Week01

## Arduino-Based Light Control Project

For this week’s Fab Learn Academy assignment, I worked with Arduino. I started by programming a simple LED to turn on. Then, I modified the code to adjust the blinking speed, transitioning from fast to slow. https://youtube.com/shorts/krR5mKKsHiI

Next, I integrated a light sensor into the circuit. I programmed it so that the LED would automatically turn on in the dark. When I covered the sensor, the light would activate, responding to the change in brightness. https://youtube.com/shorts/S-PlboeCugI

This project helped me explore basic Arduino programming, sensor integration, and real-world applications of automation.

// Simple Blink
int ledPin = 13; // Built-in LED on pin 13

void setup() {
  pinMode(ledPin, OUTPUT);
}

void loop() {
  digitalWrite(ledPin, HIGH); // LED ON
  delay(500);                 // Wait 0.5 second
  digitalWrite(ledPin, LOW);  // LED OFF
  delay(500);                 // Wait 0.5 second
}

// Light Sensor Control
int sensorPin = A0; // Light sensor connected to analog pin A0
int ledPin = 13;    // LED connected to pin 13
int sensorValue = 0;

void setup() {
  pinMode(ledPin, OUTPUT);
  Serial.begin(9600); // Start serial communication for debugging
}

void loop() {
  sensorValue = analogRead(sensorPin);
  Serial.println(sensorValue); // Print sensor value to serial monitor

  if (sensorValue < 500) { // You can adjust the threshold based on your environment
    digitalWrite(ledPin, HIGH); // Turn LED ON if it's dark
  } else {
    digitalWrite(ledPin, LOW);  // Turn LED OFF if it's bright
  }

  delay(100); // Small delay for stability
}

Reflection questions

Did you bring several disciplines together in your own teaching? Do you collaborate with teachers in other disciplines? What are the opportunities and challenges.

Yes, I collaborate with teachers from different disciplines, such as art, to create interdisciplinary learning experiences. The main opportunity in this approach is that students develop a deeper understanding of concepts by seeing their real-world applications. However, a key challenge is the need for proper coordination between teachers and ensuring that students have the foundational knowledge required for such projects.

How do you envision a makerspace in your school? How does it look like? If you have one already, how would you modify it?

I envision a makerspace as a dynamic, student-centered environment equipped with digital fabrication tools like laser cutters, 3D printers, and microcontrollers, along with traditional hand tools. It would be an open space where students can experiment, prototype, and apply their knowledge in hands-on projects. Encourage more students and teachers to engage with digital fabrication.

After the definition of computational thinking, are you somehow using computational thinking in your teaching? How? Do you think you can take advantage of computational thinking? How?

In my recent Arduino project, I applied computational thinking by breaking down the process into steps: writing code, testing it, debugging errors, and optimizing the logic for better functionality. I believe computational thinking is a valuable skill that can help students develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. In the future, I plan to integrate more coding and automation projects into my lessons.