This set of course materials from the Science Learning Centre were designed to build an understanding of how electronics can be combined with textiles at Key Stage Three, starting with simple circuits and leading to more complex programming and effects. The practical sessions ran from week two to week six of the course, and each…
From the Technology Enhancement Programme (TEP), these circuits allow students to build a range of devices. Each circuit has a full circuit diagram, component list and explanation of how the circuit works. In this section, the circuits cover a range of miscellaneous devices. Remote counter A seven segment display is incremented…
From the Technology Enhancement Programme (TEP), these circuits allow students to build a range of devices. Each circuit has a full circuit diagram, component list and explanation of how the circuit works. In this section, the circuits cover a range of miscellaneous devices. Fuse tester This Circuit denotes if a fuse is faulty…
From the Technology Enhancement Programme (TEP), these circuits allow students to build a range of devices. Each circuit has a full circuit diagram, component list and explanation of how the circuit works. In this section, the circuits cover a range of devices that use sensors. Ice warning (operational amplifier) When temperature…
In this design challenge from the Science Learning Centre, students construct a lever that is moved by muscle wire. This is a conductor that contracts when an electric current is passed through it. The wire movement controls a lever. Students are asked to consider: • What are the advantages and disadvantages of this…
In this design challenge from the Science Learning Centre, students make a rotating arm actuator. This uses a geared dc motor to turn a friction fit arm. Two cams can be set at different angles to operate limit switches to control the movement of the arm. Power is fed to the motor using an H bridge switching circuit. Two single…
In this design challenge from the Science Learning Centre, students build an electric racer powered by a super-capacitor. Students must construct the racer and choose which pulley ratio will enable it to cover the greatest distance. Students decide on the pulley ratio following observations of the in-air wheel speed. It is tempting…
In this design challenge from the Science Learning Centre, students make a linear actuator. The lead screw linear actuator uses a motor driven screw thread to move a threaded slider along its length. Limit switches turn off the motor when the slider reaches either end of its movement track. Students must decide on which pulley…
From the Technology Enhancement Programme (TEP), these circuits allow students to build a range of devices. Each circuit has a full circuit diagram, component list and explanation of how the circuit works. In this section, the circuits cover a range of timers and timing devices. Many circuits use the 555 timer module. 555 timer…
From the Technology Enhancement Programme (TEP), these circuits allow students to build a range of devices. Each circuit has a full circuit diagram, component list and explanation of how the circuit works. In this section, the circuits cover a range of sound and audio devices. Two-tone siren This circuit produces a sound similar…
From the Technology Enhancement Programme (TEP), these circuits allow students to build a range of devices. Each circuit has a full circuit diagram, component list and explanation of how the circuit works. In this section, the circuits cover a range of devices that use sensors. Poor light indicator When light begins to fade,…
From the Technology Enhancement Programme (TEP), these circuits allow students to build a range of devices. Each circuit has a full circuit diagram, component list and explanation of how the circuit works. In this section, the circuits cover a range of security devices. A mousetrap (light) When the mouse breaks the infra-red…
From the Technology Enhancement Programme (TEP), these circuits allow students to build a range of devices. Each circuit has a full circuit diagram, component list and explanation of how the circuit works. This section covers a range of circuits that can be used to control an electric motor. Motor speed control (transistor) With…
From the Technology Enhancement Programme (TEP), these circuits allow students to build a range of devices. Each circuit has a full circuit diagram, component list and explanation of how the circuit works. In this section, the circuits cover a range of miscellaneous devices. Light sensor Circuit that will record on an electro-mechanical…
These materials, produced by the Technology Enhancement Programme (TEP) look at the development of control systems with the advent of microelectronics. Complex control systems can now be found in even the most common of consumer devices. A series of study units looks at different aspects of control. They have extensive guidance…
This physics extension module from the Salters' Science course focuses on the physics and electronics behind each part of a television set. Production of electron beams and their deflection by electrical or magnetic fields are shown and students see how colours can be built up from the three primary colours of light. The cathode…
This textbook from the Technology Enhancement Programme (TEP) is intended to introduce students to making electronic devices and systems. It looks at important electronic components and how they can be put together to perform useful tasks. How to design and make electronic circuits is aided by descriptions of how components are assembled…
Published by Technology Enhancement Programme (TEP) this book is designed to show examples of key control principles. The focus is on design and construction of systems. Each of the six design and make tasks is intended to occupy 5-10 hours of curriculum time and the projects are: • Designing and making a thermochromic display •…
Published by the Royal Academy of Engineering, this activity is aimed at using a new material QTC (Quantum Tunnelling Composite). The aim of the activity is to encourage students to think creatively about new uses for this material. It can be used to make fabric switches for example and it has great potential for helping save on…
Produced by the Technology Enhancement Programme (TEP), this book introduces the world of electronics by looking at some important electronic components and how they can be put together to perform useful tasks. Projects in designing and making electronic circuits are included. Products that are set as design and make challenges…
A series of lesson ideas from BLOODHOUND SSC in which students build a control system to help the driver of BLOODHOUND SSC to operate the rocket motor and pump. BLOODHOUND uses a 46cm (18 inch) diameter rocket to accelerate from jet power speed to maximum speed in a few seconds. The engine must be at the optimum operating temperature…
A Nuffield Design Hexagon task focusing on a range of electronic products. The resource aims to extend understanding of how to evaluate a design by thinking how it affects people and whether it performs as expected. This resource contains a number of activities for each side of the design hexagon (student pages and resource tasks). In…
A set of guides for Key Stage Four focusing on electronic products, providing a straightforward way for students to become familiar with the sorts of questions they should ask when designing for a particular focus area. The design guides can act as a stimulus for students who are having difficulty in deciding on their main coursework.…
A set of Key Stage Four Nuffield Foundation resource tasks focusing on electronic products. Resource tasks are short, practical focused, activities designed to teach the resources for capability in a way which should intrigue and amuse students.
A set of Key Stage Four Nuffield Foundation chooser charts focusing on electronic products. Chooser charts help students make decisions about approaches to take for strategy and communication. The chooser charts are particularly useful when students are tackling open-ended projects, such as capability tasks.
A set of Key Stage Four Nuffield Foundation capability tasks focusing on the design, making and evaluation of electronic products. For students to develop and reveal their capability longer more open tasks requiring designing, making and evaluating are necessary. Sometimes these activities are referred to as projects, or design…
This topic, from the Association for Science Education, allows classes in schools across the world to explore and exchange information about the applications of photovoltaic devices. The version of the topic that can be downloaded here is a trial version and is provided only in English. • Global Solar Partners is a unit developed…
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