This class will focus entirely on understanding the basics of electricity, electrical circuits, electrical components and the tools used to work with them. We will learn about voltage, resistance and current and how to calculate each value using OHM’s law. Then we will be doing two labs together to learn how to use a digital multimeter to read these values and how to build circuits using a breadboard.
Labs
- Using a digital multimeter to read voltage, resistance and current in a circuit as well as test for continuity (connection) in a circuit.
- Using a breadboard to build quick prototypes of electrical circuits.
Lecture Video
In Class Assignment
Review what we covered in class and come up with and build a simple yet creative concept that uses a switch and an LED. Again a switch is something that allows you to open and close an electrical circuit, you can use anything that is conductive this can be silverware, wires, aluminum foil, pencil graphite, etc. Write a blog post about this project.
Student Switch Examples
Salad Bowl Switch
Chopstick Switch
Door/Door Frame Switch
Homework
- Finish the in class assignment and post a video and description to your blog.
- Read Tom Igoe’s, Physical Computing’s Greatest Hits (and misses), link is on our website.
- Look around at all the sensors you interact with this week. In a blog post compile a list of as many as you encounter, pick one and write a paragraph on how you interact with it and how it effects your daily life.