Teachers and learners will find great value in the provided lesson plans. They are designed with multiple skill levels in mind.
These are the introduction MakeCode lessons. Other lessons are embedded right within MakeCode webpage .
References Description MakeCode Intro An Introduction to MakeCode and where to find the MakeCode core lessons . MakeCode Setup Optional page to bring the BrainPad back to MakeCode, if it was used with other languages.
Lessons below are for advanced coding options, covering C# and Python coding.
References
References Description API Quick Reference A handy “cheat sheet” showing everything below in one short and quick form. Hardware Reference A quick reference to the hardware with some additional advanced info.
Coding Basics
.NET C#
C# Basics Description C# System Setup The very first starting point to help setup a computer with the necessary software and tools. C# New Project Shows step-by-step how to create a Visual Studio project. C# Intro A lesson for those who have never coded in C#. This leads into individual language-independent lessons involving coding basics (below).
Python
Python Basics Description Python Setup The very first starting point to help setup a computer with the necessary software and tools. Python Intro A lesson for those who have never coded in Python. This leads into individual language-independent lessons involving coding basics (below).
Generic
Coding Basics Description Variables Learn about how variables work and what kinds there are. Loops Lesson on the various kinds of loops used in programming. Flow Control Conditional statement lessons. How computers decide. Operators Symbols that help us mathematically and with logic checks. Functions In this lesson we learn about functions and how to pass arguments and return values. Built-in Functions Shows what functions are built right into the BrainPad. Drawing Functions Lessons covering everything needed to use the display. Math Art Math was never this exciting, and we will show you how!
Games
Nothing is more fun than making your own games. The BrainPad Pulse is everything you need to get started, but the BrainGamer allows you to build more interesting games. Oh! And the BrainGamer has a rechargeable battery.
The BrainPad Tick can be used for games, but the 5×5 LEDs limit the possibilities.
Game Lesson Description Gaming Intro An intro to gaming with a simple game that is less than 50 lines of code.
BrainPad Tick Lesson Description Tick Gaming Intro How to create a simple game that works with a 5×5 LED matrix.
Robotics
Use our BrainBot accessory to learn about robotics and AI (Artificial Intelligence). BrainPad Pulse works perfectly with BrainBot. BrainPad Tick works as well but with some limitations as explained in the lessons.
Physical Computing
These advanced lessons show in detail physical computing. The lessons are language-independent and cover the BrainPad’s API specifics.
Physical Computing Description BrainPad API Control functions Print(), Wait(), Out(), In(), and OutIn(). Input -> Process -> Out Physical computing and how “things” connect to a computer (processor). In & Out Elements Explains what elements connect and work with the BrainPad. The lessons below cover these elements. Digital Digital Signals, how they work and why. Analog Analog Signals, how they work and why. Button How buttons are used to control things. Sound Generating sounds from simple beeps and alarms to playing a song. Servo Servo motors, what types there are and how to use them. NeoPixel Controlling NeoPixel LEDs. Accel Using an accelerometer to detect position and movement. Distance What are distance sensors? How and what are they used for. Infrared What is infrared and how can I use it? Touch Your body is conductive and the BrainPad can use it to control things. I2cbus I2C is a computer protocol that chips can use to talk to each other.
Circuits
Learning about circuits and programing modules to work with the BrainPad brings a whole new meaning to the idea of coding something physical and real. BrainPower , BrainClip and BrainTronics accessories take advantage of this.
BrainClip Lesson Description BrainClip Intro Get started on understanding the use of alligator wire clips and how modules connect to the BrainPad. BrainClip Digital Explore the digital input and output modules. BrainClip Analog Move to the analog modules and learn how they work. BrainClip Beyond Covers the other modules beyond what is covered in previous lessons.
BrainTronics Lesson Description BrainTronics Intro An intro lesson showing how components plug and work in breadboards.
Beyond the Basics
These lessons will take the user to the next level of coding!
C# Description PC C# Coding An introductory lesson on how a PC can be programmed, utilizing the existing BrainPad knowledge. C# for Circuits An introductory lesson on how to transition from coding only BrainPad to other circuits.
Make them your own!
