2 ECTS; 1º Ano, Anual, 27,0 TP , Cód. 40291.
Lecturer
- Manuel Fernando Martins de Barros (1)
(1) Docente Responsável
(2) Docente que lecciona
Prerequisites
Not applicable.
Objectives
This course was developed to meet the growing training needs of students, staff and teachers in STEAM areas, providing a set of tools and emerging technologies based on programming and physical computing with Arduinos that allows for an enrichment of the traditional curriculum and pedagogical practices, stimulating creativity, critical thinking and collaboration among students.
Training professionals in the STEAM area (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) is considered a fundamental area to meet the growing needs of an increasingly technological and interconnected world.
Teacher training in STEAM is essential to inspire and prepare the next generations of students, equipping them with the skills needed to solve complex problems and promote significant advancements in various fields. The physical computing programming with Arduino, proposed in this workshop, offers an accessible and versatile platform to teach complex concepts simply, practically, and interactively, promoting active learning and making learning more interesting, with a view to improving students' skills.
Program
Module 1:
Introduction to Physical Computing and the Arduino Platform
The Arduino Ecosystems
Introduction to Arduino and the Integrated Development Environment (IDE)
First Steps with Arduino
Module 2:
The Arduino Programming Language
Basic sketch structure, Data types, operators
Control Flow
Module 3:
Interfacing with the Outside World.
Digital and Analog I/O (Input/Output) Sensors
Hardware interactive, Timing functions
Sound, Light, Temperature, and Humidity Projects
Module 4:
Arduino in Motion.
Types of actuators; PWM basics
Servos and Position
Controlling a DC Motor using PWM (Pulse Width Modulation)
Experimental Work: Measuring body temperature
Module 5:
Actuators and Interactivity (Ultrasonic Sensores, LCDs)
With focus on reading the environment with distance sensors and giving rich feedback on an LCD, plus some simple interactive behaviors.
Ultrasonic sensors: theory and wiring;
Character LCD fundamentals;
Module 6. Serial Communication Systems
UART / Serial Asynchronous serial basics
I2C fundamentals;
SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) basics
Ethernet and basic networking
Module 7. Wireless Communication (BT, Wifi)
Wireless fundamentals
Bluetooth (Classic / BLE)
Bluetooth Modules: HC-05, HC-06
WiFi basics
Wi-Fi Modules: ESP8266, ESP32, and Wi-Fi Shields
Module 8. Introduction to IoT
What is IoT?
IoT architecture and components
Connectivity and protocols
Data flow and processing
Modules 9 -10: STEAM Project
A final project based on a single coherent challenge (e.g., Smart Environment Monitor or Interactive Art Installation) and explicitly connect Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics in each step. Some typical Arduino?based STEAM project ideas include smart greenhouses, traffic lights, ultrasonic distance meters, Bluetooth cars, and IoT weather stations.
Evaluation Methodology
The final evaluation consists of two mandatory attendance components:
1. Written assessment (Exam/Test)
2. Autonomous work (AW)
3. Practical assessment (LABs)
Final Assessment = Average (Written assessment+AW, Labs)
Note:
1. Written assessment (mandatory) - Minimum grade of 8,5 out of 20 values
2. Autonomous work (AW) - 1 value
3. Practical assessment - Minimum grade is 10 out of 20 values
- Laboratory work (60%)
- Final mini-project + Autonomous work (40%)
4. The final evaluation must be greater than or equal to 10 values (out of 20).
Bibliography
Teaching Method
Lectures, tutorials and laboratory classes. Final project.
Software used in class
- Arduino IDE (arduino.cc)
- Microsoft Visual Studio (www.visualstudio.com)
- TinkerCAD (https://www.tinkercad.com)
- Proteus VSM

















