Robert (Zach) Zacharias teaches courses in IDeATe's Physical Computing minor, and manages the IDeATe Physical Computing Lab (room A10 in the basement of Hunt Library). A tinkerer since childhood, he studied sociology in college at U Chicago. Following that, he worked at hands-on science museums and taught in out-of-school education programs in New Jersey, the South Bronx in NYC and Pittsburgh; he then completed a Master's of Tangible Interaction Design at CMU's School of Architecture. He loves helping students design, create and debug their projects; riding bikes up and down Pittsburgh's hills; and a bit of afternoon tea.
60-223 Intro to Physical Computing: a semester-length project-based course where students learn how to build interactive electronic devices
62-423 Advanced Physical Computing: a semester-length project-based course where students build novel assistive technology devices for local people with disabilities, who serve as clients
99-355 Intro to Arduino: IDeATe micro course where students learn the basics of using the Arduino platform
Industry Collaborations & Achievements
“Remote Possibilities” interactive web-based remote dance performance (collaborators slowdanger and Kevin DeLand)
“Drawn Together” interactive electronic artwork installation at Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh
“Touchey Facey” interactive electronic artwork workshop at Mattress Factory
Publications
“Creative learning for physical computing: Maker Cards as a tangible tool for resilient instruction within and without a makerspace,” for publication in forthcoming Creative Resilience: Lessons from Artists & Designers for Learning & Living in an Uncertain World. Co-authors Miranda Luong, Daragh Byrne, and Marti Louw.
