Build it. Then make it do something else.
Every build here comes with the parts list, the wiring, and code you can copy. And then it comes with the interesting part — a set of changes nobody walks you through.
Start here
Good first builds
You haven't started anything yet, so these are the builds we'd point anyone in Middle School to first.
Blink an LED
20 min5 partsCircuits
Wire up your first circuit and write the code that makes a light blink on and off.
Then: change the rhythm
Written for Elementary, but it covers groundwork the Middle School builds assume. Explorer, about 20 min.
Automatic Parking Barrier
1 hr6 partsSensing
Combine a sensor and a servo to build a gate that opens automatically when a car arrives.
Then: add a hold-open delay
Builder, about 1 hr. It assumes 2 skills from the earlier builds — the steps walk through everything, or you can build up to it first.
Move a Servo
25 min3 partsCircuits
Control a small motor with code and turn it to exact angles, just like a robot arm.
Then: sweep back and forth
Written for Elementary, but it covers groundwork the Middle School builds assume. Explorer, about 25 min.
Things worth changing
The part nobody walks you through
Every build works when you finish it. These are what you do next — no steps, just the idea.
Small change
Add a hold-open delay
Keep the barrier open for a few seconds so a car has time to pass fully.
On Automatic Parking Barrier
Small change
Change the rhythm
Speed up or slow down the blink by changing the delay values.
On Blink an LED
Small change
Make the threshold adjustable
Store the trigger distance in a variable you can easily change and retest.
On Distance Alarm