This page contains answers to common questions from Supercharged Science families. Feel free to Contact Us if your question isn’t addressed here.
Q: How can I stay informed regarding updates for Brian’s classes?
A: The best way to stay informed is to subscribe to Brian’s Substack email list here.
Q: Can I use a Raspberry Pi computer for the coding class?
A: The 2024 – 2025 coding class (Unit 29) requires a Raspberry Pi Pico RP2040, no other kind of Raspberry Pi will work. Unit 29, “Coding the Arduino” requires an Arduino Uno R3.
Q: I already have a Raspberry Pi Pico RP2040, may I use it in the class?
A: As long as it is configured to run MicroPython, you can use an existing RP2040 board.
Q: Can I order kits if I live outside the United States?
A: Yes, FutureVision Research ships internationally, but only to certain countries. If you aren’t seeing shipping options during checkout, please Contact Us. Please see our Terms and Conditions for details.
Q: Will students be able to watch recordings of Brian’s classes?
A: Yes, all of Brian’s classes are recorded and available by the following morning. In fact, archives of Brian’s classes from previous school years are also available. The course “Electronics with Brian” is available under Unit 25. The course “Coding MicroPython with Brian is under Unit 29. The 2023 – 2024 course, “Coding the Arduino with Brian” is under Unit 28.
Q: Will the electronic parts in the Diamond program work for Brian’s classes?
A: No, most of the parts in the Diamond program won’t work with Brian’s classes. They are intended for other lessons. In order to have the correct parts, you need to the FutureVision Research kits or buy individual parts using the appropriate shopping list.
Q: Can I buy a kit from Amazon and use it with Brian’s classes?
A: No, there aren’t any kits on Amazon that provide the proper set of parts.
Q: Will students have to use a hot soldering iron?
A: Neither “Electronics with Brian”, “Coding MicroPython with Brian”, or “Coding the Arduino with Brian” contain any soldering projects. Any soldering projects will be scheduled separately.
Q: What is the starting age for Brian’s classes?
A: We’ve had students as young as seven join Brian’s electronics classes. However, students younger than 10 often need more direct supervision and help during class.
Q: I saw a notice that many electronic parts contain lead. Is that safe?
A: The risk of handling electronic parts is negligible when proper precautions are followed. According to the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, risks from lead occur mainly from putting substances in the mouth, not from touching the skin. We advise children to never put parts in their mouth, never to eat while working with electronics and to wash their hands with soap and water before doing anything else. All of us who work with electronics follow these guidelines.
https://dtsc.ca.gov/faq/can-lead-be-absorbed-through-the-skin/
Q: Does each student need their own kit or is it just one kit per household?
A: The kits for both the electronics and coding classes are designed for use by one student at a time. That means, in an ideal situation, each student should have their own kit and their own Raspberry Pi Pico RP2040.
However, the electronics parts for both classes are reusable. Therefore they can be used by more than one student (just not at the same time). (Side Note: The soldering kits that we sell are not intended to be reused. But the soldering kits are not part of the year-long classes.)
It is highly recommended that each student build the class activities themselves. So, If you purchase one electronics kit and one coding kit for the household, one student can build the activities during the live class, and remaining students can build the activities while watching the recordings from class.
A special note about coding MicroPython: If you only purchase one coding kit for multiple students, we recommend that you still purchase a separate Raspberry Pi Pico RP2040 for each student. That way each student can save their own programs.