Semester 1: Programming Fundamentals

16 weeks of structured learning from Python basics to Arduino programming with the miniAuto car

Semester Overview

Weeks 1-7

Python Programming Fundamentals

Weeks 8-13

Arduino Development & Hardware

Weeks 14-16

miniAuto Car Integration

1

Introduction to Programming & Python

Setting up the development environment and first programs

Lesson Quiz
Topics: What is programming, Python installation, IDLE, first print statements, comments
2

Variables and Data Types

Understanding data storage and manipulation

Lesson Quiz
Topics: Variables, integers, floats, strings, booleans, input() function, type conversion
3

Conditionals and Decision Making

Making programs that can make decisions

Lesson Quiz
Topics: if, elif, else statements, comparison operators, logical operators, nested conditions
4

Loops and Iteration

Repeating actions efficiently

Lesson Quiz
Topics: for loops, while loops, range() function, break and continue, nested loops
5

Functions and Modular Programming

Creating reusable code blocks

Lesson Quiz
Topics: Function definition, parameters, return values, scope, lambda functions
6

Lists and Data Structures

Working with collections of data

Lesson Quiz
Topics: Lists, indexing, slicing, list methods, tuples, dictionaries
7

File Handling and Data Processing

Reading and writing data to files

Lesson Quiz
Topics: File operations, reading/writing text files, CSV processing, error handling
8

Introduction to Arduino and Hardware

Transitioning from software to hardware programming

Lesson Quiz
Topics: Arduino IDE setup, C++ basics, microcontrollers, digital vs analog
9

Digital Inputs/Outputs and LEDs

Controlling and reading digital signals

Lesson Quiz
Topics: digitalWrite(), digitalRead(), LED control, button inputs, pull-up resistors
10

Analog Sensors and Data Collection

Reading and processing analog sensor data

Lesson Quiz
Topics: analogRead(), sensor calibration, potentiometers, temperature sensors
11

Motors and Movement Control

Controlling motors for robot movement

Lesson Quiz
Topics: DC motors, servo motors, PWM control, motor drivers, basic movement
12

Ultrasonic Sensors and Obstacle Detection

Adding sensing capabilities for autonomous behavior

Lesson Quiz
Topics: Ultrasonic sensors, distance measurement, obstacle avoidance algorithms
13

Introduction to miniAuto Platform

Getting familiar with the Hisonder miniAuto car

Lesson Quiz
Topics: miniAuto assembly, setup, default programs, app control
14

Basic miniAuto Programming

Programming the miniAuto for basic movements and behaviors

Lesson Quiz
Topics: Motion control, basic navigation, sensor integration, first autonomous program
15

Advanced miniAuto Features

Exploring advanced capabilities and AI features

Lesson Quiz
Topics: AI vision games, robotic gripper, wireless control, serial communication
16

Final Competition and Showcase

Putting it all together in a road race competition

Lesson Quiz
Topics: Competition preparation, optimization, testing, final presentations