Continue with email to see the material list.
The only thing that is required for class is an Arduino kit. You should order yours before class starts. Get 20% off by ordering through the link below with the discount code “MARKROBER2022”. Beyond the Arduino, you’ll have time to find or purchase any additional materials during class depending on what your unique builds require.
Arduino is an electrical engineering prototyping platform that includes both hardware and software components, which allow you to create interactive, smart, electrical devices. You will need a basic Arduino kit to complete the electrical engineering section of this class, as well as access to a computer. Pick one of the two kits below. Mark will show how to use both kits during class, so either option works!
You’ll be able to follow along with the class using just things you find around your home, or you can invest in additional tools and materials. This class is designed so you can construct your builds based on your personal budget and skill level. During class, Mark will explain how to make decisions about tools and materials for your projects.
For now, take a look at the list below and just get a feel for the possible options. This list isn’t a shopping list! It’s meant to expose you to the range of possibilities, so you have a palette to work from during class. As long as you get your Arduino kit, you’ll be all set for class. You can refer back to this list during class and pick and choose the tools and materials that make sense for you.
A simple hacksaw is helpful for cutting wood and PVC, and a utility blade works well for cardboard and other light materials.
You can take this class without any power tools, but if you plan on working with wood or PVC, you should probably invest in a drill/driver as well as a set of drill bits. You can use other power tools if you already know how, but they aren’t needed.
Wood is a relatively inexpensive material and is easy to work with. It’s usually best to go to a hardware store so you can pick out the specific type and size of wood that you need.
You may want a tube-like structure in your builds, either to use as a structural element or to hold a fluid. PVC is the cheapest and easiest option.
Cardboard, foam, and other types of old packaging can be really useful for prototyping, or even some final builds. You may also want to use metal, depending on your build’s needs. Mark considers metal an advanced material, so he suggests that you only use it if you have previous metalworking experience.
You may also want to use some mechanical components like springs, pulleys, and pneumatic pistons. Remember, the parts you need will be specific to what you will decide to build, and you’ll figure out exactly what they are during the class.
Your Arduino Starter Kit will include most, if not all, of the electrical components you will need for this class. However, if you want to use more advanced components or require specialty sensors, you may need to buy some extra parts.
Once you have all of your build components, you will need some fasteners to hold them all together. The fasteners you need will depend on the materials you are trying to connect together, but we have included the most common examples below.
When you’re working on a build, make sure you always have the protective gear you need to do so safely! This means wearing eye protection when doing anything that might generate flying particles, ear protection when generating loud noises, and masks or respirators when generating dust or anything you don’t want to breathe in.
