Circuit Bending: an idea for a CS0 class project

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Circuit Bending an idea for a CS0 class project

• Susan Reiser
• UNC Asheville
• 08/14/09

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Audience

• Syllabus
• Freshman Liberal Studies Colloquium
• No prerequisites
• Somewhat self-selecting
• Lab/lecture
• Small class size
• Writing intensive
• Does not fulfill a major requirement

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Whats Circuit Bending?

• The deliberate short circuiting of electronic
  toys or instruments
• http//www.youtube.com/watch?vWy1mdLpy0SY
  (father of circuit bending Reed Ghazala,
  150-500)
• Random sounds
• Circuit exploration
• Sound found object art
• Example We are Records Circuit Bent Compilation,
  Noise and Toys Promo

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Why a Circuit Bending Assignment?

• Good fit for freshman liberal studies course
  exemplifies interdisciplinary connections.
• Exploration of circuits will hopefully motivate
  some students to achieve a level of competency
  with basic electronics, multimeter, soldering

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Why not just program the Arduino or BoeBot?

• To reach those other students

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Assignment Idea

• Buy a CHEAP, BATTERY-OPERATED, USED electronic
  toy or instrument.
• During two classes
• Bend.
• Explore the circuitry.
• Mark interesting new short circuits.
• Replace existing resistors with variable
  resistors.
• Bypass capacitors.
• In case you destroy your toy, team up with
  someone who hasnt destroyed their toy.

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Assignment Idea

• Write a one page expository entry on your
  favorite musician who uses bent instruments or is
  classified as a futurist. What is your favorite
  recording? Why? Please link to a clip of that
  recording. Explain why you think her/his/their
  work is significant.

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Pros and Cons

• Unpredictable
• Students may/will learn to solder.
• Fun

• Unpredictable
• Might trash the speaker, board
• Might not have interesting bends.
• Solder burns