Intro to Physical Computing with Raspberry Pi and Python

Popfizz Computer Science presents “Intro to Physical Computing with Raspberry Pi and Python” course. Embark on a wonderful journey that will have you coding and building projects in no time! You will quickly see that Raspberry Pi is a diverse tool that will make you excited to dive into Python and Physical Computing.

The course consists of big and small projects designed to foster creativity, logical thinking, and the maker mindset. The course has two parts — learning Python programming and building projects using Raspberry Pi.

Depending on the course pacing, it may be covered in a semester or in a year.

Here is an interview with Nicholas that illustrates how the maker mindset is weaved into the curriculum.

Q. What’s so great about learning CS with Raspberry Pi?

You can use it for digital coding, you can do it for physical computing, cameras, lights, buzzers, sensors — it really opens up an infinite number of possibilities for any type of maker out there.

It’s the idea of taking something intangible like code and making something physical with physical computing. So it’s that idea of taking sort of the abstract and making it real and hard to touch and play with and to move. So I really like that opportunity to physically build things instead of just relying on the code.

Q. What fascinates your students about computer science?

For every student, it’s a little bit different. Sometimes the students love just the idea of coding games and using scratch or using Minecraft. Others want to build physical things. They like that idea of using a soldering iron and putting together a button and light system. Every kid approaches it differently but that’s what is so nice about Raspberry Pi and computer science, in general, is that it allows kids to pursue their interests because there are so many ways you can engage in those areas.

Q. What do students find most challenging and what do they find most rewarding?

I think the most challenging is patience. One of the things about coding and anyone would tell you is that there hasn’t been a coder alive that has written code that worked the very first time around. And I think for kids, it’s a really wonderful skill to work on when it comes to patience, proofreading, and debugging. So I actually, well it’s tough for them, it’s actually a really good lesson for them to learn about any type of problem-solving or critical thinking.

So when a kid can feel successful in a classroom setting, whether it is with computer science, Raspberry Pi or anything else, that’s a win for a teacher.

Q. Who should take this course?

I think this course is great for anyone that’s excited to learn about Python, Raspberry Pi, and physical computing. Really you have to be open-minded for any new topic and Raspberry Pi is a great place to start if you are looking to engage in coding and physical computing in general.

Q. What can students learn from the course?

A little bit of everything. That’s what the best part of this course is, is that you’ll learn the basics to Python so it’ll allow you to explore very intro-level Python coding to super complex ideas of running a motion sensor with a camera, with a button, and with an LED and a buzzer all combined together so, by the end, you really feel like a python master of Raspberry Pi which is a great feeling to have because it opens up a world of possibilities for projects down the line.

Q. Is there anything you would like to share with the teachers who are trying this out for the first time?

Be comfortable with failing. The best thing I can tell you is that the first time you are going to do it, you are going to mess up. You are going to put something in the wrong place, you are going to burn out an LED, your code is going to be wrong and it’s important to remember that this is how your students are going to feel. And if you get frustrated and give up, your students are going to get frustrated and give up.

Watch the full interview video:

What do I need?

For Python programming, you can use the online IDE provided by Popfizz or you can use any Python programming environment of your choice.

For Raspberry Pi components, you’ll need the following:

For any inquiries, contact hello@popfizz.io.

Further Readings and Resources

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