Local Sports Calendar

Arduino Technology Series for Tweens at the Suzette Brumleve Memorial Effingham Public Library

On Monday, January 8 at 4:00 PM in the Suzette Brumleve Memorial Effingham Public Library’s Bauer Room will be the first of a four-part class on Arduino technology.

Arduino is an open-source electronics platform based on easy-to-use hardware and software.  Arduino boards are able to read inputs - light on a sensor, a finger on a button, or a Twitter message - and turn it into an output - activating a motor, turning on an LED, publishing something online, etc.  Some of the real-life applications for this device are motion sensors, temperature sensors, light sensors, and wearable devices.

This is a free program and a library card is not needed to attend but space is limited and registration is required.

These classes are presented in four-parts and are geared toward kids between the ages of 8 and 12 with no programming or electrical experience.  After the first class on January 8, the classes will meet again on January 22, February 5, and February 20, and will start at 4:00 PM for every class and last for one hour.  The class will start with an introduction to basic electrical circuits and basic programming.  Each class will build upon the previous class, so kids are encouraged to register for all four classes to learn how everything works.  (No one will be turned away if they miss a class or two).

The classes will be led by Effingham resident, Chase Cooley, who has taught this class before at SIU Carbondale.  The class at SIUC was also geared toward people with no knowledge of electronics or programming.  Effingham Public Library Assistant Director, Alvin Ealy, says, “Arduino technology is a great way to introduce kids to programming and electronics.  These classes could be the first steps into a future of technology, programming, robotics, and who knows what else for your child!”

To register or to learn more about this free library program and other library programs, go online to effinghamlibrary.org, email info@effinghamlibrary.org, or call 217-342-2464 x. 1.