Build a small Arduino robot — four weekends, one little brain
Weekend 1: wire it. 2: code it. 3: case it. 4: it drives.
How to do it
Order an Arduino UNO kit with a small motor driver and two DC gear motors. Weekend 1: wire the motors to the driver to the Arduino on a breadboard. Connect a 9V battery for power. Weekend 2: download Arduino IDE, write a 12-line sketch that runs the motors forward for 2 seconds, then turn. Upload. They watch the wheels spin on the desk. Weekend 3: assemble the chassis (laser-cut wood, plastic, or LEGO Technic). Mount motors and wheels. Add the breadboard on top. Weekend 4: tape it to the floor. Hit upload. It drives. Their first robot. Mark the calendar to do another one in 6 months — small motors give way to servos, servos give way to sensors.
What you'll need
Arduino UNO starter kit (with motor driver)
AmazonDC gear motors + wheels (pair)
AmazonSmall robot chassis kit
Amazon
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