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Course Introduction

Craft Your Own Computer: A Journey Through Hardware and Software

Embark on an unparalleled adventure this summer with our "Build Your Own Computer" course, tailored for high school students with a passion for technology and innovation. Over the span of an intensive three-week program, students will dive deep into the heart of computer architecture, learning how each component interacts within a complete system. From the fundamentals of the CPU and its instruction set to the intricacies of interfacing with memory, VIA, and UART, this course offers a hands-on approach to understanding and building a computer from the ground up.

What Makes This Course Unique?

• Comprehensive Learning: Students will explore the 6502 instruction set architecture, gaining insights into assembly language programming and the role of a CPU within broader computer architecture.
• From Concept to Creation: Unlike any traditional computer assembly class, students will not just be putting together pre-made boards. They will design their board layouts using KiCad, prototype their designs, and finally, see their creations come to life with professionally produced boards using SMT (Surface-Mount Technology) components.
• Real-World Skills: Through programming an EEPROM, getting the WozMon monitor running, and installing Basic, students will learn essential skills that bridge hardware with software, enabling them to develop their own programs or text-based games.
• Interactive Learning: Understanding memory-mapped I/O, reading datasheets, and writing messages to an LCD screen will demystify how software communicates with hardware, offering students a comprehensive view of computer systems.

Course Structure

• Duration: A 3-week intensive program meeting daily from 9 AM to 3 PM.
• Hands-On Focus: With an 80% hands-on approach, students will engage in practical, project-based learning, ensuring a deep understanding of each topic covered.
• Final Project: Students will culminate their learning experience by building their own fully functional computer. This project not only consolidates their learning but also provides a tangible showcase of their new-found skills.

Ideal Candidates

This course is designed for students who are intrigued by both the hardware and software aspects of computers. It is perfect for those who dream of building their own computer, understanding how it works, and even programming it to perform tasks or run games. If your child is eager to explore the depths of computer engineering and programming, this course offers the comprehensive, hands-on experience they've been looking for.

Why Choose This Course?

• Empowering Experience: Students will leave with not just theoretical knowledge, but a computer they designed, built, and programmed themselves. This empowering experience lays the groundwork for future innovation and creativity in the tech field.
• Beyond the Classroom: The skills learned and the computer each student takes home serve as a springboard for further exploration and learning. The course encourages students to continue developing their programming skills and hardware knowledge long after the summer ends.
• Expert Guidance: Under the tutelage of an experienced professional, students will receive insights and guidance that only someone with real-world experience can provide. This ensures a learning experience that is both rich in knowledge and practical in application.

Enroll Now