Embedded Systems · SHS2 Engineering

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: 2.4.2.LI.1 - Design simple Arduino-based embedded systems which interface with basic hardware like switches, LEDs, LCDs, Relays, IR Sensors, Seven and Multi-Segment Displays, as well as other digital sensors.

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

Identify the correct pins and connections on an Arduino board for interfacing with switches, LEDs, and other basic hardware components.
Write and upload simple C programmes in the Arduino IDE that read input from a switch and control an LED output.
Construct a working circuit on a solderless breadboard connecting at least two hardware components (a switch and an LED, or an IR sensor and an LED) to the Arduino microcontroller.
Modify existing code to change the behaviour of an interfaced device, such as changing the delay time, the logic condition, or the output pin assignment.
Test and troubleshoot a simple Arduino-based embedded system, identifying and correcting common wiring and coding errors.

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Curriculum details

Strand: Automation and Embedded Systems (Strand 4)
Sub-strand: Embedded Systems (4.2)
Content standard: 2.4.2.CS.2 - Demonstrate an ability to interface with general hardware. 2.4.2.LO.1 Use the IDE of Arduino to write simple programmes in C and upload them onto the Arduino microcontroller. 2.4.2.LO.2 Develop applications which interface with simple hardware like switches, LEDs, LCDs, Relays, IR Sensors, Seven and Multi-Segment Displays, as well as other digital sensors.
Indicator: 2.4.2.LI.1 - Design simple Arduino-based embedded systems which interface with basic hardware like switches, LEDs, LCDs, Relays, IR Sensors, Seven and Multi-Segment Displays, as well as other digital sensors.
Suggested placement: Semester 2, Week 19 (Week 39 of the year)
Our suggestion, laid out in curriculum order across three terms of twelve weeks. NaCCA does not fix the week, so follow your school's scheme of learning.
Curriculum reference: NaCCA curriculum document, p. 104

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

Project-based experiential Learning: Through simple projects, the facilitator guides learners to assemble circuits involving hardware such as switches, LEDs, LCDs, Relays, IR Sensors, Seven and Multi-Segment Displays as well as other digital sensors on solderless breadboards to be interfaced with the Arduino microcontroller. The facilitator uses these mini projects to demonstrate the relevant sections of code for interfacing these respective hardware and leaves the learners to manipulate the hardware and code to observe the changes which occur. These projects should be carefully selected to have relevance to the environment and interest of the learners. Examples of such projects could be but are not limited to the following: the display of current date and time on LCDs, intelligent traffic light displays, stopwatches, countdown timers, intelligent street lights, and the display and scrolling of names on multi-segment displays.
Self-Directed Learning: Learners are given access to online resources to explore further hardware interfacing projects for implementation and experimentation. Learners should be motivated to individually build and test at least three (3) of such projects on their own and in groups and present to peers.
Collaborative Learning: Learners work in groups to design, implement, test and document simple embedded solutions involving interfacing with hardware like switches, LEDs, LCDs, Relays, IR Sensors, Seven and Multi-Segment Displays, as well as other digital sensors. Each group should assign a specific role(s) to members towards the solution of the challenge. Roles may, for example may, be modelled after typical design and production teams in the industry to give them the relevant exposure and develop team and collaborative skills in them.

Assessment (2.4.2.AS.1). The document marks these depth-of-knowledge levels for this indicator: Level 1 Recall; Level 2 Skills of conceptual understanding; Level 3 Strategic reasoning; Level 4 Extended critical thinking and reasoning.

Teaching and Learning Resources:
- Arduino Embedded System Kits
- Video documentaries
- Audio-visual equipment and laptops with MS Office installed