Project: Blinking LED on a Breadboard

Objectives and Overview

This lesson introduces a quick project where you’ll integrate the breadboard into the Blink sketch. The core goal is for you to be able to replicate the functionality of the blinking LED while using the breadboard.

Lesson Objectives

• Replicate the functionality of the Blink sketch while adding a breadboard.
• Demonstrate that you’re able to connect a breadboard to the Arduino.

Adding LEDs to the Breadboard

The aim of this activity is to transition your blinking LED project to the breadboard.

Supplies

• Uno board & USB cable
• Breadboard
• 1 jumper wire
• LED pack
• Resistor pack
• Your modified Blink sketch from the previous lesson

Steps

1. Make sure that your previous Blink sketch is still uploaded to the board. If you’re unsure, connect and re-upload the sketch.
2. Plug your LED into any two rows on the breadboard with the long leg (the positive leg) towards the top of the breadboard.
3. Connect a jumper wire from the GND pin on the Arduino to the “-” column on the breadboard.
4. Connect a jumper wire from pin 13 on the Arduino to the same row containing the top leg of the LED.
5. Connect a jumper wire from the same row containing the bottom leg of the LED to the “-” column on the breadboard.

The Arduino and breadboard should look something like this when you’re finished:

Using a breadboard is a core skill for working with microcontrollers. The first time that you do it can be confusing. If you’re having trouble with the circuit, try some troubleshooting. Think of the breadboard as an extension of the Arduino board. You’re essentially extending the Arduino via the jumper cables.