Intro to Arduino

• Material List
• Safety First
• Circuit Safety
• ✅ What to do
• 🚫 What not to do
• Introduction to the Arduino and Components
• Getting to know Arduino
• Make a basic LED circuit
• Use a breadboard to connect your components
• Getting started with Arduino
• Getting Started with Arduino IDE
• Connect LED to Arduino
• Adding two LEDs
• Adding & Reading Sensors
• Working with Sensors
• Using the Serial Monitor
• Optional: Additional Sensors
• NeoPixels (color LEDs)
• DC motors & Fans
• Servo Motor
• Pressure Sensor (FSR)
• Distance Sensor
• Potentiometer (knob)
• Flex Sensor

In this workshop, you’ll build simple circuits and write a little code to make lights and sensors do fun things. You’ll start with one blinking LED, then try a sensor that “notices” light. By the end, you’ll know how to:

• Plug parts into a breadboard
• Connect to the Arduino the right way
• Upload code and see your project come to life

💡

You don’t need experience. We’ll go step by step.

Quick safety rules:

• Unplug the USB cable before moving wires.
• If something gets hot or smells weird, unplug right away and ask for help.
• Do not connect an LED straight from 5V to GND without a resistor.

Safety First

Electronics are safe when you go slow and double-check your wires. If you are not sure, ask a staff member before plugging in.

Introduction to the Arduino and Components

In this step, you’ll get to know the Arduino and the parts you’ll use today. We’ll build circuits with LEDs and a breadboard.

Getting started with Arduino

In this step, you’ll open the Arduino app, plug in your board, and upload your first program to make an LED blink.

Adding & Reading Sensors

A sensor helps your Arduino notice the world (like light or touch). In this section, you’ll use a sensor and make your Arduino react.

Optional: Additional Sensors

These are extra challenges if you finish early. Pick one with a staff member.