Intro to Circuits and Coding

Course Description

Where circuits meet code, and ideas come to life. Intro to Circuits and Coding is an 8-week, instructor-led online course for students in grades 9–12 who want to explore how electronics and programming work together to power real-world systems. Through live instruction, hands-on projects, and collaborative learning, students will build a strong foundation in physical computing and embedded programming using the Arduino platform. Over the first six weeks, students will learn to safely build and test circuits using a breadboard, multimeter, and microcontroller, working with components like LEDs, buzzers, sensors, MOSFETs, and servo motors. They'll write structured Arduino code using variables, conditionals, loops, and functions, while exploring key embedded concepts such as digital and analog I/O, voltage dividers, PWM for control, and serial communication for data monitoring and debugging. This course is intentionally rigorous, with a strong focus on troubleshooting and real-world debugging. Students will be guided through common challenges such as improper wiring, missing or misplaced components, coding errors like syntax mistakes or faulty logic, and leveraging sensor data effectively, building both their confidence and troubleshooting skills along the way. In the final two weeks, students will design and build a capstone project of their choice using components from their Arduino kit. This open-ended challenge allows them to apply everything they’ve learned to create a unique, functional system of their own design. By the end of the course, students will have the skills to design, build, and debug simple embedded systems, and the confidence to pursue deeper studies in engineering, robotics, and technology. Technology Requirements To participate, students must purchase their own Arduino Starter Kit and a basic digital multimeter. A complete materials list and setup guide will be provided upon registration. Students also need a reliable internet connection (minimum 5 Mbps download / 1 Mbps upload) and a computer capable of running the Arduino IDE and joining video conferencing sessions. A wired connection or strong Wi-Fi is recommended; mobile hotspots are discouraged due to potential instability. This course is independently developed and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Seeed Studio or the Arduino project. To learn more about this course, please email: 📧 info@excitonlearning.com or use the contact form below.