Resource Exchange: The Basics of Computer Hardware for Middle School Students

Computer Engineering (CpE) is highly in demand for various jobs. This project, designed for middle school students, teaches CpE topics in a cost-effective and hands-on way to contribute to the job pipeline. Schools unable to afford expensive computers, this project offers an affordable and unique solution to teach programming and hardware to middle schoolers. This solution consists of a controller built from a Raspberry Pi Pico or four buttons. We would provide the students with the necessary components, and they would learn to make (including soldering) their computer. The button inputs are interrupted as keystrokes, which opens up endless possibilities for implementing the buttons in various programming projects. This handout will contain all the information needed to successfully use this in the classroom, including a parts list, links to 3D printing files, example programs, background on the hardware, and a lesson plan.