This is a DIY STEM session using the MIT/Sparkfun Pico Board. We will be doing some physical computing projects using the Pico Board's built in sensors: light, sound, variable resistor, and switches. Participants will learn to program a computer to detect input from the Pico Board to control programs in Scratch. We will also make simple sensors, like a tilt sensor, a pressure sensor, or a color sensor, out of common household items. Time will be built in to give participants the opportunity to tweak and customize their sensors. Modern devices are constantly responding to input from sensors. To many users the behavior of these devices seems magical. The proposed Pico Board workshop demystifies sensors and how they interact with computers. Participants will leave the workshop with lots of ideas for student activities and five Pico Boards to use with their classes. Get 5 Pico Boards or bring your own.
