Curriculum

A nine-stage physical-computing curriculum.

The sequence begins with low-voltage wiring and touch-controlled light, then adds sensing, automation, connected nodes, identity, vision, audio, reliability, and an independent capstone.

Module reference Reference projects
Nine-stage learning path from a first touch-controlled light to an original student invention
Every new idea grows from something students have already seen work.

Learning model

Build, observe, explain, and revise physical behavior.

Each stage uses a consistent cycle while introducing additional hardware, system concepts, and decision-making.

  1. 01Build

    Connect the specified input, logic, and output.

  2. 02Observe

    Compare expected behavior with the physical result.

  3. 03Explain

    Describe the configuration, decisions, and result.

  4. 04Diagnose

    Use system state and records to locate unexpected behavior.

  5. 05Revise

    Change one variable, test again, and record the difference.

Module sequence

Nine stages from electrical foundations to a capstone system.

Educators can adjust pacing, project context, team structure, and depth while retaining the sequence of concepts.

  1. 01
    Foundations Electricity, wiring, inputs, and outputs

    Touch-controlled lighting

  2. 02
    Foundations Sensors and physical events

    Door and presence logger

  3. 03
    Automation Timers, patterns, and smart routines

    Temperature-controlled ventilation

  4. 04
    Connected systems Connected stations working together

    Wireless classroom environmental monitor

  5. 05
    Identity and interaction Cards, identity, and access

    Tap-to-open tool cabinet

  6. 06
    Identity and interaction Cameras that notice and respond

    QR-controlled interactive exhibit

  7. 07
    Identity and interaction Audio, voice, and human interaction

    Accessible voice-operated room controller

  8. 08
    Reliability Reliability, safety, and troubleshooting

    Leak and water-level monitor

  9. 09
    Capstone Student capstone invention

    Student-designed capstone

Module structure

Concept, reference project, and practical skills.

Each module identifies the new concept, a reference implementation, and the practical skills exercised by the work.

Adaptable sequence

Educators can change pacing, context, team structure, and project constraints while retaining safe low-voltage practice and the concept sequence.

The new idea
Safe low-voltage circuits.
Sample project
Touch-controlled lighting.
What grows
Wiring, polarity, measurement, and documentation.

The new idea
Connect sensors and inspect changing input state.
Sample project
Door and presence logger.
What grows
Input selection, calibration, and cause and effect.

The new idea
Define conditions, timing, and outputs.
Sample project
Temperature-controlled ventilation.
What grows
Choices, timing, testing, and problem-solving.

The new idea
Link multiple stations to the hub.
Sample project
Wireless classroom environmental monitor.
What grows
Network concepts and distributed systems.

The new idea
Choose who can use what and when.
Sample project
Tap-to-open tool cabinet.
What grows
Identity, permission, and responsible access.

The new idea
Use visual markers and camera events.
Sample project
QR-controlled interactive exhibit.
What grows
Vision events, lighting, and reliability.

The new idea
Add sound, prompts, alerts, and voice.
Sample project
Accessible voice-operated room controller.
What grows
Interfaces, feedback, and accessibility.

The new idea
Test failure modes and recovery.
Sample project
Leak and water-level monitor.
What grows
Risk analysis, logs, backup, and repair.

The new idea
Design, build, document, and present.
Sample project
Student-designed capstone.
What grows
Project management, iteration, and portfolio evidence.

Increasing independence

Guidance decreases as system complexity increases.

Beginning

Guided assembly and immediate output.

A defined build introduces safe wiring, component roles, expected behavior, and basic documentation.

Developing

Multiple components and design choices.

Identity, cameras, audio, automation, and connected nodes introduce selection, integration, reliability, and interface decisions.

Capstone

Independent capstone definition and validation.

Students define the need, design the system, test the integrated behavior, and present implementation evidence.

This site does not claim completed standards alignment. Instructors should evaluate sequence, depth, and classroom use within their own program context.

Project information

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