Plug in the Arduino board

1. Connect the Arduino board to a computer using the USB cable.

2. Make sure the computer is turned on.

STEM Connections

All electrical and electronic devices need a source of power to work. In this activity, the computer is only providing the Arduino board with power through the USB. There is no information being shared between the computer and the Arduino board. The computer is the power source for the electrical circuit, like a battery.

1. It may seem obvious how the USB connects the Arduino to the laptop. At the Thinkabit Lab, we model for students how to physically make the connection by holding the Arduino and USB cable and connecting them to each other. If students located the port on the Arduino when they explored it, this step will be a helpful reminder.

2. Students typically know that the other end should be inserted into the laptop.

Arduino is not turning on

1. Make sure the computer is on
    
2. Change the USB cable
    
3. Change the Arduino
    

Explanation: If the green light on the Arduino does not turn on, turn your computer on to make sure it is giving power. You do not need the computer open during this time, so once you have power to your Arduino you can shut your laptop. If you still do not see a green light, you may not have plugged the USB cable all the way in or may have accidentally put it in the wrong port. Double check to make sure that all connections are secure.