The Learn by Make Curriculum
72 classes. 11 projects. Two semesters. One coherent arc from Python syntax to a fully autonomous robot car.
The curriculum is a single coherent progression, not a collection of isolated workshops. Semester one builds the foundation: Python syntax, digital electronics, and the MicroPython environment on the Raspberry Pi Pico 2 (RP2350). Semester two applies that foundation: shift registers, motor drivers, autonomous sensors, and finally a robot car that students design, wire, program, and debug over the final ten classes.
Every concept introduced in an early class reappears in later ones. Ohm's law from Class 8 is referenced again in Class 49 when calculating motor current draw. The class abstraction from Class 19 is the same pattern used to wrap the TB6612FNG driver in Class 50. The curriculum teaches programming and electronics as a unified discipline, not two separate tracks.
Semester One
Foundation — Classes 1–36
Python programming fundamentals and digital electronics on the Raspberry Pi Pico 2. Students finish semester one able to read a datasheet, wire a circuit, and write a Python class that controls real hardware.
Getting Started
Classes 1–6- Raspberry Pi Pico 2 setup and flashing MicroPython firmware
- REPL workflow — interactive Python on hardware
- First programs: GPIO output, LED blink, print statements
- Thonny IDE, file structure, and running scripts on-device
Data and Circuits
Classes 7–12- Variables, data types, conditionals, and comparison operators
- LED circuits: Ohm's law, resistor selection, breadboard wiring
- Digital input with pushbuttons, pull-up/pull-down resistors
- Reading GPIO state in MicroPython
Control Flow and Components
Classes 13–18- Loops (while, for), functions, and scope
- Switch debounce — hardware noise vs. software state
- Buzzer tone generation with PWM
- Multi-component circuits: LED + button + buzzer on one breadboard
Classes and Sensors
Classes 19–24- Object-oriented programming: classes, __init__, methods, instances
- Photoresistor (LDR) light sensing with analog input
- Ultrasonic distance sensor (HC-SR04): trigger/echo timing
- Encapsulating hardware in a Python class
Enter the Pico 2
Classes 25–30- GPIO deep-dive: input, output, open-drain, drive strength
- PWM: frequency, duty cycle, and LED brightness control
- I2C protocol: addresses, transactions, reading OLED displays
- Hardware abstraction — writing reusable MicroPython drivers
Pico Meets Analog
Classes 31–36- ADC on the RP2350: resolution, voltage reference, sampling
- Analog sensor interfacing and signal conditioning
- Averaging, filtering, and threshold logic
- Semester 1 integrative project: sensor dashboard on OLED
Semester Two
Build — Classes 37–72
Applied electronics and autonomous robotics. Students use everything from semester one to build an autonomous robot car from the chassis up — then design their own extension for the capstone showcase.
Light Show
Classes 37–42- 74HC595 shift register: serial-to-parallel output expansion
- Bit manipulation in Python: shifting, masking, ORing
- Driving 8 LEDs from 3 GPIO pins
- Animations and patterns with timing control
Sound and Sensing
Classes 43–48- PWM tone generation: frequency tables, musical notes
- Distance-triggered audio alerts with HC-SR04
- Non-blocking patterns using polling vs. interrupts
- Combining sensor input with audio output in one program
Motors and Motion
Classes 49–56- DC motor fundamentals: stall current, back-EMF, H-bridge need
- TB6612FNG dual motor driver: IN1/IN2/PWM control signals
- Speed control via duty cycle; direction via input pin logic
- Independent left/right motor control — differential drive setup
The Car Build
Classes 57–66- Chassis assembly: mounting Pico 2, motors, battery pack, and sensor
- Calibrating drive: straight-line, turns, and pivot maneuvers
- Autonomous navigation: distance threshold → stop, back, turn
- Debugging mobile hardware — power, grounding, interference
Capstone & Showcase
Classes 67–72- Independent design challenge: extend the robot with a novel behavior
- Code review and refactoring — cleaning up before presentation
- Debugging workshop: systematic isolation and root cause analysis
- Public showcase: students present and demo their working builds
KIT001 — What Students Receive
Every enrolled student receives KIT001 — all hardware needed for the complete 72-class curriculum. No separate purchases required.
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