Using Arduino Microcontroller
| Suitable for Ages | 10 years old and up |
| Location | Rochester Mall, Kallang Wave Mall, SAFRA Tampines |
| Max Class Size | 5 students / instructor |
| Lesson Duration | 2 hours per session |
| Full Programme Length | 40 hours (2 levels x 10 sessions x 2 hours) |
| CSARC Test Fee | $137.5 per session (can be paid using course package) |
| Course Fees | Purchase our course package for cost savings. 10 hours – $520 ($52 per hour) 20 hours – $1000 ($50 per hour) 40 hours – $1920 ($48 per hour) 80 hours – $3600 ($45 per hour) Trial class is available at $60 * for a 2 hour session. * For new customer only, refer to our promotions. |
Inventor Certificate Programme is an Arduino course developed by Nullspace to develop electronic and microcontroller proficiency in kids. With the Arduino Microcontroller, students will learn to create their own electronic projects – starting with simple components like LEDs, buzzers, and potentiometers. Upon completion of the programme, students will then be able to progress to the CATALYST Innovation Project Mentoring Programme.
Arduino Course Progression
There are a total of 2 progressive levels (20 sessions) to complete the Inventor Certificate Programme Arduino Course:
- Arduino Level 1 (10 sessions x 2 hours)
- CSARC Grade 1 Proficiency Test (1 session x 2.5 hours)
- Arduino Level 2 (10 sessions x 2 hours)
- CSARC Grade 2 Proficiency Test (1 session x 2.5 hours)
Class progression is flexible, based on individual competency. For students with prior Arduino experience, they may require fewer than 10 sessions to complete one level. Similarly for students who are weaker in certain topics, they may require more sessions for hands-on practice.
Succesful pass of the CSARC Grade 2 Proficiency Test is the prerequisite for our CATALYST Innovation Project Mentoring Programme.
Learning Materials
Each student will be given their own Arduino Starter Kit (worth $49.90) on their first Arduino robotics class. They will be required to bring and use their own kit for subsequent lessons and courses.
Students will also receive two ThinkCrate Arduino project kits per level as part of their coursework. All Arduino kits are included within the course fee, no separate purchase necessary.
Arduino Starter Kit
Arduino Level 1.1: ThinkCrate Piano
Arduino Level 1.2: ThinkCrate Mood Lamp
Arduino Level 2.1: ThinkCrate Metronome
Arduino Level 2.2: Thinkcrate Robot Car
Arduino Course Overview
Inventor Certificate Programme: Arduino Level 1.1
Recommended Age: 10 years old and above
Pre-requisite: None
In this course, students will be taught basic programming concepts such as conditionals (IF-ELSE statements) and loops (repetition and terminating conditions). Various mini challenges will be tackled at the end of every session. Through the lessons, students will explore basic electronics, simplified C/C++ texted-based computer programming, and tinkering with breadboard (a board for making an experimental model of an electric circuit) and wires.
Hardware Electronics
- Breadboard and Circuits
- Resistors and LEDs
- Push Button
- Buzzer & Speaker
Computer Programming: Arduino IDE
- Programming Syntax
- Digital Output
- Digital Input
- Variables
- If-Else
Inventor Certificate Programme: Arduino Level 1.2
Recommended Age: 10 years old and above
Pre-requisite: Arduino Level 1.1
In this course, students will be presented with more programming concepts such as manipulating of data variables, as well as taking a holistic problem solving approach (electrical design and software solution). Through the lessons, students will explore basic electronics, simplified C/C++ texted-based computer programming, and tinkering with breadboard (a board for making an experimental model of an electric circuit) and wires.
Basic Electronics
- Breadboard and Circuits
- Resistors and LEDs
- Light Dependent Resistor
- Potentiometer
Computer Programming: Arduino IDE
- Analog Output
- Analog Input
- Compound Operators
- While Loop
Inventor Certificate Programme: Arduino Level 2.1
Recommended Age: 11 years old and above
Pre-requisite: Arduino Level 2.1
In this Intermediate course level, students will learn how to program the Arduino Uno Microcontroller Board with other components such as Servo Motors, and LCD screen. Students will learn about the commonly used I2C communication protocol and using third party code libraries in implementing their projects.
Basic Electronics
- Breadboard and Circuits
- Resistors and LEDs
- Light Dependent Resistor
- LCD Screen
- Servo Motor
Computer Programming: Arduino IDE
- For Loop
- I2C Communication Protocol
- External Libraries (Servo Motor & LCD Screen)
Inventor Certificate Programme: Arduino Level 2.2
Recommended Age: 11 years old and above
Pre-requisite: Arduino Level 2.2
In this Intermediate course level, students will learn how to program the Arduino Uno Microcontroller Board with other components such as the motor controller and IR sensors to build an Arduino-based robot car. Students will combine the various sensors that were covered previously to create an autonomous robot that can respond to its surroundings.
Hardware Electronics
- Servo Motor
- IR Sensor
Computer Programming: Arduino IDE
- I2C Communication Protocol
- Managing External Code Libraries
CSARC Proficiency Test & Certification
Computer Science and Robotics Certification
CSARC proficiency test will be administered after Arduino Level 1.2 and Arduino Level 2.2 to ascertain suitability for progression. CSARC test requires a separate test slot booking. The test covers theory, programming, and hands-on circuitry construction.
Certificates will be awarded upon successful passing of the tests. Students who have passed our Grade 1 & Grade 2 tests will receive a digital certificate issued by the Computer Science & Robotics Certification (CSARC™). These digital certificates will be issued via email at the end of each school term.
Click to view sample digital certificate credential
CATALYST Innovation Project Mentoring
Requires a pass in CSARC: Arduino Microcontroller (Grade 2)
CATALYST is a small project mentoring class where students will conceptualise and develop their own creations and prototype. Students will also be taught project documentation and project management skills.
The programme is developed by Nullspace to develop the next generation of young innovators and change-makers. Part of our goal is to help students get admitted to the school of their choice through the Direct School Admission Secondary (DSA-Sec) exercise.
Examples of Student Projects:
Electronic Lock Box
Robot Car with Wireless Remote
Pong Game with TFT Touch Screen
Alarm Clock with Weather Sensor
Competitions & Showcases
Requires a pass in CSARC: Arduino Microcontroller (Grade 2)
Students who have completed the Inventor Certificate Programme will be eligbile to participate in project showcase competitions such as IDE Maker (under IDE Series competition event), Tan Kah Kee Young Inventors’ Award, and World Robot Olympiad (WRO) Future Innovators. Participation may be solo or in teams of 2-3 students. Through these events we hope to provide our students with the opportunity to put design thinking skills into practice, and build up their confidence to present and pitch their ideas to both live and virtual audiences.
Competition Timeline:
- TKKYIA: Project submission in Mar
- IDE Maker: Project submission and showcase in May
- WRO Future Innovators: Project submission and showcase in Sep
Automatic Ping Pong Ball Collecter
(TKKYIA 2023)
Mosquito Catcher with Air Purifier
(IDE Maker 2024)
Text Scanner for Visually Impaired
(TKKYIA 2022)
Rain Water Collection System
(IDE Maker 2024)
Check Out Our Schedule and Book Classes Here!
Check out real time class vacancies and book class sessions on our Parent Portal!
This is our weekly class schedule during MOE school term (excluding Mar, June, Sep, Year-End school holidays). There may be variations in the schedule depending on public holidays and school holidays. Please click on the booking button to see the latest class schedule and availability.
| Course | Location | Date & Time |
|---|---|---|
| Arduino Level 1 | Kallang Wave Mall | Tuesdays 3pm to 5pm |
| Arduino Level 1 | Rochester Mall / SAFRA Tampines | Tuesdays 5pm to 7pm |
| Arduino Level 1 | Kallang Wave Mall | Wednesdays 3pm to 5pm |
| Arduino Level 1 | Rochester Mall / SAFRA Tampines | Wednesdays 5pm to 7pm |
| Arduino Level 1 | Kallang Wave Mall | Thursdays 3pm to 5pm |
| Arduino Level 1 | Rochester Mall / SAFRA Tampines | Thursdays 5pm to 7pm |
| Arduino Level 1 | Rochester Mall / Kallang Wave Mall | Fridays 2pm to 4pm |
| Arduino Level 1 | SAFRA Tampines | Fridays 3pm to 5pm |
| Arduino Level 1 | Rochester Mall | Saturdays 10am to 12pm |
| Arduino Level 1 | Kallang Wave Mall | Sundays 10am to 12pm |
| Arduino Level 2 | Kallang Wave Mall | Tuesdays 3pm to 5pm |
| Arduino Level 2 | Rochester Mall / SAFRA Tampines | Tuesdays 5pm to 7pm |
| Arduino Level 2 | Kallang Wave Mall | Wednesdays 3pm to 5pm |
| Arduino Level 2 | Rochester Mall / SAFRA Tampines | Wednesdays 5pm to 7pm |
| Arduino Level 2 | Kallang Wave Mall | Thursdays 3pm to 5pm |
| Arduino Level 2 | Rochester Mall / SAFRA Tampines | Thursdays 5pm to 7pm |
| Arduino Level 2 | Rochester Mall / Kallang Wave Mall | Fridays 2pm to 4pm |
| Arduino Level 2 | SAFRA Tampines | Fridays 3pm to 5pm |
| Arduino Level 2 | Rochester Mall | Saturdays 10am to 12pm |
| Arduino Level 2 | Kallang Wave Mall | Sundays 10am to 12pm |
| CSARC: Certification in Arduino for Learners (Grade 1) | Rochester Mall / Kallang Wave Mall / SAFRA Tampines | Saturdays 9.30am to 12pm |
| CSARC: Certification in Arduino for Learners (Grade 2) | Rochester Mall / Kallang Wave Mall / SAFRA Tampines | Saturdays 9.30am to 12pm |
Registration of the Arduino Robotics class is only confirmed upon payment of course fees (via credit card) upon checkout, or by redeeming an existing course package. Enjoy greater cost savings using our course packages!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I have to bring my own laptop for the course?
Students may use the laptops at our training centres for the course. However if you wish to use your own laptop, you may download the Arduino IDE software here. Do note that only Windows / Mac laptops can be used for this programme. Tablets and chromebooks are not recommended.
My child already has some prior experience with Arduino, Can they skip level?
Students with prior experience with Arduino can sit for our Placement Test to gauge their current skill level. This enables us to better slot them in at a suitable level, so that they will not miss crucial coding skills.
The Placement Test costs $50 to administer, which can later be used to offset course registration fees. The Placement Test will cover the topics listed on our course overview. Test is carried out in an open book format, and students may bring along any notes or materials that they might have.
Contact us to make an appointment. Test may be arranged at any of our centre locations at a mutually available timing.
How many class sessions do I need to book for each course level?
Each course level consists of 10 activity modules. Typically most students will require about 10 class sessions per course level to clear the necessary learning objectives however this may vary with age and prior experience.
We are just doing this programme for fun, is it necessary to sit for the CSARC Proficiency Tests?
Yes, students will have to pass the CSARC proficiency tests at the end of every course level before they can be allowed to progress to the next level.
The proficiency tests will cover key programming concepts and circuitry skills to ensure that students have the necessary skills foundation to progress to the next level. This will also serve as a useful checkpoint and feedback for parents to understand their child’s learning and ability.
What happens if my child does not pass the test?
In the event students do not pass the CSARC Proficiency Test, they may be recommended to retake some modules before attempting the test again. Re-test is free because we do not want to penalise our students for putting in effort in improving their weak areas.
Is Arduino difficult to learn?
Our Arduino course is taught in a hands on format with plenty of examples and projects for students to try. Every 5th module is an Arduino based ThinkCrate Project which students can bring home.
Text based coding is naturally more difficult than block based coding. However Arduino offers a tactile way to learn text based coding because students will get to interact with their code in their physical project, compared to Python where the interaction is on the screen.
What are the Arduino competitions that my child can participate in?
You may check out the list of competitions that we participate in here. Do note that to qualify for our competition teams, students will be required in most cases to have completed our Inventor Certificate Programme (Level 2).
What are your Rescheduling / Make-up Policies?
Learn more about our centre policies on our FAQ page.
Have other questions? Feel free to contact us via WhatsApp (+65 9066 3641) or Email (learn@nullspace.co).
Centre Policy
