Borrow an Arduino and Take Classes at the Library
It is truly amazing the world we live in, with all the different technology that we now have access to. Sure, the latest iPhone and gaming systems are great fun, but what’s even more impactful is the hardware and software that gives the power to anyone to develop anything in their imagination. We now live in a world where we can purchase at a low-cost point, all the tools and components to develop prototype hardware using something, for example, like an Arduino.
What is an Arduino? It is an open source hardware and software platform for micro-controllers that enables you to easily connect input like sensors, buttons and dials and process that information with the program you create. You can connect many different outputs like a light emitting diode, LCD screen, speaker and even a massive motor if you choose and control it based on what you told the Arduino to do. Did I mention it is cheap?
Want to make your own music synthesizer? Sure! Want to make something that will self-water your plants? Yes! Want to create a robot? All possible! You have an idea, you can'try to make it and prototype it with an Arduino. This is great for anyone with an amazing idea but who is not an expert in electronics. From young to old, from beginner to expert, an Arduino is a tool to have fun, experiment or create a new innovative product. At the library, we have seen so many cool Arduino projects from art to a user-controlled prosthetic arm, so who knows what you can create.
Borrow an Arduino at the Library
Even better, Toronto Public Library now has Arduino kits available to take home for a three-week period to help anyone gain access to this technology.
There are a beginner, intermediate and advanced Arduino kits available from the Digital Innovation Hubs at the Agincourt, Albion, Downsview, Fort York, North York Centre, Scarborough Civic Centre and Toronto Reference Library locations.
Each kit has multiple projects in a manual you can follow, with all the required components.
Tech Club Program for Teens on Digital Literacy Day
May 31 is Digital Literacy Day and we want teens to celebrate this access with our program Introduction to Arduino for Teens at the Toronto Reference Library.
This program will teach the very basics of how to dive into the Arduino world, and then your team will have to successfully complete as many projects as you can in a one-hour period for a chance to win prizes. There will also be free food and drinks for the participants to help fuel your fun and learning.
I can't wait to see all the teens playing with the Arduino for the first time, along with the more experienced users.
This article was posted on behalf of Digital Design Technician, James Topping.
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