Myths about teaching can hold you back
- Year 10
LEDs
I can explain the function of an LED and identify and use them as output components in a control system.
- Year 10
LEDs
I can explain the function of an LED and identify and use them as output components in a control system.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Incandescent means emitting light due to high temperature.
- Incandescent light bulbs use more energy than LEDs.
- LEDs are more energy efficient due to the movement of particles directly creating light without high temperatures.
- Electroluminescent materials are used in LEDs, these compounds can be changed to create different coloured LEDs.
- LEDs can be used individually or grouped together in a matrix to display images or words.
Keywords
Incandescent - emitting light due to high temperature
Watts - measurement of energy consumption
Light-emitting diode (LED) - an output device that glows when electricity is passed through it
Electroluminescence - materials emit light when exposed to an electric field or current
Common misconception
LEDs are always used individually.
LEDs can be grouped in strips or matrices to create patterns or messages.
To help you plan your year 10 design and technology lesson on: LEDs, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 design and technology lesson on: LEDs, 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.
Equipment
Access to Tinkercad and a micro:bit
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What might be useful to measure in a greenhouse control system?
Q2.Stored energy in a battery is measured in ...
Q3.Output components can be visual, or sound.
Q4.Electrical components used with the micro:bit can be onboard and .
Q5.Match the symbol to the definition
less than
greater than
equal to
Q6.There are two LED outputs connected to digital pin 0 and digital pin 1, which description matches the program in this image?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What did Thomas Edison invent in 1879?
Q2.Incandescent means ...
Q3.Why have LEDs become increasingly more popular, replacing incandescent light bulbs?
Q4.What would you expect to see on the micro:bit if this was the program?
