Chip Camp (NSF)

Overview

A National Science Foundation–funded summer program for Louisville high-schoolers interested in hardware. Working with the CSE department chair, I taught and guided ~30 students to build a 4-bit adder three different ways (with discrete IC components, on an FPGA, and on a microcontroller), including hands-on soldering and bring-up. Paid, two summers running (2024 & 2025).

Try it yourself: a real 4-bit adder

This is the real logic, not a picture. Toggle bits for A and B and watch the carry ripple through the gates (or drop in the IC). It's the same 4-bit adder I taught three ways here: with primitive gates, on an FPGA, and on a microcontroller.

Highlights

• Designed and led hands-on labs building a 4-bit adder with ICs, FPGAs, and microcontrollers.
• Taught soldering, digital-logic fundamentals, and hardware bring-up to high-school students.
• Collaborated directly with the department chair under NSF funding.

Gallery