Teaching Physical Computing with Raspberry Pi and Python from edX

On this course from the Raspberry Pi Foundation, you will be introduced to the world of physical computing. You will use input devices to capture data, process that data with the Python programming language, and then use output devices to get information back out from your computer.

Along the way, you will learn how to use the principles of sequence, selection, and iteration in your physical computing programs. You will also learn some foundational electronics to help you create the circuits that you will use.

In the final week, you will create a physical computing project of your own.

What you'll learn

Over the following three weeks, you will:

Develop understanding of how the Raspberry Pi can be used as a tool for physical computing.
Apply knowledge of programming concepts to control digital inputs and outputs.
Identify practical applications of inputs and outputs to make a project.
Reflect on your learning and create ideas for your classroom practice.
Identify ways of engaging learners in physical computing in your learning context.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Develop understanding of how the raspberry pi can be used as a tool for physical computing.
Apply knowledge of programming concepts to control digital inputs and outputs.
Identify practical applications of inputs and outputs to make a project.

Reflect on your learning and create ideas for your classroom practice.
Identify ways of engaging learners in physical computing in your learning context.

Develop understanding of how the raspberry pi can be used as a tool for physical computing.
Apply knowledge of programming concepts to control digital inputs and outputs.
Identify practical applications of inputs and outputs to make a project.
Reflect on your learning and create ideas for your classroom practice.
Identify ways of engaging learners in physical computing in your learning context.

Syllabus

You will cover:

Input and output devices

Python programming

Use of variables, functions, and classes

Applying design processes

Project-based learning

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores physical computing with Raspberry Pi, an industry standard tool

Teaches Python programming, a highly relevant skill for physical computing

Taught by James Robinson and Mac Bowley, recognized experts in physical computing

Provides a project-based approach to learning

Develops skills in using input and output devices, essential for physical computing

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Teaching Physical Computing with Raspberry Pi and Python with these activities:

Read 'Raspberry Pi User Guide'

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Enhance your understanding of the Raspberry Pi hardware and its applications in physical computing.

View Raspberry Pi User Guide on Amazon

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Read through chapters relevant to physical computing
Take notes and highlight key concepts
Review the diagrams and illustrations

Review Python programming basics

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Refresh your knowledge of Python programming concepts, ensuring a solid foundation for the course's Python-based activities.

Browse courses on Python Programming

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Read through notes or online resources on Python basics
Practice writing and executing basic Python code
Review topics such as variables, loops, and functions

Follow tutorials on interfacing Raspberry Pi with sensors

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Expand your knowledge of physical computing by learning how to use sensors with Raspberry Pi, enhancing your ability to capture and process real-world data.

Browse courses on Raspberry Pi

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Search for tutorials on specific sensors you're interested in
Follow the instructions to set up the hardware and software
Experiment with different sensor inputs

Four other activities

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Participate in online forums and Q&A sessions

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Connect with fellow learners and experts to ask questions, share knowledge, and troubleshoot issues, fostering a supportive learning environment.

Browse courses on Physical Computing

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Join online forums or Q&A platforms
Post questions or participate in discussions
Offer help and support to others

Experiment with Raspberry Pi peripherals

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Build practical projects involving digital inputs and outputs, applying the concepts learned in the course.

Browse courses on Physical Computing

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Choose a project idea that interests you
Gather necessary materials and components
Design and assemble the circuit
Write the Python code to control the project
Test and refine your project

Create a physical computing tutorial

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Develop a tutorial to explain physical computing concepts and implementation using Raspberry Pi and Python, reinforcing your understanding while sharing knowledge.

Browse courses on Physical Computing

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Choose a specific topic or project within physical computing
Outline the steps and concepts involved
Write clear and detailed instructions
Incorporate code snippets and examples
Proofread and refine your tutorial for clarity

Solve coding challenges on physical computing platforms

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Sharpen your problem-solving and coding skills by tackling challenges that involve physical computing concepts, deepening your understanding of their practical applications.

Browse courses on Physical Computing

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Find coding challenges or exercises online
Attempt to solve the challenges using Raspberry Pi and Python
Review and improve your solutions

Career center

Learners who complete Teaching Physical Computing with Raspberry Pi and Python will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Internet of Things Developer

Internet of Things Developers design and develop connected devices and systems that communicate with each other and the internet. Teaching Physical Computing with Raspberry Pi and Python provides Internet of Things Developers with hands-on experience in using the Raspberry Pi to build and connect physical devices, enabling them to create innovative and interconnected solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Internet of Things Developer

Embedded Systems Engineer

Embedded Systems Engineers design and develop computer systems that are embedded within larger devices. Teaching Physical Computing with Raspberry Pi and Python provides Embedded Systems Engineers with hands-on experience in using the Raspberry Pi to develop embedded systems, enhancing their ability to create compact and efficient solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Embedded Systems Engineer

Hardware Engineer

Hardware Engineers design and develop electronic hardware components and systems. Teaching Physical Computing with Raspberry Pi and Python introduces Hardware Engineers to the Raspberry Pi as a development platform, providing them with practical experience in designing and testing hardware systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Hardware Engineer

Product Developer

Product Developers design, develop, and launch new products. Teaching Physical Computing with Raspberry Pi and Python equips Product Developers with practical skills in using the Raspberry Pi to prototype and test physical products, enabling them to create innovative and technologically advanced solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Developer

Artificial Intelligence Engineer

Artificial Intelligence Engineers design, develop, and implement artificial intelligence systems. Teaching Physical Computing with Raspberry Pi and Python provides Artificial Intelligence Engineers with practical experience in using the Raspberry Pi to develop and deploy AI algorithms on physical devices, enabling them to create intelligent and interactive systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Artificial Intelligence Engineer

Automation Engineer

Automation Engineers design, implement, and maintain automated systems for industrial and commercial applications. Teaching Physical Computing with Raspberry Pi and Python provides Automation Engineers with hands-on experience in using the Raspberry Pi to control physical devices, enhancing their ability to develop and deploy automated systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Automation Engineer

Computational Scientist

Computational Scientists use computational methods to solve scientific problems. Teaching Physical Computing with Raspberry Pi and Python provides Computational Scientists with hands-on experience in using the Raspberry Pi to collect and analyze data from physical systems, enhancing their ability to develop computational models and simulations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computational Scientist

Mechatronics Engineer

Mechatronics Engineers combine mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering to design and build intelligent systems. Teaching Physical Computing with Raspberry Pi and Python provides Mechatronics Engineers with a foundation in using the Raspberry Pi to control electromechanical systems, equipping them to develop innovative and integrated solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mechatronics Engineer

Electronics Engineer

Electronics Engineers design, develop, and test electronic circuits and systems. Teaching Physical Computing with Raspberry Pi and Python provides Electronics Engineers with practical experience in using the Raspberry Pi as a development platform, enhancing their understanding of embedded systems and programmable electronics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electronics Engineer

Computer Systems Analyst

Computer Systems Analysts design, implement, and maintain computer systems. Teaching Physical Computing with Raspberry Pi and Python may be useful to those in this field as it introduces the Raspberry Pi as a computing platform and provides practical experience in developing physical computing systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Systems Analyst

Robotics Engineer

Robotics Engineers design, build, and maintain robots. Teaching Physical Computing with Raspberry Pi and Python provides Robotics Engineers with a foundation in using the Raspberry Pi to control robotic systems, enabling them to develop autonomous and interactive robots.

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Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers develop, maintain, and improve software applications and systems. Teaching Physical Computing with Raspberry Pi and Python introduces Computer Programmers to the use of the Raspberry Pi as a computing platform and provides practical experience in applying Python programming to physical computing scenarios.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

Electrical Engineer

Electrical Engineers design, develop, test, and maintain electrical systems and components. Teaching Physical Computing with Raspberry Pi and Python provides Electrical Engineers with hands-on experience in applying programming concepts to control electrical outputs, reinforcing their understanding of digital circuits.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineer

Data Analyst

Data Analysts play a crucial role in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to drive informed decision-making. Teaching Physical Computing with Raspberry Pi and Python can equip Data Analysts with practical skills in using Python for data processing and hardware for data collection.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers lead the innovation and development of new computing technologies. Teaching Physical Computing with Raspberry Pi and Python may be useful to those in this field as it introduces tools and techniques for developing physical computing systems, which are increasingly used in everyday devices and industrial applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer