Arduino Programming for Kids - Step-By-Step Guide
In this digital era where we are surrounded by electronic gadgets such as smartphones, televisions, computers and more. Introducing Arduino programming will be a great way for kids to learn while playing.
Arduino kits are the perfect solution! It will be fun for anyone who is interested to play with technology. At present, we are bounded by electronic gadgets such as smartphones, televisions, computers and more. So, if you are looking for something for your kids to play with as well as to learn from. It is the best way to introduce children to the amazing world of electronics and technology. Familiarity with technology gives them both confidence and to stay a step ahead of others.
What is Arduino?
An open-source electronics platform Arduino is an easy-to-use physical programmable circuit board and software. It is easily accessible even for those who don’t know anything about electronics. Arduino boards, simple microcontrollers used to read inputs from sensors and convert those inputs into outputs.
If you are a beginner looking to get started with electronics, Arduino is for you. Some of its features are a combination of circuits, coding, DIY, problem-solving, and creativity.
Programming used by Arduino
One writes Arduino programs in the Arduino Integrated Development Environment (IDE). The sketches (synonym for program in Arduino language) for different Arduino boards are written using a special software called Arduino IDE running on your system. Processing is the hardware programming language, which Arduino programming language is based on. We can say it is similar to the C language. It is uploaded on the Arduino board for execution after the sketch is written in the Arduino IDE. For programming the Arduino board, first we have to download and install the Arduino IDE. We can run open source Arduino IDE on Windows, Mac Os X, and Linux.
Is Arduino Good for Kids ?
Because of the simplicity Arduino can be used by young childrens in the age of 7. It offers the perfect platform to learn Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). Kids can build a simple LED circuit to build entire robot arms. With Arduino you can do anything, making it a very sustainable toy for children. Each project is rated with difficulty, so your children can learn at their own pace. When technology gets more complex the skills required to understand it are valued as well. Giving more one should learn it, because it is fun, educative and also prepares the children for the future.
Download & install the Arduino environment (IDE)
After getting the Arduino Uno board, one has to install the Arduino IDE (Integrated Development Environment) on another computer. Then the code is typed into the IDE and sent to the Arduino with a USB cable. You can download the most recent Arduino IDE version for your computer. Different versions are available for Mac, Windows, and Linux OS.
Go to the download page, click on the “Installer” option for the easiest installation
Then save the .exe file to the disk drive
Open the .exe file.
Click the licensing agreement button
Select the components to put in, after that click “Next”
Decide the folder to put in the program to, then click “Install”
Wait until the program get installed then click “Close”
Launch the Arduino IDE
After downloading unzip the folder. In order to do so double-click on the Arduino shortcut on your desktop. Soon the IDE will open up and you’ll see the code editor.
If needed, install the drivers
You can install the driver automatically after you connect your board.
Connect the board to your computer through the USB cable
In order to power up your board, connect your Arduino board with the pc using a USB cable. A green colour power LED will glow on the board.
Select your board
You have to be sure that the software is ready for your particular Arduino board. You can select the “Tools” from the menu bar. Select the “Board”option another menu will appear, from where you can select the Arduino model from the list.
Select your serial port
First,select the serial device of the Arduino board. After that, go to “Tools”, and then select the serial port menu. You will be able to see COM3 or higher(COM1 and COM2, which is reserved for hardware serial ports). In order to find out which port your Arduino board is connected to, you can disconnect your Arduino board and re-open the menu. The one in which the entry disappears should be the Arduino board. Lastly, you have to reconnect the board and then select the serial port.
Open the blink example
We can start with an Arduino IDE. You can go to File Example Basics Blink.
Remember these things while you write the code.
Code is case sensitive
Each statements must end with a semicolon
Comments is followed by a // or begin with /* and end with */
Two mandatory functions are Void loop() and void setup(). The setup section of the code only runs when the Arduino board is turned on or you reset it. After completing setup, the loop runs over and over. It continues to run until the board continues to stay powered.
From the status bar you will be able to find out if the program is compiled or uploaded.
Program notification area shows error(s) within the code if any.
Upload the program
It's time for you to upload your first sketch. make sure that Arduino is plugged in and the green light is on. So, you can select the correct port and the board is chosen. You can select and upload it from the drop-down menu. You can see a "Done uploading" notification after a few seconds.
Yes ! You have successfully uploaded Arduino programming
