MISSION 10 · BASIC ELECTRONICS
Create a circuit that helps, warns, communicates or responds using at least one input or control and one output.
5 · Your Useful Invention
Your new skill: Reuse one working circuit to solve a small need.
Revisit the skill you will reuse: Previous main-path mission
Match the names to your parts before you build. New parts appear when you first need them. You can point, say the name or show a grown-up.
A ruler measures distance. A timer measures elapsed time. Your paper records a prediction and result so you can compare tests.
Look for: Find the cm marks or the timer display and a place to draw or write.
Before using it: Use the same start point and method each time. You can say, point or draw your evidence instead of writing long answers.
Your turn: Choose the mark where the first measurement will begin.
A video demonstration will appear here when it is ready. You can follow the written step now.
Before we build, match these names to the parts in front of you. Ruler timer and evidence sheet. A ruler measures distance. A timer measures elapsed time. Your paper records a prediction and result so you can compare tests. Find the cm marks or the timer display and a place to draw or write. Use the same start point and method each time. You can say, point or draw your evidence instead of writing long answers. Pause and point to the part that will do the main job in this mission. If it is missing or looks different, ask a grown-up before building.
WHAT YOU'LL USE
Kit list: match the named parts to your box and its component cards. Home list: gather these before starting; some may also be supplied in your kit. Reuse components between missions. Stop and ask a grown-up if an essential part or label is missing.
BEFORE YOU BUILD
Choose the exact approved power source for the parts you use. Draw the circuit before building, keep power disconnected while changing connections, and ask an adult to check any motor, transistor, capacitor or touch-sensor setup you are unsure about.
YOUR REWARD
PREDICT BEFORE YOU BEGIN
What do you think will happen? Say it, point to it or draw it. Then test your idea.
YOUR CHALLENGE
NEW POWER-UP
Reuse one working circuit to solve a small need.
You have just practised reuse the same sensor rule with a different output. Now: reuse one working circuit to solve a small need.
BUILD PATH
STEP 1 OF 8
Decide who or what your circuit will help, warn, communicate with or respond to.
A video demonstration will appear here when it is ready. You can follow the written step now.
Decide who or what your circuit will help, warn, communicate with or respond to.
WHAT'S REALLY HAPPENING?
An invention is a system designed for a purpose. Inputs or controls affect a path, a circuit processes that condition, and an output creates a useful result.
Engineers rarely invent by getting everything right on the first attempt. They plan, prototype, test, learn from failures and improve.
FAIR-TEST CHALLENGE
Change one feature, keep the rest the same and repeat your comparison.
WHEN IT DOESN'T WORK YET
Likely cause: The complete path may be open
Try this first: Disconnect power and trace from the positive source through every control and output back to negative.
Likely cause: One component may be connected differently than planned
Try this first: Compare the real circuit with your drawing and change only one difference at a time.
Likely cause: Possible unsafe connection or wrong power arrangement
Try this first: Disconnect immediately and ask an adult to inspect it before continuing.
CLEAN, RESET AND STORE
Switch off and disconnect all power. Let moving parts stop. Put the parts back in their kit compartments.
NEXT SKILL
You have reached the end of the main path. Share what you made, then choose an optional challenge.