Series 2: Electronics
12 weeks of core electronics concepts from basic circuits to microcontrollers. Learn to read schematics, solder components, and program simple devices.
Session Structure (105 Minutes)
15 min
Scientific Principles
Explore the science behind the skill
15 min
Project Overview
Introduction to today's project and techniques
60 min
Build Time
Hands-on project construction
15 min
Cleanup
Organize workspace and materials
12-Week Curriculum
Week 1: What is Electricity?
Historical Fact: Leyden Jar to Voltaic Pile → Volta invents battery (1800).
Hands-On Project: Build battery pack with coin batteries wired safely.
Materials: Copper/zinc plates, LEDs, wires
Week 2: Voltage, Current, Resistance
Historical Fact: Ohm's Law discovery (1827).
Hands-On Project: Build LED circuit with resistors; measure voltage drop.
Materials: Breadboard, LEDs, resistors
Week 3: Series vs Parallel
Historical Fact: Daniell cell & telegraph networks.
Hands-On Project: Build two-switch control circuits.
Materials: Breadboard, switches
Week 4: Circuit Diagrams
Historical Fact: Standardized symbols invented to speed wartime radio repair.
Hands-On Project: Diagram → build a basic audio buzzer circuit.
Materials: Buzzers, switches, breadboard
Week 5: Capacitors
Historical Fact: Leyden jar experiments → electrostatic storage.
Hands-On Project: Build a one-shot LED flasher.
Materials: Capacitors, LEDs, resistors
Week 6: Transistors & Amplification
Historical Fact: Invention of transistor (1947) changed everything.
Hands-On Project: Build touch-activated LED switch.
Materials: 2N3904 transistor, LED, resistor
Week 7: Logic Gates
Historical Fact: Boolean algebra (1847) → computing logic.
Hands-On Project: Build logic gate puzzles (wired gates).
Materials: Toggle switches, LEDs
Week 8: Soldering Basics
Historical Fact: Metal alloys & flux chemistry.
Hands-On Project: Practice soldering a small LED matrix kit.
Materials: Soldering iron, wire, perfboard, LEDs
Week 9: PCB Design & Safety
Historical Fact: Printed circuits (1920–1936).
Hands-On Project: Solder a simple audio beeper PCB.
Materials: PCB kits
Week 10: Microcontrollers
Historical Fact: The invention of the microprocessor (1971).
Hands-On Project: Program blinking pattern + button input.
Materials: Arduino Nano clone, jumper wires
Week 11: Sensors
Historical Fact: Thermistors/semi-conductors.
Hands-On Project: Build a small night-light circuit.
Materials: Photoresistor, LED, transistor
Week 12: Final Electronics Project
Historical Fact: Combining electronics skills into a creative project.
Hands-On Project: Choose: Laser-cut enclosure with LED pattern, Sound buzzer with light sensor, or Soldered badge.
Materials: Varies per student
Learning Objectives
- Understand voltage, current, and resistance relationships
- Read and create circuit diagrams
- Safely solder electronic components
- Program basic microcontroller projects
- Integrate sensors into electronic circuits
Contact
Questions? Reach out to:
Email: john@avemakerclub.org