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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

the electromotive force

Correct Answer:current,the flow of electrons

the flow of electrons

Correct Answer:resistance,the opposition to the flow of current

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

I x R

Correct Answer:Current =,V/R

V/R

Correct Answer:Resistance =,V/I

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

conductor

Correct Answer:GRP,insulator

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...