Course Overview

The “Exploring Electronics using the Raspberry Pi & Python” development track provides access to various tutorials that builds on your existing fundamentals of electronics while helping you gain essential Python coding skills. This development track is based on the Raspberry Pi 3 B+ SBC (Single Board Computer) and uses Python as the development language. The Raspberry Pi is a credit card sized computer that runs a scaled down version of Linux called Raspbian and is a perfect platform for us to start exploring fundamentals of Python while interacting with the real world using sensors, LED’s, servos, relays, etc.

As you progress through tutorials in this development track you will work with your child exploring the different facets of the Raspberry Pi SBC (Single Board Computer), interact with the real world using various active, passive electronic components i.e. sensors, LED’s, etc. As part of these tutorials you will write code in Python to interact with the various electronic components (Servo, LED’s, Motors, Resistors, Switches, Breadboard, servos, dupont wires, etc.) using the Raspberry Pi’s GPIO pins. There are 17 lessons in this development track with Python code provided for each of them.

The “Exploring Electronics using the Raspberry Pi & Python” development track is an advanced development track. This development track builds upon the knowledge gained coding with Scratch, the BBC micro:bit and fundamentals of electronics. We would highly recommend that you complete the following tracks before you start off with this track.

1. Introduction to coding concepts with Scratch I
2. Introduction to coding concepts with Scratch II
3. Exploring coding concepts using the BBC micro:bit I
4. Exploring coding concepts using the BBC micro:bit II

Take the “Exploring Electronics using the Raspberry Pi & Python” development track to get a taste of working with Python and explore electronics using the Raspberry Pi SBC (Single Board Computer). If you are looking for a more structured electronics track to dive into the world of electronics we would highly recommend considering the following –

1. Exploring fundamentals of electronics using paper circuits
2. Introduction to electronics using the BBC micro:bit I
3. Introduction to electronics using the BBC micro:bit II
4. Introduction to making and creating using the Adafruit Circuit Playground Express

Prerequisites

1. This development track is based on the Rasbperry Pi and the SunFounder Super Starter Kit v3.0 for the Raspberry Pi.
2. You will need access to both the Raspberry Pi 3 B and the electronics components part of the SunFounder Super Starter Kit v3.0 for the Raspberry Pi  kit to be able to work on these tutorials.
3. If you haven’t purchased the Raspberry Pi 3 B yet please head over to our store and purchase one now. You can pick up the SunFounder Super Starter Kit v3.0 for the Raspberry Pi from SunFounder’s website.
4. Depending on where you live you might also be able to pick up the Raspberry Pi and SunFounder Super Starter Kit v3.0 for the Raspberry Pi at your local electronics hobby store.

About the Raspberry Pi

The Raspberry Pi is a series of small single-board computers developed in the United Kingdom by the Raspberry Pi Foundation to promote the teaching of basic computer science in schools and in developing countries. It is a capable little computer which can be used in electronics projects, and for many of the things that your desktop PC does, like spreadsheets, word processing, browsing the internet, and playing games. The original model became far more popular than anticipated, selling outside its target market for uses such as robotics.

The Raspberry Pi does not include peripherals (such as keyboards, mice and cases). However, some accessories have been included in several official and unofficial bundles. According to the Raspberry Pi Foundation, over 5 million Raspberry Pis were sold by February 2015, making it the best-selling British computer. By November 2016 they had sold 11 million units, and 12.5m by March 2017, making it the third best-selling “general purpose computer”. In July 2017, sales reached nearly 15 million.In March 2018, sales reached 19 million. Most Pis are made in a Sony factory in Pencoed, Wales; some are made in China or Japan.

You can read more about the Raspberry Pi here – RaspberryPi.org.

About Python

Python is an interpreted, object-oriented, high-level programming language with dynamic semantics. Its high-level built in data structures, combined with dynamic typing and dynamic binding, make it very attractive for Rapid Application Development, as well as for use as a scripting or glue language to connect existing components together. Python’s simple, easy to learn syntax emphasizes readability and therefore reduces the cost of program maintenance. Python supports modules and packages, which encourages program modularity and code reuse. The Python interpreter and the extensive standard library are available in source or binary form without charge for all major platforms, and can be freely distributed.

As an interpreted, object-oriented programming language Python is similar to PERL, but has gained immense popularity because of its clear syntax and readability. Python was created by Guido van Rossum, a former resident of the Netherlands, whose favorite comedy group at the time was Monty Python’s Flying Circus.

You can read more about Python here – Python.org