SparkFun PicoBoard Lab Pack

The SparkFun PicoBoard Lab Pack includes 10 complete PicoBoard student kits and other assorted features. Each lab pack has everything you need including the PicoBoard, hardware, and extra components. The PicoBoard allows you to create interactions with various sensors. Using the Scratch programming language, you can easily create simple interactive programs based on the input from sensors. The PicoBoard incorporates a light sensor, sound sensor, a button and a slider, as well as 4 additional inputs that can sense electrical resistance via included cables.

Designed for educators and beginners, the PicoBoard is a good way to get into the very basics of programming and reading sensors.

The Lab Packs are SparkFun’s classroom entry point. By combining our PicoBoard, Digital Sandbox, ProtoSnap, LilyPad, SparkFun Inventors Kits, or Arduino Compatible through-hole soldering kits with support materials SparkFun brings all the power of the open-source community to the classroom.

SparkFun packages everything educators need to get started with this platform in a number of varieties that fit different classroom settings and populations. The hardware boards, cables, and extra parts come pre-packaged. Examples and curriculum material are available from SparkFun as well as from other educators involved in this growing educational movement.

Note: The PicoBoard is a derivative work of the Scratch Sensor Board. More information can be found here and the design license can be found here.

Each Lab Pack Includes:

SparkFun PicoBoard Lab Pack Product Help and Resources

Using the SparkFun PicoBoard and Scratch

November 11, 2014

Here are a few tips in using the PicoBoard with Scratch v1.4. The PicoBoard allows us to write Scratch programs that interact with a variety of sensors on the PicoBoard. These sensors include: sound, light, a slider, a push button, and 4 external sensors (A, B, C, and D).

Core Skill: Robotics

This skill concerns mechanical and robotics knowledge. You may need to know how mechanical parts interact, how motors work, or how to use motor drivers and controllers.

1 Robotics

Skill Level: Noob - You will be required to put together a robotics kit. Necessary parts are included and steps will be easy to follow. You also might encounter basic robotics components like bearings, mounts, or other hardware and need a general idea of how it goes together.
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Core Skill: Programming

If a board needs code or communicates somehow, you're going to need to know how to program or interface with it. The programming skill is all about communication and code.

2 Programming

Skill Level: Rookie - You will need a better fundamental understand of what code is, and how it works. You will be using beginner-level software and development tools like Arduino. You will be dealing directly with code, but numerous examples and libraries are available. Sensors or shields will communicate with serial or TTL.
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Core Skill: Electrical Prototyping

If it requires power, you need to know how much, what all the pins do, and how to hook it up. You may need to reference datasheets, schematics, and know the ins and outs of electronics.

2 Electrical Prototyping

Skill Level: Rookie - You may be required to know a bit more about the component, such as orientation, or how to hook it up, in addition to power requirements. You will need to understand polarized components.
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Comments

Looking for answers to technical questions?

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  • Member #259148 / about 10 years ago / 1

    What is the purpose of the electric motor? I have used picoboards with my students, but I believe they are input devices only.

  • SK_BG / about 10 years ago / 1

    Am I really bad with math, or the contents of this kit bought separately cost 746.95? What's the deal with selling it for 949.95? Supporting education much :D

    • Kamiquasi / about 10 years ago / 2

      $724.45, technically (picoboard has discount at 10+ units)

    • M-Short / about 9 years ago / 1

      That is the price for a regular customer. If you had an educator account the price you would see when logged in is in the $700 range. In other words if you are not an educator you probably shouldn't buy this. If you are an educator then the pricing makes sense.

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