Thymio Light Painting Lesson Key Concepts
Create glowing artwork with Thymio and explore how robotics, programming, and photography work together! This multi-part lesson focuses on light painting, color control, and creative expression:
- Learn long exposure light painting using Thymio and a camera.
- Start with a single color to understand movement and timing.
- Create a programmable light paintbrush to change colors.
- Advanced: Design flowers, shapes, and patterns using motion.
- Advanced: Use rainbow blending techniques (Mission 43) for gradient light effects.
Lesson Overview
In this lesson, students will:
- Practice light painting using a single LED color.
- Capture long-exposure photos to create glowing designs.
- Build a program to change Thymio’s LED colors like a paintbrush.
- Create custom light artwork and try a pixel puzzle challenge.
By the end of this lesson, students will understand how movement, light, and programming combine to create visual effects.
Important Notes:
Use a dark environment and a slow shutter speed for best results. Keep movements smooth for cleaner designs.
Tips for this Lesson:
- Start with simple shapes before creating complex designs.
- Move slowly to keep light trails clear and smooth.
- Test different colors to see how they appear in photos.
- Keep your camera stable using a tripod if possible.
Products/Materials
The following products and resources can be used in this lesson:
Thymio II Robot
VPL3
Camera (manual or long exposure mode)
Tripod (optional)
FUN FACT!
Did you know that light painting is a real photography technique used by artists? By keeping the camera shutter open, moving lights turn into glowing lines and shapes!
Download the Lesson PDF Files Below:
Check out the video tutorial/solutions below: