Design, build and code advanced electronic gadgets
Do you like gadgets, technology and creating things? What if you could invent advanced electronic gadgets by just connecting components and dragging and dropping? You'll be given a sophisticated 'embedded computer' - yours to take home - and you'll use it with a class set containing a wide ray of components from thermal imaging cameras to laser range finders, GPS modules and environmental gas sensors. We'll send you details of where you can purchase these inexpensive sensors at the end of camp so you can continue inventing.
Want to create a remote control timer? How about an electronic lock box that could only be opened when taken to a specific location on the planet? These and many more are possible after you take this course.
WITH US?
Don't just learn about coding on a screen - find out how to build your own gadgets using a programmable embedded computer you can take home
You'll learn how to use some of the most advanced electronic sensors and modules available from fingerprint recognition modules to thermal imaging systems
Want to create a fingerprint-activated lock or an air quality detector? Anything is possible with Gadget Inventor!
You'll be given an advanced wifi-enabled 'embedded computer' that can be connected to a wide variety of sensors and modules. We'll have a 'library' of over 20 modules in class that you'll learn to use including GPS modules, fingerprint sensors, RFID receivers, thermal imaging cameras, heartbeat sensors, and even environmental gas monitors.
You'll learn how to interface to all of these modules and more to create your own gadgets and inventions. You'll be using a simple drag-and drop programming system. Think this is too easy for you? Fear not - this is MUCH more sophisticated than something like 'Scratch' as you can connect to even the most advanced electronics. Although at camp we're just using this drag-and drop environment, if you're experienced in Python already you can even use that to program the device when you get home.
Students will have access to over 20 modules in the class library but we can't let them take all of them home as well as we need them for our classes. However, they start at just a few pounds each and we'll show them (and parents!) how to get their hands on any or all of these modules themselves so that the invention and creativity can continue long after the camp finishes.
At the end you'll take home your computer that is able to be connected to any of these advanced modules to continue your gadget-building inventions after camp finishes, and we'll show you how to find and connect your own sensors like these which are available from just a few pounds each.
Starting with your mini computer
Campers start off learning how to write programs for the little 'embedded computers', which are very capable by themselves, with colour touch-screens, audio systems, motion sensors and more. It's super simple to get started with a drag-and-drop environment, albeit one that is quite sophisticated.
Connecting advanced electronics
Then we introduce students to a huge variety of different sensors and modules to get their creative juices flowing and help them to come up with invention ideas they can work on. Each module has a challenge the campers need to complete.
Your own ideas
At the end of the week and/or when you get home, you'll have learnt enough about programming these fantastic embedded comptuers and interfacing electronic modules to them to work on your own ideas!
