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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can use electronic components to design and test electronic circuits.

      Key learning points

      1. Voltage, current and resistance are the key concepts when designing electronic systems.
      2. Input, process and output components are used to construct electronic systems.
      3. CAD and breadboarding are ways of modelling an electronic system in order to test it.
      4. Printed circuit boards are used in electronic products.

      Keywords

      • Ohm's law - the relationship between voltage, current and resistance

      • Breadboard - a device used to plug in electrical components and test circuits

      • Polarity - the directional flow of electrons from one pole to another

      • Resistance - the opposition to the flow of current

      Common misconception

      Components all work however they are positioned in a circuit.

      Some components are polarised and only work if they are the correct way round.

      Teacher tip

      This lesson is a great opportunity to recap previous electronic circuit learning and build on that to develop more complex circuit designs.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the terms with the correct definition.

      Correct Answer:voltage,the electromotive force
      Correct Answer:current,the flow of electrons
      Correct Answer:resistance,the opposition to the flow of current

      Q2.
      Identify this component.

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: LED, Light emitting diode

      Q3.
      What are the advantages of modelling circuit designs using CAD?

      Correct answer: quick
      Correct answer: inexpensive as you don't need to buy all the components
      Correct answer: allows simulation and testing
      expensive as you need to buy the components
      operator skill required

      Q4.
      Resistors are measured in ohms but they do not have values printed on them. How can we distinguish the value?

      Correct Answer: coloured bands, coloured stripes, coloured lines

      Q5.
      Voltage is measured volts; what is current measured in?

      currents
      Correct answer: amps/amperes
      ohms
      electrons

      Q6.
      When designing circuits, component symbols are used. Explain why.

      Correct answer: easy to interpret
      Correct answer: easy to replicate
      Correct answer: quicker to draw
      allows for individual creativity
      difficult to copy

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the equation to the concept from Ohm's law.

      Correct Answer:Voltage =,I x R
      Correct Answer:Current =,V/R
      Correct Answer:Resistance =,V/I

      Q2.
      'The directional flow of electrons from one pole to another' is a definition for?

      Correct answer: polarity
      Ohm's law
      resistance
      current
      voltage

      Q3.
      Which of these components are polarised?

      LDR
      Correct answer: LED
      Correct answer: battery
      resistor
      switch

      Q4.
      Which component responds to a small current flowing to the base which then enables a large current to flow between the collector to the emitter?

      Correct Answer: transistor

      Q5.
      Match the circuit board material with its function.

      Correct Answer:copper,conductor
      Correct Answer:GRP,insulator

      Q6.
      When soldering, it is important to assess the potential hazards and minimise risk. What is this process called?

      Correct Answer: risk assessment

      To help you plan your 11 design and technology lesson on: Electronic systems, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...