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11th, 12th Grades  Project 4 weeks

Electro-Fun: Circuitry for Beginners!

John W
3B-CS-02
3B-AP-12
PS.4.C
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
+ 1 more
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Purpose

The purpose of this learning experience is to immerse students in the foundational concepts of electronics and circuitry through active, hands-on projects. By engaging in activities such as a 'Tech Treasure Hunt' and creating paper circuits, students will explore the interplay of electronic components while developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This project aims to foster self-directed learning and an academic mindset, encouraging students to reflect on their progress and showcase their work in a public exhibition, thereby connecting classroom learning to real-world applications.

Learning goals

Students will explore and understand the fundamental principles of basic electronics and circuitry, focusing on components like resistors, capacitors, and their roles in creating simple circuits. They will develop skills in critical thinking and problem-solving by engaging in hands-on projects such as paper circuits and scribble bots, fostering an adaptable mindset. Through self-directed learning, students will use feedback and reflection to guide their progress and build self-knowledge. Additionally, students will cultivate an academic mindset by establishing a sense of identity and belonging within their learning community, culminating in a public exhibition to showcase their projects and insights.
Standards
  • [Computer Science Teachers Association] 3B-CS-02 - Illustrate ways computing systems implement logic, input, and output through hardware components.
  • [Computer Science Teachers Association] 3B-AP-12 - Compare and contrast fundamental data structures and their uses.
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] PS.4.C - Information Technologies and Instrumentation
Competencies
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.

Products

Students will create interactive paper circuits, innovative scribble bots, and personalized light-up greeting cards as their final projects. Throughout the course, students will develop a portfolio documenting their progress, including daily reflections and iterations based on feedback. These projects will be showcased in a public exhibition, inviting community members to engage with and appreciate the students' work.

Launch

Kick off the project with a dynamic 'Tech Treasure Hunt' where students work in teams to follow a series of clues leading to hidden electronic components around the classroom. As they uncover each item, they will engage in quick, hands-on mini-lessons to understand the function and importance of components like resistors, capacitors, and transistors. This interactive activity not only introduces the core content but also sets the stage for collaborative problem-solving and critical thinking, sparking curiosity and excitement for the journey ahead.

Exhibition

At the culmination of the project, students will host an interactive exhibition where they present their final projects, such as paper circuits, scribble bots, and light-up greeting cards, to local community members, peers, and teachers. Each student will demonstrate their project, explaining the components and principles involved, and how they applied critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The event will include a Q&A session, allowing attendees to engage with students about their learning journey and the innovative approaches they explored. This public showcase will provide students with a platform to reflect on their growth and share the impact of their work on their understanding of electronics and circuitry.