Plan
Week 1
Day 1
Day 2
Activities
Project Launch: Tech Treasure Hunt - Students work in teams to follow clues and discover hidden electronic components around the classroom, learning about their functions through mini-lessons on resistors, capacitors, and transistors. (45 min)
Introduction to Basic Electronics - Explore the essential components of a circuit, discussing the roles of resistors, capacitors, and transistors. Students will sketch simple circuit diagrams and predict their functions. (25 min)
Hands-On Circuit Assembly - Using the components found during the treasure hunt, students will create a basic circuit on a breadboard, observing how electricity flows and how components interact. (20 min)
Deliverables
1. Completion of the Tech Treasure Hunt with identified components and learned functions.
2. Annotated diagrams of basic components and their roles in circuitry.
3. Reflection entries in the portfolio, detailing discoveries and insights from the Tech Treasure Hunt and component exploration.
Preparation 1. Create a map and clues for the Tech Treasure Hunt, ensuring each clue leads to an electronic component.
2. Gather electronic components (resistors, capacitors, transistors, wires) for the hunt.
3. Prepare mini-lesson materials for each component, including instructional diagrams and key points.
4. Set up stations for hands-on component exploration, including necessary tools like multimeters and breadboards.
Week 2
Day 3
Day 4
Activities
Circuit Theory Deep Dive - Students explore Ohm's Law and the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance through guided problem-solving exercises. (20 min)
Interactive Circuit Simulation - Using online circuit simulation tools, students test their understanding by building virtual circuits and observing the effects of changing component values. (25 min)
Hands-On Circuit Design Challenge - Students are tasked with designing a circuit that meets specific criteria, such as lighting an LED with a limited number of components, fostering creativity and problem-solving. (30 min)
Peer Feedback Session - Students present their circuit designs to peers and receive constructive feedback, focusing on the application of core concepts and potential improvements. (15 min)
Deliverables
1. Completion of at least one functional paper circuit
2. Initial design and construction of a basic scribble bot
3. Reflections in student portfolios documenting design process and feedback received
4. Participation in peer review sessions to provide and receive constructive feedback
Preparation 1. Gather materials for paper circuits (conductive tape, LEDs, paper, batteries)
2. Prepare a variety of electronic components for hands-on exploration (resistors, capacitors, transistors)
3. Collect materials for scribble bots (small motors, batteries, plastic cups, markers, recycled materials)
4. Organize handouts and instructions for building circuits and scribble bots
5. Set up workstations for circuit building with necessary tools and supplies
Week 3
Day 5
Day 6
Activities
Scribble Bot Construction - Students design and build their own scribble bots using motors, batteries, and art supplies, applying their knowledge of circuits to create movement. (30 min)
Reflection and Iteration - Students reflect on the construction process, document their experience in their portfolios, and make necessary adjustments to improve their scribble bots. (15 min)
Data Structure Exploration - Students explore different data structures and their applications in computing systems, discussing how they can be represented in physical computing projects. (20 min)
Circuit Debugging Workshop - Students troubleshoot and debug their scribble bots, using critical thinking to identify and solve problems related to component connections and circuit design. (25 min)
Deliverables
1. Completed working model of a simple electronic circuit demonstrating input, output, and logic functions.
2. Documentation of the circuit design process, including diagrams, photographs, and a written explanation of the component interactions.
3. A reflection entry in their portfolio highlighting the challenges faced, solutions found, and insights gained from peer feedback and self-assessment.
Preparation 1. Ensure the availability of electronic components such as resistors, capacitors, transistors, sensors, and switches for circuit-building.
2. Prepare workstations with breadboards, multimeters, connecting wires, and power supplies.
3. Provide access to circuit simulation software for virtual testing and design exploration.
4. Set up a feedback wall or platform for students to exchange ideas and suggestions.
5. Organize materials for documenting circuit designs, including lab notebooks and digital cameras for recording progress.
Week 4
Day 7
Day 8
Activities
Final Project Assembly - Students finalize their paper circuits, scribble bots, and light-up greeting cards, ensuring all components are properly connected and functional. (25 min)
Peer Review and Feedback - Students pair up to review each other's final projects, offering constructive feedback and discussing any improvements or changes made. (20 min)
Exhibition Preparation - Students rehearse their project presentations, focusing on explaining the components and principles involved, and practicing their delivery for the public exhibition. (25 min)
Portfolio Reflection - Students complete their project portfolios, adding final reflections on their learning journey and the skills they've developed, using prompts to guide their thoughts. (20 min)
Deliverables
1. Completed paper circuits, scribble bots, and light-up greeting cards, fully functional and ready for display.
2. Final presentation of projects, including an explanation of the components and principles used.
3. A portfolio containing documented progress, including daily reflections and iterations.
4. Feedback forms completed by community members, providing insights for future improvement.
5. Digital recordings of student presentations for reflective purposes and future learning.
Preparation 1. Set up exhibition space with tables and presentation boards for each student project.
2. Prepare name tags and information sheets for community members attending the exhibition.
3. Ensure all electronic components and tools are available for last-minute adjustments on projects.
4. Create a schedule for student presentations, ensuring all students have a chance to present.
5. Organize feedback forms for community members to provide constructive feedback to students.
6. Arrange for digital recording equipment to capture presentations for future reflection and assessment.