Week 2 ยท Decisions & Debugging
Session 10: Review: LED patterns under Serial control
Learning outcomes
- Combine arrays, loops, decisions and Serial commands in one sketch
- Plan a command table before writing code
- Explain a design decision to the class
Kit and components
- Four-LED circuit from S9, Uno and lab PC
Pre-reading about 15 min
Students read these on their phones before class. They are listed on the student Before class page.
Session plan
- 0:0015 minQuiz
Week 2 quiz
- 0:1550 minBuild
Mini-project: pattern controller
Serial commands choose a pattern stored in arrays: c chase, r reverse, a all flash, + and - change the speed. Students write the command table first, then code it.
- 1:0540 minCode Along
Catch-up or extension
- 1:4515 minDiscuss
Show and explain
Three students demonstrate their controller and explain one design decision each.
Checkpoint: ready to move on?
Every student has finished the core exercises of Code Along chapters 3 and 4.
Extension for fast finishers
Catch-up path
Finish the core exercises with a partner; build the pattern controller without the speed commands.
Homework and practice
Pre-reading for S11.
Facilitator notes
- The mini-project uses nothing new. Students who struggle usually need to plan the command table before typing.