Introduction to logic circuits
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can combine logic gates to build circuits.
Key learning points
- Boolean logic is the foundation of all digital circuit design.
- A logic circuit is a set of two or more logic gates that are connected to implement more complex logic.
- A digital electronic circuit in a computer system is typically made up of millions of logic gates.
Keywords
Logic circuit - a combination of two or more logic gates used to represent a more complex logical statement
Truth table - a table showing the outputs for all possible combinations of inputs to a logic gate or logic circuit
Common misconception
As logic gates are limited to two input, logic statements should also be limited in the same way.
Logic gates can be combined to created complex circuits that represent any number of logic statements combined.
Teacher tip
If learners find it difficult to draw logic circuits, you could use an online tool as an alternative allowing them to test their circuits as they build them.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following is a Boolean expression?
Q2.The output of a NOT gate is when the input is False.
Q3.A truth table for an AND gate has possible input combinations.
Q4.Which logic gate outputs True when both inputs are False?
Q5.Match the keyword to the definition.
an expression that evaluates to either True or False
an electronic component that carries out a logical operation
shows the outputs for all possible combinations of inputs
Q6.The CPU uses billions of tiny electronic components called gates.
Assessment exit quiz
5 Questions
Q1.Which of the following is not a logic gate?
Q2.The output of an AND gate is True only when both inputs are .
Q3.Match the logic gate to its corresponding function.
outputs True only if all inputs are True
outputs True if at least one input is True
inverts the input
Q4.A is a table showing the outputs for all possible combinations of inputs to a logic gate or logic circuit.
Q5.A logic gate can be combined with other logic gates in a .
To help you plan your 10 computer science lesson on: Introduction to logic circuits, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 computer science lesson on: Introduction to logic circuits, 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.