MS-L Circuit Playground Express Fun

ARM Cortex Microprocessor Fun, Arduino programming, CircuitPython programming, servo motors and NeoPixel LEDs.  Oh my! 

Circuit Playground Express - Wild and Wacky Projects - Learn New Technologies

The Circuit Playground Express (CPX) is a gateway tool for exploring electronics and programming. We’ll be using it to power a series of fun projects as well as make-and-take projects like:

• Sound Activated Sharks Mask : A little cardboard goes a long way. This DIY cardboard shark mask turns the wearer into a fearsome creature from the deep. Using the small microphone on the Circuit Playground Express board, this mask is able to detect loud sounds and start chomping its mouth in response. Easy project for people who are new to coding and electronics, or anyone who loves cardboard construction.

• Cosplay Floating LED Fireball with Motion Sensing : Complete your cosplay with this Magical Item: a floating fireball that flares up at your command. This is a very easy project, with no soldering required. The Circuit Playground board makes motion-sensing programmable lights a snap. Customize light colors and flame colors, as well as the motion-sensitive flare up!

• USB MIDI Controller and Synthesizer : This project turns the Circuit Playground Express board into a touch pad USB MIDI controller with tilt control for modulation and pitch bend. A second partner program creates a basic MIDI-enabled synthesizer using the onboard speaker.

The above are just a sample of the types of projects or tutorials we’ll be exploring..   There are 218 projects and tutorials at the Adafruit web site.  Have a look: https://learn.adafruit.com/category/express?total_count=218&total_verbiage=total+series

No, we’re not doing them all.  We’ll decide what to do after the first event.  The first event will be used to set up laptops, download editors and generally get ready for projects.  Thereafter, we’ll tackle a project every two weeks.  

We will have a limited number of Circuit Playground Express (CPX) units (4) and laptops (4) for registrants' use, but you are highly encouraged to purchase one for personal use and experimentation (which we’re sure you’ll want to explore and experiment with this little puppy!).

These events will be for anyone. Learn a little about electronic sensors, like accelerometers and phototransistors, and various outputs, like hobby motors, and LEDs.  Events are targeted toward teams of a Parent/Guardian and child (~12 and older) to work together.  Parent and child will count as one for the purpose of the registration fee.

We will meet in the small classroom at the Leesburg location.