Program an Ugly Christmas Sweater with CodeBender

My daughter recently asked me to transform a red sweater vest into an ugly Christmas sweater for a special event at her school. Using a Gemma microprocessor and four neopixels, I made one that flashes and changes colors at the push of a button.  I originally used my PC to program the microprocessor, but a friend prompted me to see whether the same results could be achieved with CodeBender and a Chromebook. I'm pleased to report that the Chromebook worked like a charm. I simply connected the Gemma to the USB port, selected the buttoncycler sketch from the Adafruit Neopixel library, modified the code to match the pins on the Gemma and the number of neopixels used, and voila'.  In the past, I have found the Gemma to be a little finicky when programming in the cloud, but CodeBender is constantly improving.




In the process, I learned:

1.  how to program a Gemma with CodeBender (even though no ports were detected)

2.  how to use a multimeter

3.  the importance of using a stabilizer when sewing with conductive thread on a loosely woven material

Unfortunately, I had to learn a couple of lessons the hard way when threads in the stretchy sweater kept shorting out!

In order to increase the versatility of this sweater, I sewed the Gemma to three tiny snaps sewn to a piece of felt. When folded up, the felt supports the battery and fits into the sweater pocket.  This connects to three more snaps to complete the circuit.

I sewed the neopixels to a ribbon.

Originally, I sewed the neopixels directly to the sweater.  That didn't work out well, because I didn't stabilize the back of the fabric first, requiring me to have to rip out all of the stitches.

Afterward, I used what I learned from Adafruit's chameleon scarf tutorial to sew the neopixels onto a ribbon that I later sewed to the sweater using non-conductive thread.

I applied self-adhesive stabilizer on the back.

123D Circuits For Cloud-Based Arduino Prototyping

Last week, while attending the Create Make Learn Summer Institute, I noticed that a lot of people were using AutoDesk to access Tinkercad and other free online design tools.  As a result, I checked it out and discovered 123D Circuits and the Electronics Lab, which allows users to simulate working on a breadboard, write and compile the code, and then test it out digitally.

This might not seem like a revolutionary thing, but here's why I'm hooked:  I've found this tool to be an efficient way to code and prototype ATtiny85 microprocessors.

My digital breadboard, testing out code that I wrote for an ATtiny85

Small microprocessors such as the ATtiny85 can be incredibly tedious to prototype, often requiring multiple boards and lots of wires.  If you've ever tried connecting alligator clips to one, then you know that it's super tricky to keep the clips from touching one another while you're testing out your code.

That's where 123D Circuits can come in handy!  Rather than having to set up a breadboard (or get out the alligator clips) every time you want to test your code, you could use a digital breadboard to do it instead. Then, once you've verified that your code is doing what it's supposed to do, you can save it (along with your breadboard), making it easy to access and build upon later.

Paired with CodeBender and a Chromebook, I've found that not only can I test my code and wiring virtually, but I can also upload it right to my ATtiny85, using Arduino as an ISP.

Potential Pitfalls:
Although 123D Circuits has a lot of useful digital components, such as LEDs, resistors, and switches, I have not been able to figure out how to digitally test out a light sensor on an ATtiny85.  Also, there doesn't appear to be a sound sensor.

Code Bender & Chromebooks: Cloud-based Arduino Programming

I've just spent the morning programming ATtiny85s (for paper circuitry projects) using my Chromebook!

I just discovered that it's possible (and easy) to program an Arduino board by adding the CodeBender plug-in to your browser!  Using CodeBender takes less time than trying to set up the Arduino IDE on a PC and allows users to access their sketches from any computer!  This is bound to save time if you are ever teaching a workshop for a group who hasn't set up Arduino on their devices before, or if your students are Chromebook users.

Lessons Learned:
1.  When using CodeBender, you cannot use an AVR Tiny Programmer on a Chromebook (you can use one with the Firefox browser, however).  Using an Arduino UNO set up as an ISP, however, will do the trick.

Chromebook Fun: Formative Assessment

As I gear up for a long-term subbing job, teaching ninth graders world history, my focus over the past couple of weeks has been creating activities and formative assessments for students.  Here are several quick examples that I've created on a Chromebook.

1.  PowToon 

In this example, I've created a PowToon presentation to showcase a debate between two Enlightenment thinkers.  I like the idea that this tool can be used to help students frame a conversation between historical characters. Another thing that I really appreciate about this tool is that students can easily access Creative Commons licensed images and easily copy a link to add to a Works Cited page.  I added the music using YouTube video editor.  Since I am using the free version of PowToon EDU, the resolution is not fantastic.  

2.  Fake Text Generator

 

http://ifaketext.com/img/fau943cn.jpg

This text generator tool would be a great formative assessment tool, providing an engaging way for students to demonstrate their understanding.  In my example, two historical characters engage in a quick conversation about their political views.  This would be a great warm up or exit activity.   

3.  Padlet Wall

In this example, I have created a Padlet wall to invite students to share their imaginary text messages.  I love the way I am able to embed a Padlet onto a Google Site and moderate all comments before they appear there.

Created with Padlet

4.  ToonDoo

Students can create cartoons at Toondoo.com and embed them to a blog or website or save an image to their computer for other projects.

By Switchback42 | View this Toon at ToonDoo | Create your own Toon

5.  Flippity Quiz: European History Review 

In my last example, I have linked to a Jeopardy-style quiz that I created using Flippity.net.  I learned about this from Richard Byrne's blog and put it immediately to use.  I envision using this as an in-class review for students, but I could easily give them the link to practice on their own, or better yet...invite them to create their own review games and digital flashcards!  (Note:  Unlike a Google Slide Jeopardy template, you cannot arrow back on a Flippity quiz if you make a mistake. I also discovered that reducing the number of columns causes the template to stop working correctly.)