Pico Problems

Grades: 5 - 12
Duration: 2 hours
VA Standards of Learning: SCI 5.4; PS.9; CS Grades 5-8 AP.1, AP.2, AP.3; MSCSE-9.AP.3 and 4, MSCSE AP.3; CSF.AP.2 and 3

Text-based coding is explored using MicroPython with Thonny IDE and Raspberry Pi Pico. This hands-on coding activity lays a foundation for understanding how software interacts with hardware in real-world applications. Using a computational thinking approach, students learn to store/manipulate data, code for conditional statements, loops, and functions, and debug their programs while building closed loop circuits and completing coding challenges. Program may be adapted for grade level. Topics include text-based coding, logic/syntax errors, creating/revising algorithms, variables, model prediction, and circuits.