The AURA Artifact: Learning to Code Through Playful Physical Computing

In this workshop, high school students explored computer science through hands-on, playful experimentation with code, electronics, and physical artifacts. Over two days, participants moved from basic Python programming to physical computing, working with microcontrollers, LEDs, sensors, and self-tracking technologies to build and program their own interactive artifacts.

The workshop focused on creating a safe and supportive learning environment where participants could experiment, make mistakes, and develop confidence in both coding and technology. By building the artifact component by component, students gained insight into how software, hardware, and data come together—while also reflecting critically on technology, ethics, and self-tracking in everyday life.

Below, you can watch a short video capturing moments from the workshop and hear participants reflect on their experiences, learning process, and first successes with programming and physical computing.