The BASIC Stamp Microcontroller is one of the most user-friendly microcontrollers available.  The BASIC Stamp is programmed using PBASIC - arguably the easiest text-based language for beginners to learn.  Ideal for students who are new to programming and electronics, the BASIC Stamp, the Board of Education, and the Homework Board are time-tested platforms, making them some of the best places for students to begin learning.  The complete What's a Microcontroller? learning system includes the educator resources, hardware, software, and textbooks.  Links to each component of the complete What's a Microcontroller? system can be found on this page.

Educator Resources

Here you will find links to educator resources for What's a Microcontroller?.  If you are logged into learn.parallax.com as a registered educator, additional links will appear at the bottom of the page for assessment materials.

Hardware

The What's a Microcontroller? kits, spare parts, and accessories can be purchased through our store site or by calling 888-512-1024 and asking for sales.

BASIC Stamp Activity Kit

BASIC Stamp Discovery Kit

What's a Microcontroller? Parts Kit

Software

To program the BASIC Stamp microcontroller, you will need to download and install software on to your computer.  Software is available for Windows, Mac, and Chrome (most platforms):

BASIC Stamp Software Downloads

Textbook

In addition to a printed copy, What's a Microcontroller? can be downloaded as a PDF here:

What's a Microcontroller? Full Text

Programming

The BASIC Stamp microcontroller is programmed in PBASIC. A reference for the PBASIC programming language can be found here:

PBASIC Language Reference 

Going Further

Once you've completed the What's a Microcontroller?, Robotics with the Boe-Bot uses the BASIC Stamp to teach robotics along with additional programming and electronics concepts:

Robotics with the Boe-Bot Educator Page 

There are several textbooks that, even though they are no longer in print, contain ideas for activities and projects.  There are also code and educator resources available for these texts under the "Extra Resources" section if you are logged in below.

Smart Sensors and Applications Text

Process Controls Text

BASIC Analog and Digital Text

Even more ideas and resources available on our Forums