Boolean logic and logic gates
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify different logic gates and construct the truth table for each logic gate.
Key learning points
- Boolean logic is a form of algebra where all logical relations can be expressed as a combination of AND, OR and NOT.
- A logic gate is a fundamental component of a digital circuit.
- Each logic gate has a symbol, which is used in circuit diagrams.
- Each logic gate has a unique truth table that shows how the output changes with different inputs.
Keywords
Boolean - an expression that evaluates to either True or False
Logic gate - an electronic component that carries out a logical operation
Truth table - a table showing the outputs for all possible combinations of inputs to a logic gate or logic circuit
Common misconception
All logic gates have two inputs and one output.
The number of inputs depends on the logic gate. The NOT gate is different in that it only has one input.
Teacher tip
Get students into the practice of writing out the possible inputs for a truth table as if they were counting in binary. For the AND and OR gates this is 00, 01, 10, 11.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What are the binary digits?
Q2.What do logical operations operate on?
Q3.What is the result of the statement "NOT raining" when it is raining?
Q4.What do binary digits represent in hardware logic?
Q5.A Boolean logic system in computers processes data using 1s and 0s, which represent high and voltages.
Q6.Logic gates are physical components used in computers to carry out operations.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Who introduced Boolean logic?
Q2.What does a Boolean expression evaluate to?
Q3.Which of the following is an example of a Boolean statement?
Q4.Which logic gate has only one input and one output?
Q5.What is the output of an AND gate when both inputs are 1?
Q6.How many possible input combinations exist for an AND gate with two inputs?
To help you plan your 10 computer science lesson on: Boolean logic and logic gates, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 computer science lesson on: Boolean logic and logic gates, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 computer science lessons from the Boolean logic unit, dive into the full secondary computer science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.