The tools and software

Free & Open Resources

Everything that Tech Teachers Travel uses is free & available for offline use unless otherwise noted. These are two key aspects for reducing the digital divide- the learning curve is up to the student.

Software

Scratch: Intro coding, in 80 spoken languages. Online & offline
Arduino: Intro to microcontrollers. C++ based (offline) or drag & drop (online only).
Processing: Intro to JAVA/Python/Android coding, can interface with Arduino hardware.
Fritzing: Intro to circuit & PCB design for kids (requires $ license).
KiCad: Entry level PCB design.
InkScape: Graphic design, also used to convert files to G-Code for CNC.
Raspberry Pi OS: Linux-based microcomputer operating system.
OpenOffice: General software suite- text editor, spreadsheet, etc.

Curriculum

Run the Code Obstacle Course Coding book: Placeholder (first document, 2015).
Intro to Arduino: SparkFun & Arduino community, wearables.
Intro to Processing: The basics & beyond.
Arduino & Processing Serial: SparkFun, Arduino.
Basic PCB Design: Thundertronics, KiCad.
Raspberry Pi: Intro, using hardware, remote access.
Additional catch all link.

Hardware

10X Giant Breadboard: Functional.
Squishy Circuits: Conductive playdough.
Wearables: Sewing circuits.
Soldering: PTH, SMD, SMT/Stencil.
Arduino: The options are vast. You can even make your own board.
Raspberry Pi: Intro, audio.
SparkFun Electronics: Open board designs.