Sensors and motors for a classroom of Explorer Hat Pro's

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I am looking for some advice for what electronics to buy for my classroom’s Explorer Hat Pros to teach Python with, since electronics is not really my area of expertise. I will need to be buying 32+ sets of them, so cost is a factor. I was thinking either PIR, Ultrasonic, or light sensors since they are a couple of quid each, and then (budget permitting) probably motors.

When it comes to sensors and the EHP, how simple would the circuit be? I know motors are just plug and go into the EHP, which is perfect for a classroom of 30+ 11yo’s. I just need something very, very simple that preferably won’t go pop when they plug them in wrong (which is almost guaranteed at some point…!)

Thanks!

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Most analog sensors work in tandem with a resistor to make a voltage divider - so that’s super cheap and simple to implement. :-)

Motors are always going to cost a bit more - basically it comes down to how you want to mount them - that informs the format of motor/bracket you need.

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It’s not super cheap, but I really love these: https://www.pololu.com/product/2474

The beauty of an analog distance sensor is that you can just read the analog output ( using an Analog channel on Explorer HAT ) and convert it straight into distance. You don’t need to worry about “pinging” the sensor and timing the response.