Hi,
Can you answer some questions about exactly what steps you're taking so we can help troubleshoot? From the screenshot you sent via email, it looks like you are using the online Arduino editor and not the desktop version. For that to work, first you need to install the "Arduino Create Agent" on your computer:
https://create.arduino.cc/getting-start ... in/welcome
After installing that, when I go to the web editor and plug my Arduino in, the option for "Arduino UNO COM4" automatically appears in the drop down menu at the top of the screen for me. The number of your COM port may be different depending on how many USB devices are plugged into your computer.
You can make sure the connection to the Arduino is working by testing one of the built-in example programs instead of the more advanced code for the project you're trying to do. You can find this from the left menu under Examples --> Built In --> 01. Basics --> Blink. If you upload this program to the Arduino, it should just blink the on-board LED on and off. You do not need to connect anything else to the circuit. If that works, then you know your Arduino is working OK and you can move on to the circuit for your project.
If that still does not work for some reason, then I recommend using the desktop version of the Arduino software instead, which is available for download here:
https://www.arduino.cc/en/software.
More generally - this is a slightly more advanced project, and as mentioned under the prerequisites at the beginning, it's recommended for students who already have some prior Arduino experience. It may be difficult to jump directly into the project if you and your student have never used an Arduino or built a circuit before. I would recommend going through at least the first few videos on our Arduino tutorial page and watching our How to Use a Breadboard video before you continue to proceed with the project:
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... an-arduino
https://youtu.be/6WReFkfrUIk?si=Nj4jMxMqfuHorlcO
Hope that helps, please write back if you have more questions.
-Ben