Learn how to build and program a Mood Lamp that turns on and changes colors when you turn the lights off. This is the perfect C++ project for beginners. You’ll learn how to write your own computer program in the Arduino language (C/C++), and be introduced to beginner electronic components that will be used to build your Mood Lamp. You will learn: What are Comments and Variables? What’s a Microcontroller? How to write code that controls the LEDs.
Order by December 31st to get this box!
Q: I think my son would love this, but I am worried about the computer requirements. Right now he only has a chromebook. He does have an ipad and an iphone. Do we need a PC or a Mac? Thank you. Asked by Kelly L., December 2019
Hi Kelley,
It is possible to use a Chromebook, however you'll need to subscribe to a Chrome app that costs $0.99 per month. We have a Chromebook section in our Getting Started course on the online classroom that explains how to do this.
If you have access to a Mac or PC, you won't need to purchase this app.
Hope that helps!
Best,
Chris
Q: How do I get the 1/2 off 1st box w/ mult month sub? No code, not showing discount in order screenAsked by Shannon M., November 2019
Hi Shannon,
The discount is automatically applied to your cart at checkout! You'll see the Black Friday deal in the description of the product.
If you run into any issues, reach out to our support.
Best,
Chris
Q: Once the project has been created, can it be deconstructed and created again? I have two children that I would like to be able to give both the opportunity to create the project on their own. Asked by Lauren L., October 2019
Thank you for your inquiry. Yes, all of the Creation Crate Original
projects can be taken apart and put back together again. Not only will this
allow each of your children to complete the project, but as they learn they
will be able to combine parts from different projects and create their own.
I would suggest either the 6 or 12 mo. subscription as we have an offer
right now that includes a small or large storage box, respectively, for
free!
Q: What exactly is the difference between the original crate & the upgraded crate?Asked by Sarahbeth R., August 2019
The Original projects are a little easier and less complicated to build. These projects contain all of the components needed to build the project and access to the Online Classroom. The person who chooses this curriculum is usually a parent buying for a middle to high school student or a curious adult who is just getting started.
The Upgraded projects use the box as part of the project. They are a little more advanced and there are more...
Sadly we bought a 6 month subscription to this box. We were very excited to work on the projects, however the instructions to download a driver to our Mac Computer did not work. Our computer went black and we had to restore it to factory settings. I reached out to the seller, they did not feel bad and told us to try a different driver to install. We were very reluctant. We did and that one didn't work either. The company is basically asking you to hack your own computer to make this work. We never did get any of the 6 boxes to work. Waste of money for us. 2 of the 6 boxes were over a month late. The seller does not communicate when there is any issue with backups on their end. Beware
Jennifer, this is David, one of the founders of Creation Crate and responsible for project and curriculum development. First and foremost, I am so sorry about the issues that you have had with your subscription. Please allow me address each of them:
- There is a known issue with Macs that requires a driver to be installed. After one of the Mac OS updates, the driver we provided was not working. Once we were made aware of this I immediately updated the instructions. Also, I have since created a new course called "Getting Started" which includes introductory videos, new, more detailed instructions for installing the Mac driver, and short explainer videos for all of the components. We definitely don't want anyone...
Thought there were only video instructions, but found the instructions in text, which is much better. Looks great, the arduino included is really good. Looking forward to building this!
Hi Betsy, glad I was able to talk with you today. The first lesson has a number of background videos about the components in the box to help provide a foundation. You can skip those if you want to start building right away. The rest of the build instructions in the Online Classroom are set up to cater to multiple learning styles. Every lesson has step-by-step instructions with text, pictures, graphics, and web links.
Please feel free to reach out to me directly if you are having any trouble at all. We want to make sure that this is as fun and interesting as it is educational.
Sincerely,
David
Co-Founder, Project & Curriculum Development
Thanks for the box
Hi Amy. Thanks so much for choosing Creation Crate. We are always looking to better understand how well we are doing with our projects and online instructions. We are always striving for that 5-star rating. Are there any insights about your experience that you can provide us that would help us improve the experience?
Good Stuff. :)
DJ, thanks for the up vote! Looks like your moniker is appropriate based on your location! A couple of my partners are in Canada where it gets cold like New Hampshire. I'm down South in GA, so I feel for you guys this time of year.
I am a teen library and my (teen) patrons love tech. I wanted something that could challenge several different skill levels and Creation Crate was the answer. My advanced students can write code and my beginners can create circuits.
George, sounds like you're creating the library of the future! Just glad we can be a part of it!
Back in the 80s, when I was in High School, I was very adept at programming in BASIC, and was able to work with a couple of other languages of that era as well. Needless to say I had a strong interest in engineering and programming. Life took me in a different direction though. Lately I've been interested in getting back into programming, but was kind of at a loss of where to start, not being familiar with the languages in use today. I've read a few books, and have worked a bit on simple coding but I really wanted something more hands on to get me launched.
When I came across Creation Crate I was ecstatic - it is just the thing I have been looking for - hands on projects and coding using C! I've just finished the first project - a Mood Lamp and I am overjoyed, The project is not overly complicated, but it is challenging enough to keep you on your toes! As I read, the crates become progressively more challenging, so I'm looking forward to the coming months! In the meantime I am very motivated to work with C and the Arduino independently until the next crate arrives! I've even ordered a second Arduino unit to use so that the one I received from CC is dedicated to Creation Crate.
In short, I am very pleased with both the crate and the company - their communication with clients and documentation included with the crate...
Wow! Thanks for the glowing review. We are so glad that you are enjoying the projects and learning along the way.
P.S. - I remember the 80's and trying to learn BASIC on the computer at the library. That was fun, but I am ready to GOTO the future and not RETURN to the 80's.
One of the best presents I have received! I only wish we had something like this when I was younger!
I really enjoyed putting the Mood Lamp project together. I only had minor glitches with my programming, total learning curve things, and a few of the wires easily pulling out of their slots. Once I got those kinks worked out, the Mood Lamp worked perfectly every time it was used!!
Fortunately, we got the lamp to work! Great father-son project with intuitive instructions and lots of support, excited for next month!
I love how the kit comes with things like a breadboard to give kids a challenge that they will feel good about when surpassing.
Learn how to program patterns of LEDs to deliver a sequence that you will have to memorize and recite back. Get it right 10 times, and the game levels up with faster patterns!
Learn how to use an ultrasonic sensor to build a distance detector that determines the distance of an object just like bats do.
Program a device that replicates the roll of a dice! Roll a 2, 7 or 12 to win! You will apply the skills you have been learning from the previous projects and put your programming knowledge to the test!
This Optical Theremin Kit will teach you how to build an instrument that can be played without being touched. Theremins use antennas and oscillators to sense a person's hand and generate a tone
Create a device that tests and measures your reflexes! Test your reflex time against your friends to see who has the fastest hands.