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How to Use the Arduino IDE

Learn how to use Arduino, the software powering your Rokit Smart bots!
Rokit Smart programming cover Rokit Smart programming cover

This lesson works with:

Rokit Smart
Arduino
  • arduino
  • Arduino IDE
  • Building
  • programming
  • Rokit Smart

Grade level:

3 - 12+

Approx. time required:

30 - 45 mins
CSTA

1B-CS-02

3-5

Model how computer hardware and software work together as a system to accomplish tasks.

1B-CS-03

3-5

Determine potential solutions to solve simple hardware and software problems using common troubleshooting strategies.

2-CS-03

6-8

Systematically identify and fix problems with computing devices and their components.
CCSS

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.3.7 Language Arts

Grade 3

Use information gained from illustrations (e.g., maps, photographs) and the words in a text to demonstrate understanding of the text (e.g., where, when, why, and how key events occur).

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CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.4.7 Language Arts

Grade 4

Interpret information presented visually, orally, or quantitatively (e.g., in charts, graphs, diagrams, time lines, animations, or interactive elements on Web pages) and explain how the information contributes to an understanding of the text in which it appears.

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CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.5.7 Language Arts

Grade 5

Draw on information from multiple print or digital sources, demonstrating the ability to locate an answer to a question quickly or to solve a problem efficiently.

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CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.6.7 Language Arts

Grade 6

Integrate information presented in different media or formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively) as well as in words to develop a coherent understanding of a topic or issue.

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CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.6-8.7 Language Arts

Grade 8

Integrate quantitative or technical information expressed in words in a text with a version of that information expressed visually (e.g., in a flowchart, diagram, model, graph, or table).

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CCSS.Math.Practice.MP5 Math

Grade 3

Use appropriate tools strategically.

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Step 1

Briefing video

This video will show you the basics of the Arduino IDE. You still need to look at the rest of the lesson though!

Step 2

Create a sketch

If you want to create a new file, you’ll need to click on the third button, which looks like a sheet of paper. This will create a sketch, which is what you’ll be writing our code on. It’s your programming workspace!

Sketch Programming Workspace
Step 3

Void setup and void loop

In every new sketch, make sure you include void setup() and void loop(). They’re the prompts that start your programs, and without them, you won’t be able to run any code on the Arduino IDE.

Sketch Void Setup and loop
Step 4

The different buttons

In addition to the create new sketch button, you will also have your:

  • Compile button, which is the check mark icon. It checks that your code is compiled, or set up correctly.
  • Upload button, which is the icon with the arrow pointing to the right. It lets you upload your code to your Smart Inventor Board.
  • Open button, which is the up arrow with a line underneath. This opens the last sketch that you saved.
  • Save button, which is the down arrow with a line underneath. This saves the sketch that you are working on.
Sketch Pad - Compile Button
Sketch Pad - Upload Button
Sketch Pad - Open Button
Sketch Pad - Save Button
Step 5

Serial monitor

The serial monitor button is on the righthand side, and it looks like a magnifying glass. The serial monitor displays the number, or values, that your sensors are reading, and it’s really useful if you don’t have another visual display!

Sketch Pad - Serial Monitor Button
Step 6

Libraries

You’ll probably be using libraries in most of your Rokit Smart programs. Libraries are sets of reusable functions and resources, and can help you with your own code once you use them. If you need to find the libraries that you’re working with, go to Sketch > Library in Arduino. In our example, we’re using the Servo library.

Rokit Smart Libraries
Step 7

The tools tab

You will use the tools tab every time you need to check that you have the right board and port. Make sure you’re always connected to the “Rokit-Smartinventor-mega32” board with your version and your chosen port!

Rokit-Smartinventor-mega32 board
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