Charles Westby

Westby’s innovative teaching idea, “Beyond Blinky Lights,” is focused on investigating the world of digital electronics and computer programming using the Arduino microcontroller interface. Students will learn the basics of digital electronics such as Boolean logic, logic gates, simple binary code and timing circuits in addition to programming an Arduino. They will use the tutorials in an Arduino development kit to learn the code that makes the Arduino microcontroller respond to inputs. Microcontrollers are omnipresent, helping control everything from your car to your cellphone. The unique activities will allow students freedom to explore creations of their choice while at the same time creating confidence in using these devices. Through necessity and design, students will also learn how to reuse and re-purpose items as they "hack" various electronics equipment for parts.