you have extra parts (and even an extra Raspberry Pi) on hand, it opens up the range of possibilities for projects long term. It's pretty rare to find someone who works with Raspberry Pi's as a hobby and only has one!

Our robotics course kits use a Raspberry Pi 3B as it is by far the best model for electronics and robotics projects. We do get questions from users about the more recently released Raspberry Pi 4 however it's important to understand that newer isn't always better. Which model will best suit your needs is largely dependent on what you will use the Pi for (robotics projects vs. a personal computer replacement for example) and also your personal skill level. The primary issue with the Pi4 is that it has very high power requirements. It needs to be plugged into a wall as a standard battery pack won't meet it's needs. It really isn't any fun to have a robot that has to be plugged in though. Click here to read more about the differences between the Pi 3B and the Pi 4 including why the Pi 3B is a superior choice for electronics and robotics projects, especially for beginner and intermediate users.

No, access to the course is only available through the online classroom. Internet access is required. The documents, videos, and files contained in the online classroom cannot be downloaded or viewed offline. Course materials are not available in printed form.

We are happy to set you up with access to the online classroom. We want all our course users to have access to the latest version of all instructions--no matter when you purchased. Just contact us so we can locate your account and get you set up. Please note, it is helpful to include the name, email address, and shipping address on the order as it helps us locate your account more quickly. Also, if you've ordered multiple times, please let us know which levels of the course you own so we can make sure we track down all the details we need and get you set up with classroom access for all the levels you are using.

The quote you receive from our office will include three line items:

• Instructor Set: Includes online classroom login for the instructor and one set of component kits
• Student Licenses: Consumable license, includes online classroom access. Purchase one for each student. A license is required even if student won't be directly using the online classroom. Student licenses expire at the end of the school year.
• Classroom Equipment Kits: We recommend one set of component kits for every 1-4 students

The Instructor Set can be purchased separately in advance of the other items if a teacher wishes to work through the course over the summer in preparation for the new school year.

Please note, this is a project-based course. All evaluation and grading should be based on student progress with hands-on assignments. All online classroom accounts are identical. Instructors do not have separate oversight capabilities to monitor student's activities within the online classroom.

We generally have two options we recommend:

Option #1: The teacher uses the online classroom to watch the teaching videos and work through the activities themself and then uses that information to teach their class. Students log into the online classroom primarily to access the activity instructions.

Option #2: Teachers have the students watch the online videos, take the online quizzes, and access the activity instructions all available in the online classroom. The teacher acts as a facilitator. Under this scenario we do recommend the teacher attempt to stay a few lessons ahead so it's easier to answer questions students may have.

Regardless of the scenario that works best for your situation, here is the general lesson sequence we recommend:

1.) Watch the teaching videos for the lesson. These include the important electronics and coding information students need to learn prior to attempting the activities.

2.) Review the written lesson file to clarify concepts or more closely examine information tables, long sections of code, or diagrams. This step is optional.

3.) Watch the activity overview video where we demonstrate and talk through the activity. This step is optional. Many (but not all) activities in the courses have an overview video available.

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

Once your institution has begun the quotation process we can also set you up with 2-week access to the online classroom so you can look through all the learning materials.

All our courses are made up of a combination of lesson levels/units (A, B, C, and D). Each level contains 18 lessons. Specifically, we recommend the following pacing:

• Level A Lessons: Average 1 class period per lesson (the first half of the Level A lessons are more brief than the second half)
  
• Level B Lessons: Average 2-3 class periods per lesson
• Level C Lessons: Average 3-4 class periods per lesson
• Level D Lessons: Average 2-3 class periods per lesson (earlier lessons involving physical construction the robot are more brief than later lessons where the robot is programmed and calibrated)

We recommend planning for an approximate total of:

• 60 class periods for the One Semester Electronics and Coding Course (Lesson Levels A+B)
• 120 class periods for the Two Semester Electronics and Coding Course (Lesson Levels A+B+C)
• 160 class periods for the Robotics Course (Lesson Levels A+B+C+D)

This is a project based course and all evaluation of student progress and assessment of student performance should be based on the quality of completion of the projects in the course.

While the online classroom does provide access to a range of learning materials, including checkpoint quizzes, these quizzes were designed as a quick check of understanding of key concepts and are not designed to be evaluative.

Please note, all online classroom accounts are identical. Instructors do not have separate oversight capabilities to monitor student's activities within the online classroom.

In a classroom setting, all the courses we offer are appropriate for high school:

• Basic Electronics and Coding Course (18-24 hours total)
• One Semester Electronics and Coding Course
• Two Semester Electronics and Coding Course
• Two Semester Robotics Course

Please note, the one or two semester designation listed on courses assumes 4-5 hours a week of available classroom time. If you are considering the robotics course, please make sure you have a full 5 hours a week of classroom time available. It's a very full course.

For freshman and sophmores, we do recommend using the Basic Electronics and Coding Course or the One Semester Electronics and Coding Course unless you are working with a group of particularly talented and motivated students with a low student-to-teacher ratio.

In a classroom setting, the following courses are recommended for middle school students:

• Basic Electronics and Coding Course: One semester course when used with middle school students.
• One Semester Electronics and Coding Course: Two semester course when used with middle school students. We recommend using this course only with older/advanced students and a low student-to-teacher ratio.

The classroom teacher and each student will require their own login to access the online classroom. These logins will be set up and provided to your organization at the time your organization's purchase order is processed and the equipment kits shipped.

Please note, all online classroom accounts are identical. Instructors do not have separate oversight capabilities to monitor student's activities within the online classroom.

We are here to help! Contact us via email and we will help you get back on the right track. We normally respond to requests for help within one business day. Please note, we only provide support via email as it enables you to send pictures or copy of your code to us--this allows us troubleshoot far more efficiently.

The Raspberry Pi used in all our courses (and included in the equipment kits) is essentially a very small, stand-alone computer. To use the Raspberry Pi and complete the levels of the course, please see the lists below for additional equipment needed. The equipment listed is specific to each set of equipment you plan to use with your class (i.e. every set of equipment will require a separate monitor, keyboard, etc.)

Basic Electronics and Coding Course or One Semester Coding Course:

• Internet Access and a Computer or Tablet to Access the Online Classroom: Course lessons, including videos, are provided via the online classroom. Learning materials cannot be downloaded or used offline.
• Computer Monitor and HDMI Cable: Used to interface with the Raspberry Pi. A television can also be used if it has HDMI inputs. A laptop computer or Chromebook will not work for this purpose as they only have an HDMI-output port.
• Keyboard and Mouse: Used to interface with the Raspberry Pi. A wired USB keyboard and mouse will communicate more reliably with the Raspberry Pi (and cost less) than a wireless model. There is typically an option available on Amazon for $15-$20.
• AA Batteries: x2
  

Two Semester Electronics and Coding Course:

• Internet Access and a Computer or Tablet to Access the Online Classroom: Course lessons, including videos, are provided via the online classroom. Learning materials cannot be downloaded or used offline.
• Computer Monitor and HDMI Cable: Used to interface with the Raspberry Pi. A television can also be used if it has HDMI inputs. A laptop computer or Chromebook will not work for this purpose as they only have an HDMI-output port.
• Keyboard and Mouse: Used to interface with the Raspberry Pi. A wired USB keyboard and mouse will communicate more reliably with the Raspberry Pi (and cost less) than a wireless model. There is typically an option available on Amazon for $15-$20.
• AA Batteries: x2
  
• 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 sells bargain options for under $25.
  

Two Semester Robotics Course:

• Internet Access and a Computer or Tablet to Access the Online Classroom: Course lessons, including videos, are provided via the online classroom. Learning materials cannot be downloaded or used offline.
• Computer Monitor and HDMI Cable: Used to interface with the Raspberry Pi. A television can also be used if it has HDMI inputs. A laptop computer or Chromebook will not work for this purpose as they only have an HDMI-output port.
• Keyboard and Mouse: Used to interface with the Raspberry Pi. A wired USB keyboard and mouse will communicate more reliably with the Raspberry Pi (and cost less) than a wireless model. There is typically an option available on Amazon for $15-$20.
• AA Batteries: x2 for Level A lessons, x6 for Level D lessons. Since the x6 batteries will power the robot, we recommend rechargable batteries.
  
• 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 sells bargain options for under $25.
  
• 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. This is a particularly useful skill (and practice) as the complexity of projects grows.
  

Note for All Courses on Monitors, Keyboards, and Mice: Most schools we work with use their computer lab to teach these courses. As long as the monitors in the lab have an HDMI input, they should work for this purpose. VGA/HDMI adapters are available commercially but tend to be less reliable.

If your school or group does not have a computer lab available, we generally recommend checking thrift stores and pawn shops for inexpensive monitors, keyboards, and mice.

Generally speaking, we recommend purchasing an equipment kit for every 2-3 students. This ratio strikes a nice balance between hands-on time for the students and school equipment budgets.

If your school is placing a high priority on hands-on experience for students, we recommend purchasing an equipment kit for every 1-2 students.

If your school has budgetary concerns, we have had some schools use one equipment kit for every 4 students. While it results in less hands-on time for each student, we've also received feedback that it is a workable ratio.

Be sure to consider whether your school has an adequate supply of monitors, keyboards, mice, etc. prior to deciding how many equipment kits to purchase.

Basic Electronics and Coding Course: We do commonly see schools sharing equipment kits between multiple sections of a course. If your classes will need to share equipment, you will need to ensure that all circuits are disassembled and properly stored at the end of each class period. Extra class time will be required in later lessons to reassembled circuit projects that carry over between multiple lessons.

One Semester Electronics and Coding Course: It is possible for multiple section to share equipment but it is also problematic. Many projects in the second half of the course (Level B lessons) carry over from one lesson to the next. Additional class time will be needed to reassemble (and troubleshoot) a previous circuit prior to proceeding with the new lesson.

Two Semester Electronics and Coding Course: We do not recommend sharing equipment between sections. The circuits built during the last third of the course (Level C lessons) are quite complex and carry over from one lesson to the next in many cases. Rebuilding (and troubleshooting) these more complex circuits at the beginning of each new lesson will require significant additional classroom time.

Two Semester Robotics Course: Unfortunately it's not possible for equipment to be shared between sections. The lessons in the second half of the course (Levels C+D) are not only complex, but circuits and projects carry over from one lesson to the next in most cases. The time to reassemble and troubleshoot circuits at the beginning of each lesson will require significant additional classroom time. Also, the core robot parts (chassis, wheels, motors, etc.) are not meant to be disassembled and reassembled. Damage to the equipment would be a significant risk.

Please be aware that some of the smaller components (resistors, LEDs, etc.) used in all levels of our courses do tend to wear out with repeated use and may need to be replaced over time. However, those components are also the very inexpensive ones and we can help you with bulk replacement options.

Please note, while students may share equipment kits, each student is required to have a valid student license which includes their own login to use the online classroom.

Generally speaking, equipment kits are reusable the next semester or following year for a new group of students with a few caveats:

• Small parts such as resistors and LEDs do tend to wear out and break with repeated use, we do recommend planning to replace these items regularly. Please note, these are the inexpensive parts of the kit and we can help you with bulk replacements.
• How well the equipment will last from one class to the next is dependent on how gentle the students are with it. Equipment should be treated carefully and stored appropriately. Replacement parts for all kits can be purchased individually on our website.
• The primary components on the robot chassis are not meant to be disassembled and therefore we would recommend planning to replace them for each new group of students. This includes the chassis plates, breadboard, hardware, wheels, and motors.

Please note, individual components and equipment sets can be purchased individually as needed as enrollment numbers increase or as equipment is damaged by students.

While equipment kits are reusable, student licenses are consumable and must be purchased for each new group of students. Please see the student license information.

A student license is required for each physical student taking a course in a classroom or group setting. Please note, student licenses are consumable. Once a student has taken a course, that license has been consumed and cannot be reused for another student.

Our team can set up access to the online classroom for each student license purchased as each student must use their own login.

Unused student licenses can be used the following semester or year, but your organization will need to contact us to reset the use expiration date for any unused student licenses. Additional student licenses can be purchased separately at anytime.

For example: Let's say your school purchased 60 student licenses initially and 50 students take the course during the 2023-2024 school year. The school would have 10 valid/unused licenses left over to use the following school year. So if 80 students take the course in the 2024-2025 school year, the school could use those 10 leftover licenses and would only need to purchase 70 new student licenses to stay in compliance for the new school year.

Please let us know if you have questions about licensing. We are happy to help you calculate how many licenses you need each semester or school year.

All courses we offer include video lessons and in some cases, video demonstrations of activities.

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.

Unfortunately, we don't offer online classroom access separately from the kits. We are 100% committed to troubleshooting any bumps students may face on their road to learning. 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 makes it really difficult (and potentially impossible) for us to troubleshoot effectively. Our goal is for beginning students to learn these skills well and we can only ensure that if students are working with a standardized kit of parts.

Each student will use their own individual login to access the online classroom.

Our courses use a Raspberry Pi 3B as it is by far the best model for electronics and robotics projects. We do get questions from users about the newly released Raspberry Pi 4 however it's important to understand that newer isn't always better. Which model will best suit your needs is largely dependent on what you will use the Pi for (robotics projects vs. a personal computer replacement for example) and also your personal skill level. The primary issue with a Pi4 is that it has very high power requirements. It needs to be plugged into a wall as a standard battery pack won't meet it's needs. It really isn't any fun to have a robot that has to be plugged in though. 

No, access to the course is only available through the online classroom. Internet access is required. The documents, videos, and files contained in the online classroom cannot be downloaded or viewed offline. Course materials are not available in printed form.

Once your school has started the quote process with our team, we can grant you 14-day access to the online classroom for your evaluation and planning purposes.

There are three line items that will need to appear on the purchase order:

• Instructor Set: Includes online classroom login for the instructor and one set of component kits
• Student Licenses: Consumable license, includes online classroom access, purchase one for each student (required even if student won't be directly using the online classroom)
• Classroom Equipment Kits: We recommend one set of component kits for every 1-4 students

Please note, the Instructor Set can be purchased separately in advance of the other items if a teacher wishes to work through the course over the summer in preparation for the new school year.

• Request a custom quote by contacting us. We will provide a quote and W-9 form for your purchasing department. When requesting a quote, please specify which course(s) you are considering, an estimate of the number of students who will be taking the course, and an estimate of the number of equipment kits you will need (we recommend one set of equipment for every 1-4 students). If you know which semester or school year you will be using the course, that information is also helpful. 
• If your organization would like to submit a purchase order, we recommend including the classroom teacher's email address on the PO so we can set up online classroom access for the teacher at the time the order is created. This will allow the teacher to access the lesson materials without delay. We will also work with your organization to set up an online classroom login for each student.
• If your organization prefers to order online and pay using a credit card, Paypal account, or Amazon Pay, just let us know and we will email a link to view the invoice and pay online.
• We will generally process your purchase order and ship your equipment kits within 2-3 business days; please note there can be short delays in processing for orders containing 50+ equipment sets or during our busiest season (July and August). Equipment kits are shipped from North Carolina via UPS Ground and generally take 2-8 business days to arrive; UPS will generally require a signature at the time of delivery. 
• To set up classroom accounts for students, your organization will send our office a list of student names and email addresses. We ask that you allow 2-3 days for lists <50 students and 4-5 days for >50 students to set up those classroom accounts. We realize this information is often only available right before the start of the school year and we will do our very best to set those up as fast as possible. 

Please note, if your district's privacy policy prohibits student information from being shared with us, we do have a work-around to set up annonymous accounts. However, students will not be able to reset their password, etc. during the school year so any changes needed for the account will need to go through our office and the process will involve deleting the current student account and setting up a new one. While this is inconvenient for the teacher and student during the school year, it is something we can do.

We are happy to put together a customized quote for your district, school, or group. Please contact us and include the following information so we can expedite your request:

• Which course you are interested in purchasing?
• How many students total you anticipate enrolling in the course?
• The number of students you anticipate sharing each equipment kit (we recommend 2-4 students per kit)

Please note, estimates are fine. We realize student enrollment numbers can fluctuate greatly and we can adjust the quote later, prior to purchase, if needed. We can also assemble multiple quotes for different scenarios if that is helpful for your school's decision making process.

We generally try to respond to quote requests within 1-2 business days, but during our busy season (July and August) it may take a bit longer for quotes and PO processing. Please plan accordingly.

No, we are unable to offer discounts or free shipping on classroom products. Actual freight charges will be added to the final invoice when ordering via purchase order.

Please note, while student licenses are consumable, if not consumed, they can be used the following semester or year. Your organization will need to contact us to reset the expiration use date for all unused student licenses.

Equipment kits can be returned in resellable condition (unused and in their original packaging). Please contact us within 15 days of receipt for information on how to return equipment kits. Please note, the purchaser is responsible for the cost of return shipping.

In addition to the online classroom access and equipment kit(s) you will receive when you order, you will also need the following items.

Required Equipment For All Courses

• Internet Access and a Computer or Tablet to Access the Online Classroom: Course lessons, including videos, are provided via the online classroom. Learning materials cannot be downloaded or used offline.
• Computer Monitor and HDMI Cable: Used to interface with the Raspberry Pi. A television can also be used if it has HDMI inputs. A laptop computer or Chromebook will not work for this purpose as they only have an HDMI-output port.
• Keyboard and Mouse: Used to interface with the Raspberry Pi. A wired USB keyboard and mouse will communicate more reliably with the Raspberry Pi (and cost less) than a wireless model. There is typically an option available on Amazon for $15-$20.
• AA Batteries

Additional Equipment For Specific Courses

• Electronics + Coding Complete Course and Robotics Course: You will need a computer or Chromebook to use in the networking lessons. This can be the same device you use to access the online classroom. An anti-static mat is highly recommended to prevent damage to more sensitive equipment such as the Raspberry Pi camera. Amazon typically has an option available for under $25.
• Robotics Course: You will need a 9v Battery, a USB drive (minimum 4 gb), and a roll of electrical tape. The tape is used to make a course for the robot to track. If you have dark floors, buy white tape. If you have light floors, buy black tape. A USB to SD Card Adapter is highly recommened. It is used in an optional activity to teach you to back up your SD card to your computer. This is a very useful skill to have as your projects grow in complexity.

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

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

The lessons assume neither the parent or student have previous experience working with electronics, writing Python code, using a Raspberry Pi, or constructing a robot from scratch. 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 standardized equipment kits.

Mature and motivated 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.

The program was designed to be used by older high school students and adults. 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.

If you are considering using the program with your high school student, we recommend the following:

• Wait to start the program until their reading comprehension and concept comprehension skills have reached an upper-high school level--this is a rich course with in-depth information.
• Evaluate whether your student has demonstrated an ability to work with precision and pay attention to small details.
• Determine whether your student has developed significant frustration tolerance. A large part of working with electronics and code is troubleshooting. Everyone makes errors when setting up complex circuits and writing code. But it's very important to have the stamina to carefully work back through the project and find even a tiny error. 
• Be available to support your student; you don't necessarily need to work through the program with them, but be close by to help them reread a section or double check that they've accurately duplicated the circuit or code laid out in the lesson. 95% of issues students run into when working through the program are results of a tiny error in the electronic component placement or code and almost all of these can be located with a parent's fresh set of eyes.

While larger cities tend to have local businesses that provide in-person electronics, coding or robotics courses, this program will generally be a better choice for several reasons:

• All the courses we offer 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 program allows for students to complete lessons as often as desired, re-watch videos, rework through activities, and pause when needed for additional practice.
• Our courses teach 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 courses teach your student 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 a 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!
• Your student gets to keep all the parts for future projects. One of the big advantages to this program is the significant set of electronic components your student will own and know how to use after completing their course. The learning isn't over when the course ends! Your student will be well equipped to tackle novel projects going forward.
• Our courses are 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 each program lesson level as well as sample lessons, click here.

We are here to help! Contact us via email and we will help you get back on the right track. We normally respond to requests for help within one business day. Please note, we only provide support via email as it enables you to send pictures or copy of your code to us--this allows us troubleshoot far more efficiently.

Yes! With proper care the parts in the kit are reusable for future electronics and robotics projects.

If you decide you need to replace a part or want to have extras on hand, click here to purchase replacement parts.

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 very 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.

All of our courses include access to video lessons. The number of videos included in each course is listed on the course page.

Our courses are online and self-paced. We do not offer live classes or one-on-one coaching sessions. Users are welcome to contact our support team with any questions they have while using the course.

Please note, users who purchased a course prior to April 16, 2021 should contact us for access to the online classroom.

While our courses contain hundreds of videos and hundreds of activities, we would recommend focusing your evaluation of your student's work on the activities and projects they complete.

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

Our online classroom system grants access to users for 24 months from the date of purchase. If you are still actively working through a course at the end of 24 months, please contact us so we can assist you with an access extension.

• You can purchase the additional lessons included in the Raspberry Pi and Python Complete Course by purchasing the Level C Lessons here.
• You can purchase the additional lessons included in the Robotics Course by purchasing the Level C and Level D Lessons here.

If you previously purchased the Electronics + Coding Complete Course:

• You can purchase the additional lessons included in the Robotics Course by purchasing the Level C and Level D Lessons here.

If you previously purchased the Intro to Robotics Course: You own all lessons we offer and there are no additional lessons available at this time.

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.

Once the student completed at least 95% of all lessons in the course, you are welcome to contact us and request a certificate. Be sure to specify the name and email address listed on the online classroom account as well as how the name should be listed on the certificate so we can verify spelling, etc. This is particularly important for homeschooling families as the parent or guardian's name is typically the only name we have on file. 

The certificate will list the student's name, course title, the month and year the last lesson was completed, and the instructor's name. No grade or other evaluative markings will be listed.

Please note, we can issue a course completion certificate for the multi-level courses (e.g. Electronics and Coding Course, Robotics Course, etc). We do not issue completion certificates for individual lesson levels but if you are a long-time user and completed multiple levels prior to the release of the current course format, we can aggregate that information into a single certificate if requested.

Unfortunately, we don't offer online classroom access separately from the kits. We are 100% committed to troubleshooting any bumps students may face on their road to learning. 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 makes it really difficult (and potentially impossible) for us to troubleshoot effectively. Our goal is for beginning students to learn these skills well and we can only ensure that if students are working with a standardized kit of parts.

The good news is that even if you have extra parts (and even an extra Raspberry Pi) on hand, it opens up the range of possibilities for projects long term. It's pretty rare to find someone who works with Raspberry Pi's as a hobby and only has one!

No, access to the course is only available through the online classroom. Internet access is required. The documents, videos, and files contained in the online classroom cannot be downloaded or viewed offline. Course materials are not available in printed form.

We are happy to set you up with access to the online classroom. We want all our course users to have access to the latest version of all instructions--no matter when you purchased. Just contact us so we can locate your account and get you set up. Please note, it is helpful to include the name, email address, and shipping address on the order as it helps us locate your account more quickly. Also, if you've ordered multiple times, please let us know which levels of the course you own so we can make sure we track down all the details we need and get you set up with classroom access for all the levels you are using.

While you can resell or give away the equipment kit, your license to access the online classroom is not transferable in any way and may only be used by members of your immediate family within your household.

We are an approved vendor for most charter schools set up to support homeschoolers. If you do not see 42 Electronics on your charter school's approved vendor list, please reach out directly to the charter school and request they add us to the list. The approval process tends to move much more quickly if it's initiated by a parent (rather than our office). If you have any questions or if we can help you expedite your approval request, please contact us.

To make a purchase using your charter school funds, please refer to your school's specific procedure for submitting a purchase order (PO) to 42 Electronics. Most schools require your order be processed through your supervising teacher first.

Please note, the following information must be included on the PO: 1) UPS compatible shipping address and 2) The parent's name and email address as well as the student's name so we can set up your student's online classroom access.

We are unable to apply free shipping, discounts, or promotions of any kind to purchase orders. Please note, actual shipping charges will be added to the final invoice. North Carolina shipping addresses will also have sales tax added.

Once we receive the PO from the charter school, we will generally process that PO and ship your order within 3-4 business days. Transit time via UPS Ground from North Carolina is generally 2-6 business days.

Our goal is to set up classroom access account for the student at the time the PO is processed by our team. Most charter school's are good about providing us with the parent's name and email address as well as the student's name so we can do so. We do recommend however that you remind your school contact to add your name and email address when assembling the PO. If we receive a parent's email address we will send an invitation to join the online classroom to that email address (check your promotions and spam folders if you don't see that email).

If you do not receive an email, please contact us once you receive your equipment kits. We will need the name of the charter school, PO number if you have that available, and the student and parent's name so we can track down the correct order and send you your personalized link to join the online classroom.

If you need a copy of a paid invoice/receipt for your state-issued educational debit card reconciliation, please contact us with your order number once you've placed your order on the website. If you've placed multiple orders on multiple debit cards for multiple children, we will need a clear list of the child's name for the debit card that was used for each order number so we can ensure you have receipts that correctly match your purchases.