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Lesson 8 of 12
  • Year 11

Programmable systems

I can use a microcontroller to design and test a control system.

Lesson 8 of 12
New
New
  • Year 11

Programmable systems

I can use a microcontroller to design and test a control system.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. There are different languages to programme a microcontroller; they might be text-based, use blocks or flowcharts.
  2. Input, process and output are the basic features of a control programme.
  3. Feedback can be incorporated into more complex control systems.

Keywords

  • Microcontroller - used to control outputs by processing inputs

  • Programmable - provide instructions to complete certain tasks

  • Flowchart - a simple diagram using symbols to show steps in a task

Common misconception

Control systems are programmed with text-based languages.

Control systems can be programmed using different languages including text, blocks or flow charts.


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

When using Tinkercad, create a Class List and share 'Nick Names' and 'Classcode' to your students. You could also allow pupils to log in if they have a Google school email address. In Tinkercad, it's good practice for pupils to rename the file before they begin.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Student access to Tinkercad website.

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

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6 Questions

Q1.
Match the correct definitions:

Correct Answer:input components,components that are used to send a signal into a circuit

components that are used to send a signal into a circuit

Correct Answer:process components,components that can change a signal and control output devices

components that can change a signal and control output devices

Correct Answer:output components,components that emit light, make a noise or move

components that emit light, make a noise or move

Q2.
What type of component is an LED?

input
Correct answer: output
process

Q3.
What is Tinkercad an example of?

Correct Answer: CAD, Computer aided design, CAD package, CAD program

Q4.
What are the advantages of using CAD to model circuits?

Correct answer: no need to buy the components
Correct answer: no specialist tools required
more expensive
takes a long time
Correct answer: can test without damaging components

Q5.
Which word is used to describe components in a circuit that have to be positioned the correct way around?

Correct Answer: Polarity, Polarisation, Polarised

Q6.
Which of these components are polarised?

Correct answer: LED
LDR
Correct answer: battery
resistor
reed switch

Assessment exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
A is used to control outputs by processing inputs.

Correct Answer: microcontroller

Q2.
What is a Peripheral Interface Controller (PIC) used for?

to create a computer program
Correct answer: in washing machines
Correct answer: to store a computer program and control a device
Correct answer: in a microwave

Q3.
Which products can microcontrollers be used in?

Correct answer: robot vacuum cleaners
manual tin opener
Correct answer: smart watches
manual stapler

Q4.
Computer programs can be written using ...

symbols
Correct answer: text
Correct answer: flowcharts
Correct answer: blocks
bricks

Q5.
What is the negative connection on a Micro:bit called?

negative
positive
Correct answer: ground
great

Q6.
How can you make LEDs flash using a Micro:bit?

Correct Answer: repeat, repeat routine