Buzzers
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain the function of different buzzers and use them as output components in a control system.
Key learning points
- Buzzers are output devices which convert an electrical signal into a sound.
- There are two types of buzzers, electromechanical and piezoelectric.
- An electromagnetic coil is used in an electromechanical buzzer to move a piece of metal which makes the sound.
- In a piezoelectric buzzer, the smart material flexes and makes the sound.
- Changing the frequency of the movement in the buzzer changes the pitch we hear.
Keywords
Electromechanical - an electrically operated mechanical device
Piezoelectric - a smart material which creates a small amount of electricity when pushed
Electromagnet - a magnet made using a coil, a core and a power supply
Common misconception
Buzzers all work in the same way.
Different buzzers work in different ways.
Teacher tip
Have a variety of products and components available to demonstrate sound as an output of a control system.
Equipment
Sound output components. Access to Tinkercad
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a smart material?
Q2.Smart materials give designers exciting when developing new products.
Q3.Match the smart material with the definition
change colour in response to heat
change colour in response to sunlight
change colour in response to water
a small electric charge is generated in response to pressure
change shape in response to heat
Q4.Energy consumption is measured in ...
Q5.The directional flow of electrons from one pole to another is called?
Q6.Some components are sensitive and can be damaged if the current flowing through is too high, how can the current within a circuit be controlled?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.An electrically operated mechanical device is an device
Q2.What happens to piezoelectric material if it is pushed?
Q3.Sound is measured in ...
Q4.In tinkercad, which code block do we use to send a signal to a piezoelectric buzzer?
To help you plan your 10 design and technology lesson on: Buzzers, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 design and technology lesson on: Buzzers, 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 design and technology lessons from the Systems approach to design: Sustainable Futures unit, dive into the full secondary design and technology curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.