KY-040 Rotary Encoder Module 360 Degree Switch Encoders with Knob Cap Brick Sensor Modules (Pack of 2pcs)

I teach as an adjunct prof teaching various FPGA classes. Get a board - they aren’t very expensive. You might even be able to find a used one for Xilinx, Altera or Lattice. I like to use a rotary encoder as a good exercise to learn (system) Verilog and other electronics principles. https://a.co/d/8pYjaNT Connect it to a counter and display on a seven segment display.