Bright Sparks: The Beginner’s Guide to Circuits

This curriculum
introduces students to basic electronics and microcontrollers using block-based
coding platforms, through a series of progressive, hands-on projects. Each
month focuses on a core concept with integrated mini-projects.

Program Overview:

• Duration: 3 Months
• Sessions: Weekly 3 hours sessions
• Kits: Arduino UNO, LEDs, Resistors, DC BO Motor, Sensors (LDR, LM393, DHT11, HC-SR04, Sound Detector), 16x2 LCD Display, OLED Display, Buzzer, Breadboard, Jumper Wires, Batteries, Switches
•  Software: TinkerCad, Arduino IDE
•  Assessment Method: Weekly Kahoot Quiz, Month-end Projects

Key Outcomes:

• Scientific thinking and observation
• Foundational science, math and engineering through reasoning and measurement
• Introduction to programming through block-coding
• Basic electronics
• Problem-solving and teamwork
• Improve hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills

Month 1: Computer
Basics and Introduction to Electricity & Simple Circuits

·       
Concepts: Computer Hardware and
Usage; Introduction to TinkerCad; Voltage, Current, Basic components (battery,
wires, LED, resistors, switch, Breadboard)

·       
Activities:

o  
Build a Paper
Circuit

o  
Resistors and
color code

o  
Build a simple LED circuit on TinkerCad and then recreate
it in Breadboard

o  
Explore how a switch controls a circuit

o  
Introduce LDR Sensor

o  
Experiment with series and parallel connections

·       
Project: DIY flashlight or
night-lamp using LEDs; Light-detection night-light (LED
turns on in darkness); Switch Controlled Traffic Light

 Month 2: Introduction to
Microcontrollers and Block Coding in TinkerCad

·       
Concepts: What is a
microcontroller, how it is programmed (introduction to block coding using TinkerCad
Circuits).

·       
Activities:

o  
Explore Arduino UNO with block coding

o  
Learn to upload a simple “Blink” (LED blinking)
program on TinkerCad

o  
Control LEDs with switches using Arduino

o  
Control brightness of LED using LDR with Arduino

·       
Project: Interactive traffic
light (LED sequence controlled via microcontroller and block code).

Month 3: Sensors & Actuators, Input/Output

·       
Concepts: Introduction to sensors,
potentiometer, motors, buzzers; input/output basics.

·       
Activities:

o  
Introduce sensors for detecting distance and sound

o  
Observe how sensor inputs affect circuit behavior with
block coding

o  
Observe how actuators are controlled with block coding

o  
Write Block
Code to combine sensors and actuators and control them using Arduino

·       
Project: Clap Switch; Change Brightness of LED using Pot; Speed Regulated fan
using Pot; Parking Sensor with buzzer

This curriculum introduces students to basic electronics and microcontrollers using block-based coding platforms, through a series of progressive, hands-on projects. Each month focuses on a core concept with integrated mini-projects.

• Program Overview:

·  Duration: 4 Months (16 Weeks)

·  Sessions: Weekly 3 hours sessions

·  Kits: Otto Robot Body, Arduino Nano, Arduino Nano Shield, Ultrasonic Sensor, Bluetooth Module, Sound Sensor, Touch Sensor, Servo Motors, Batteries, Jumper Cables, Screw Driver

·  Software: TinkerCad, Otto Blocky, Arduino IDE

· Assessment Approach: Weekly Kahoot Quiz, Month-end Projects, Capstone Projects

• Enhanced Learning Outcomes:

·Hands-On Assembly: Students build their own Otto robot, understanding every component

· Progressive Programming: From drag-and-drop blocks to advanced Arduino coding

· Real-World Applications: Otto becomes a platform for practical problem-solving

· Creative Expression: Students personalize their Otto with custom movements and behaviors

• Technical Integration:

· Dual Programming Platforms: Otto Blockly, Arduino IDE

· Mobile App Integration: Students control Otto via smartphone apps

· Sensor Integration: Multiple sensors for comprehensive STEM learning

·3D Printing Connection: Understanding of digital manufacturing and design

• Assessment & Documentation:

·  Portfolio Development: Students document their Otto's evolution and capabilities

· Peer Learning: Students share Otto programs and troubleshoot together

· Parent Engagement: Otto goes home for demonstrationsand family interaction

· Skills Certification: Completion certificates recognising specific competencies achieved

• Month 1: Otto Assembly & Circuit Foundations

Theme: Building Your Robot Partner

• Week 1: Otto Introduction & Computer Hardware

· Concepts: Otto DIY robot introduction, computer hardware basics, microcontroller concepts

· Otto Integration: Unboxing and identifying all Otto components (Arduino Nano, servos, sensors, 3D printed parts)

·  Hands-On: Otto part sorting and identification game

·  Programming: TinkerCAD simulator setup and basic interface exploration

·  Assessment: Parts identification quiz on Kahoot

• Week 2: Otto Servo Assembly & Basic Movement

·  Concepts: Servo motors, mechanical assembly, 90-degree alignment principles

· Otto Integration: Assembling Otto's lower body with proper servo alignment

· Hands-On: Physical assembly of Otto legs and feet with servo motors

·  Programming: Basic servo control using TinkerCAD blocks

·  Assessment: Assembly verification and servo movement test

• Week 3: Otto Head Assembly & Electronics Integration

· Concepts: Ultrasonic sensors, Arduino Nano placement, basic wiring

· Otto Integration: Complete Otto body assembly with head and electronics

· Hands-On: Installing Arduino Nano, ultrasonic sensor mounting, basic wiring

·  Programming: First Otto blink program upload via Arduino IDE

· Assessment: Complete assembly verification and first program test

• Week 4 :Otto First Steps & Motor Control

· Concepts: PWM control, motor speed variation, sensor input processing

· Otto Integration: Making Otto walk and controlling movement speed

· Hands-On: Otto walking calibration and speed control experiments

· Programming: Block coding for Otto movements and speed control

· Assessment: Otto walking demonstration

• Month 2: Otto Programming & Logic Systems

Theme: Teaching Your Robot to Think

• Week 5: Otto Logic Programming & Decision Making

·  Concepts: If-then logic, conditional statements, sensor-based decisions

· Otto Integration: Otto autonomous obstacle avoidance using ultrasonic sensor

· Hands-On: Programming Otto to stop and turn when detecting obstacles

·  Programming: Otto Blockly conditional blocks and sensor integration

· Assessment: Otto obstacle course navigation challenge

• Week 6: Otto Sound Systems & Musical Programming

·  Concepts: Piezo buzzer control, tone generation, musical sequences

· Otto Integration: Making Otto sing and dance simultaneously

· Hands-On: Programming Otto to play "Happy Birthday" and dance

· Programming: Sound programming blocks and musical sequence creation

· Assessment: Otto musical performance demonstration

• Week 7 : Otto Advanced Movements & Dance Routines

· Concepts: Complex servo coordination, dance sequences, precise timing

· Otto Integration: Creating custom Otto dance routines and movements

· Hands-On: Programming Otto dance moves and creating original choreography

· Programming: Advanced movement blocks and sequence programming

· Assessment: Original Otto dance performance contest

• Week 8: Otto Sound Detection & Response System

· Concepts: Sound sensors, microphone modules, audio threshold programming, noise level detection

· Otto Integration: Otto responding to claps, music beats, and environmental sounds with movements and actions

· Hands-On: Installing sound sensor module, programming clap detection, creating musical response patterns

· Programming: Analog sound sensor reading, pattern recognition basics, audio-triggered conditional statements

· Assessment: Otto sound-controlled performance and clap-pattern recognition demonstration

• Month 3: Otto Sensors & Advanced Applications

Theme: Smart Robot Systems

• Week 9: Otto Bluetooth Integration & Remote Control

· Concepts: Bluetooth communication, smartphone apps, wireless control

· Otto Integration: Remote controlling
Otto via smartphone app

· Hands-On: Setting up Otto DIY app and Bluetooth pairing process

· Programming: Bluetooth command
processing and app integration

· Assessment: Remote Otto control
demonstration and challenges

• Week 10: Otto Smart Parking System

· Concepts: Distance measurement, proximity alerts, parking assistance technology

· Otto Integration: Otto as an intelligent parking assistant robot

· Hands-On: Programming Otto to guide parking with sounds and movements

· Programming: Ultrasonic sensor programming for precise distance measurement

· Assessment: Otto parking assistant demonstration

• Week 11: Otto Touch Control System

· Concepts: Digital sensors, button inputs, touch detection, state machines, pull-up/pull-down resistors

· Otto Integration: Otto with touch sensors for interactive control, games, and user communication

· Hands-On: Installing touch sensors on Otto, programming Simon Says game, creating touch-response behaviors

· Programming: Digital input programming, state-based control systems, sequence detection algorithms

· Assessment: Otto interactive touch game demonstration and creative touch-control showcase

• Week 12: Otto Interactive Pet System

· Concepts: Interactive behaviors, touch response, pet-like artificial intelligence

· Otto Integration: Otto behaving as an interactive robotic pet companion

· Hands-On: Programming Otto with pet-like behaviors and emotional responses

· Programming: Touch sensor integration and behavioral programming

· Assessment: Otto interactive pet demonstration and behavior showcase

• Month 4: Otto Capstone Projects
  & Mastery

Theme: Advanced RoboticsApplications

• Week 13: Otto Capstone Planning & Team Formation

· Concepts: Project planning, team collaboration, design thinking methodology

· Otto Integration: Advanced Otto project conceptualization and planning

· Hands-On: Project proposal development and team planning sessions

· Programming: Advanced Otto programming techniques review and practice

· Assessment: Project proposal presentation and peer feedback

• Week 14: Otto Soccer Bot Development

·  Concepts: Sports robotics,
ball detection, competitive programming strategies

·  Otto Integration: Otto modified for
soccer and sports activities

·  Hands-On: Building Otto soccer capabilities and game programming

· Programming: Game logic programming and competitive behavioral algorithms

· Assessment: Otto soccer match demonstration and tournament

• Week 15: Otto Sentry System

·  Concepts: Security systems, patrol routes, automated alert mechanisms

·  Otto Integration: Otto as an automated security patrol robot

·  Hands-On: Programming Otto
security patrol routes and alert systems

·  Programming: Complex patrol algorithms and security protocol programming

·  Assessment: Otto security
system demonstration and effectiveness test

• Week 16: Otto Capstone Presentations & Showcase

·  Concepts: Presentation skills, project documentation, peer review processes

· Otto Integration: Complete Otto project demonstrations and exhibitions

·  Hands-On: Final project presentations and peer evaluations

·  Programming: Final code review, documentation, and knowledge sharing

·  Assessment: Capstone project evaluation, certificates, and celebration

STEM Curriculum: Getting Started with ESP32 for Robotics and IoT (Class 6-12 / Ages 11-17)

This curriculum is designed to progressively introduce students to Robotics and fundamentals of IoT using the ESP32 microcontroller. Each month features a hands-on robotics project,
increasing in complexity, culminating in a capstone autonomous IoT robot.

• STRUCTURE:

·  Duration: 3 Months/12 Weeks – 24 Hours Total

· Sessions: 1 per week – 2 hours per session

· Kits: ESP32, Wheels, Motors, Robot Chassis, Jumper Wires, Bread Board, Batteries, Switch,

· Software: ArduinoIDE

·Assessment Approach: Weekly
Kahoot Quiz for concept retention, Month-end Projects, Capstone Project and its presentation

Key Outcomes:

· Mastery of ESP32 basics: setup, coding, electronics

·  Understanding of Embedded C programming and Python

·  Introduction to Mechatronics

·  Problem-solving, documentation and Teamwork

·  Proficiency in sensor integration and feedback control

·  Wireless control and communication (Bluetooth/Wi-Fi)

·  IoT data collection, cloud integration, remote control

· Capstone experience in building an autonomous, internet-connected robot

· Presentation Skills

· Eco-focused integration

• Month 1: Foundations of Robotics with ESP32

1. Iroduction to ESP32 & Arduino Basics
2. Basic Electronics & Actuators
3. Programming Basics
4. Project 1: Two-Wheel Drive Robot

• Month 2: Interactive & Smart Robotics

1. Smart Sensors
2. Enhancing Robot Control
3. Project Building Workshop
4. Project 2: Obstacle-Avoiding Robot

• Month 3: IoT & Autonomous Robotics (Advanced)

1. IoT Concepts with ESP32
2. Remote Data Transmission
3. IoT Applications in Robotics
4. Project 3 (Capstone): Autonomous IoT Robot

Sample Robotic Projects by Complexity

• Month 1 : Two-Wheel Drive Robot
• Month 2: Obstacle-Avoiding Robot
• Month 3: Autonomous IoT Robot (Capstone)

Advanced Curriculum for Embedded C Programming along with enhancement of Fundamental Understanding of Electronics with Introduction to PCB Designing

This Advanced Curriculum introduces students to the core principles of electronics, PCB design, and Embedded C Programming through a structured three-phase approach.

Phase 1:
Students explore the fundamentals of electricity and learn about essential
electronic components that form the basis of a circuit.

Phase 2:
Students gain practical knowledge of circuit assembly — understanding best
practices, common mistakes to avoid, and how to neatly organize and position
components on a circuit board in line with industry standards.

Phase 3:
Students learn to program the circuit developed in Phase 2 using Embedded C, transforming it into a fully functional prototype.

This structure ensures that theory is immediately applied to practice, making the course highly effective and time-efficient.

Program Duration: 13 Sessions – 30 Hours Total

Hardware Kit: All core electronic components, such as, resistors, capacitors, ESP32-S3, LTE and GPS modules, etc. required by the students for this training program will be provided by Indian Hobby Center as part of a complete take-home kit. The kit excludes tools and machinery such as soldering iron, multimeter, etc.

Phase 1: Fundamentals of Electronics

Session 1: Introduction to Electricity: Voltage vs Current

·       
Definition of Voltage (V) and Current
(I)

·       
Water Pipe Analogy

·       
Units and Measuring Tools

·       
Types of Current: AC vs DC

Resistance: Concept, Role, and Applications

·       
What is Resistance?

·       
Ohm’s Law (V=IR)

·       
Resistor Color Codes

·       
Measuring Resistance with Multimeter

·       
Role in Circuit Design (LED
Protection)

Capacitance: Working, Types & Uses

·       
What is a Capacitor?

·       
How it Stores Energy (Charging
& Discharging)

·       
Types of Capacitors

·       
Use in Filtering, Flash
Circuits, Timing

Session 2

Inductance: Coils, Magnetic Fields & Use Cases

·       
What is an Inductor?

·       
Magnetic Field Around Coil

·       
Energy Storage in Magnetic Form

·       
Use in Transformers, Motors, Filters

Diodes: Function, Rectification, and Use in Circuits

·       
One-Way Current Flow

·       
Types (Rectifier, Zener, LED)

·       
Circuit Symbol & Real
Component

·       
Diode as Rectifier

·       
Diode in Power Supplies

Diode in Transistor Design (PNP/NPN overview)

·       
P-N Junction Review

·       
Base-Emitter-Collector
Configuration

·       
Current Control via Diode-like
Behavior

Session 3

Transistor as a Switch & Amplifier, Role in ICs

·       
Transistor as a Switch &
Amplifier

·       
Logic Gates using Transistors

·       
Miniaturization in ICs

·       
CMOS Tech: NMOS & PMOS

·       
Use in Microcontrollers

Relay: Mechanical Switching, Working, Types

·       
What is a Relay?

·       
Electromagnetic Coil Action

·       
Normally Open (NO) vs Normally
Closed (NC)

·       
Use in Home Automation &
Robotics

Relay vs MOSFET: Functionality & Use Comparison

·       
What is a MOSFET?

·       
Relay vs MOSFET Comparison Table

·       
Switching Speed, Size,
Durability

·       
Application Mapping

Session 4

Series vs Parallel Circuits

·       
Series Connection – One Path

·       
Parallel Connection – Multiple
Paths

·       
Voltage/Current Differences in each

Battery Technologies: LiPo, Li-ion, Ni-Cd, Lead-Acid

·       
Intro to Battery Parameters (mAh,
Voltage, C-Rating)

·       
LiPo Battery Characteristics

·       
Li-ion: Rechargeable Tech

·       
Ni-Cd and Memory Effect

·       
Lead Acid: Use in UPS, Auto

·       
Comparison Chart + Safety Tips

Phase 2: Introduction to PCB
Designing

Session 5

Electronics Fundamentals for PCB Design

•       Review of signals, current loops, return paths

•       Transistor basics, MOSFET drivers

•       Power converters: Buck/Boost + LDO

•       Decoupling capacitors: ESR, placement rules

•       Understanding datasheets & reference designs

ESP32-S3 Hardware Design

•       ESP32-S3 block diagram & boot configuration pins

•       External Flash/RAM considerations

•       Antenna paths & RF layout clearance

•       Power rails & decoupling selection

•       USB interface & programming headers

Session 6

A7670E 4G LTE Module & GPS Integration

•       UART communication & power requirements

•       SIM card socket routing rules

•       RF section: PI network, antenna tuning, feedline impedance

•       GPS L1 signal routing considerations

•       EMI + ESD protection on RF ports

•       Placement & ground stitching for RF modules

Sensors and Mixed-Signal Layout

•       Temperature/Humidity Sensor (SHT31/HTU21) – I2C routing

•       Vibration Sensor (Accelerometer/IMU) – analog vs digital noise
domain

•       Grounding schemes (Star, Split, Stitching)

•       Avoiding ground loops in mixed-signal boards

Session 7

Power System and Battery Management

•       Battery selection + Li-Ion protection circuits

•       Charging ICs + reverse polarity + surge protection

•       Buck regulator layout: Switch node routing, thermal paths

•       LDO placement hierarchy

PCB Stackup & Routing

•       When to use 2-layer vs 4-layer

•       Controlled impedance traces for RF

•       Differential pair routing

•       Return current path strategy

•       Via stitching & shielding strategies

Session 8

PCB Bring-Up & Debugging

•       Visual inspection and pre-power testing

•       First power-up safety procedure

•       Serial test commands for A7670E + ESP32-S3

•       Connectivity + Sensor data validation

•       Field test: GPS lock & LTE data push

Phase 3: Embedded C Programming

Session 9

Introduction to C/C++

·       
Introduction to C++

·       
Structure of C++ Program

·       
Compilation and Execution Process

·   Setup of C++ Environment on laptop

Preprocessor Directives

·   #define

·   #include

·   #ifdef

·   #ifndef

Data Types & Operators

·   Basic Data Types

·  Type Modifiers

·   Operators (Arithmetic, Logical,
Bitwise, Relational, Assignment, Conditional)

Session 10 : Control Flow

·  if-else

·  switch-case

·   for

·   while

·   do-while

·  break

·  continue

·  goto

Functions

·  Function Declaration &
Definition

·  Call by Value vs Reference

Arrays & Strings

·  Single and Multidimensional
Arrays

·  String Handling Functions

Session 11: Pointers

·  Pointer Basics

·  Pointer Arithmetic

·  Pointers with Arrays

·  Pointers with Functions

Structures & Unions

·  Defining and Using Structures

·  Recursion

·  Nested Structures

·  Unions

Session 12: Interfacing Hardware Modules

·  GSM

·   GPS

·  Bluetooth

·  WiFi

· Sensor Module (Temp/Humiditiy/Accelerometer/Gyro)

Recap of all modules and Certification Test

Session 13

· Recap of All Modules for Reinforcement

· Certification Test (Theory) -MCQ

·  Certification Test (Practical) -
Hands-On Demonstration Showcase

·  Certificate Distribution

Program Schedule:

1. Phase 1: Fundamentals of Electronics - 2 Hours

2. Phase 1: Fundamentals of Electronics- .2 Hours

3. Phase 1: Fundamentals of
Electronics- 2 Hours

4. Phase 1: Fundamentals of Electronics- 2 Hours

5. Phase 2: Introduction to PCB Designing- 2 Hours

6. Phase 2: Introduction to PCB Designing -2 Hours

7. Phase 2: Introduction to PCBDesigning- 2 Hours

8. Phase 2: Introduction to PCB Designing - 2 Hours

9. Phase 3: Embedded C Programming - 2 Hours

10. Phase 3: Embedded C Programming- 2 Hours

11. Phase 3: Embedded C Programming - 2 Hours

12. Phase 3: Embedded C Programming - 2 Hours

13. Recap of all Modules + Certification Test - 6 Hours