If at First You Don't Succeed...(first, get some sleep), Try Again!

Let me say this first: I haven't had any experience with computer language, but I do have a couple of things going for me. First, I have a little experience with logic (math nerd here), and second, I understand the basics of creating a circuit. Last, and I can't express how grateful I am to be in this situation, I work in a high school surrounded by many talented educators from various backgrounds. Our math department (I teach HS Geometry) boasts professionals with computer science degrees, and I have access and communication with the school's Robotics teacher, amazing IT professional, and our computer science (he teaches all things computer related) teacher.

An idea that I impress upon my students is that learning is less about memorization, and more about knowing where to find the information that you need. Successful entrepreneurs, business leaders, military personnel, and inventors became the best because they surround themselves with people who are smarter and more talented then themselves, and spend time asking questions, and learning everything they can about what they need to know. Procuring resources (whether tangible or intellectual) is the key to real learning and personal growth.

For this particular experience (my first with programming) I used a kit that I purchased from Micro Center in Houston, TX. This kit includes an Arduino Mega 2560 (microcontroller), a project book, breadboard, and tons of components to play with. The expectation for this project was to build and program the Arduino Mega so that it would make an LED light inserted into the breadboard to blink.

My first challenge was to figure out why I could not download the Arduino IDE onto my Chromebook. After a few tries I decided that it wasn't an error I was making, so I did an internet to find out why this wasn't working. I discovered that Chromebooks do not interface with that particular download, and that I would need to use the Arduino app/online editor to successfully play with this project. I also found out that the Arduino Uno R3 that I originally purchased doesn't work with the Chromebook app or online editor. Check, first obstacle overcome.

Next, I opened the project guide that was included in the beginner's kit, and after tinkering with it late into the night realized that I was using a project that was NOT going to accomplish what I was aiming for. I put it away for the night, and admitted that I would have more success if I was slightly more coherent. Re-reading the assignment, project manual, and several tutorials on the tech-wiki available through the editor app, I found the correct diagram and advice that I needed to succeed. Below are a few pictures/video of the correct build for my particular Arduino board (swipe or click the photo to view the slideshow):

---

---

The video below shows the configuration that I used to complete this project:

Provide power to the Arduino Mega 2650 by connecting it to the Chromebook with the USB cord provided in the kit.

To connect the microcontroller to the breadboard:

1. The (black) grounding wire is connected to the port labeled "GND", and the (blue) input wire inserted into the number 10 port. ( These connections are located on the microcontroller.

2. Connect the grounding wire to the bread in port "j34", and the blue wire to "j30".

3. A 220 ohm resistor is connected to ports "h30" and "h33"

4. The LED light is connected to ports "g34" and "g33" with the positive prong located in "g33". (note: if the LED does not turn in, try reversing the port to which each prong is inserted)

---

Below I have included the code, and hand drawn (sorry) diagram for the physical build and program:

I was provided with a code to be used with Arduino Uno R3, but it wan't what I needed, so I searched (and found) tutorials in the tech-wiki (Arduino editor app) that would create a code that was compatible with my particular board and computer.

Final thoughts about my journey:

I was able to play with the code a bit, I was short on time since I encountered so many obstacles, and found that changing the number of zeros in the "delay" command input I could make the light flash faster, slower, or stay on without blinking. I could think of several real examples that might use this particular build/program, but the one that I am most sure about is the case of a blinking yellow caution traffic light. I would like to extend this activity by finding out what happens with I put unequal values into the "delay" command, and how to supplement the build/code by adding additional lights and getting them to flash at separate times. Other insights I gained from this project are that I enjoy problem solving and researching, my patience, grit, and resourcefulness have developed nicely through my experiences as a teacher, and if you are trying one thing and finding that it doesn’t working that it is definitely okay to seek help.

It seems that the advice that I give my students during math class is pretty good: "Slow down and re-read the directions, surround yourself with people who are smarter and more experienced than yourself (ask for help when you need it), and that collaboration is the best way to learn. On to the next!