Specialty Area

Physical Computing

Example Course Pathway

In this section, we present examples of how to package this content into meaningful course sequences across particular specialty areas. The boxes in each diagram represent discrete courses.

Course Definitions

This section contains example courses and descriptions, with the assumption that individual schools and districts may modify the offerings to meet local contexts and needs.

Content Progression

Table 3.4 shows the content progression for physical computing, which includes robotics. This content may lead to a physical computing or a robotics major and ultimately to careers as a robotics engineer, industrial automation specialist, control systems engineer, or human-robot interaction specialist, among others.

Foundational CS Content

Prioritized Foundational Content Specific to Physical Computing:

Programming basics
Social and ethical implications
Cybersecurity considerations
Use of documentation
Troubleshooting
Cleaning and using data
How networks work
Optimizing networking and OS settings
Troubleshooting
Using documentation
Network vulnerabilities

Fundamentals

Specifications and limitations of physical communication devices
Genesis of Internet of Things (IoT) from physical computing devices
Use of IoT devices
How to apply the engineering design process to physical computing, including debugging
Use a physical computing device to solve a real-world problem
Use sensors and peripherals appropriately as add-ons to physical computing devices
Communicate and present physical computing solutions so that others can understand the purpose and recreate the project
Security considerations for devices
Understanding and working with circuitry, including power systems, voltage, and batteries
Exposure to careers in physical computing and careers that involve physical computing

Specialty

Creating solutions to problems using physical computing
Programming for physical devices
Software development processes (e.g., Agile/Scrum)
Networking for physical devices
Application development (e.g., mobile apps, virtual reality apps)
Team project work
Collaborative source control
Working with motors, microcontrollers

Possible Careers:

Robotics or Embedded Systems Engineer, Robotics Research Scientist, Industrial Automation Specialist, Control Systems Engineer, Automation Engineer, Mechatronics Engineer, Robotics Software Developer, Drone Engineer, Human-Robot Interaction Specialist, Biomechanics Engineer