Workshop Title: Introduction to Electronics and Being a Maker
Target Group: Students who have completed Grade 7
Duration: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Theme: From Curiosity to Circuits
- Understand basic electricity concepts (voltage, current, resistance).
- Learn common electronic components.
- Build simple circuits using LEDs and sensors.
- Spark creativity through hands-on making.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 11:00 – 11:30 | Icebreaker + Introduction to Making |
| 11:30 – 12:30 | Learn Electricity + Light Up an LED |
| 12:30 – 1:30 | Lunch + Exploration Time |
| 1:30 – 2:30 | Sensors and Interactivity |
| 2:30 – 3:45 | Creative Circuit Building (LED Art) |
| 3:45 – 4:00 | Wrap-Up + What’s Next |
- Set the tone and get students comfortable.
- Explain what a "maker" is with real-world examples.
- Robot Game: “If you had a robot, what would it do?”
- Show examples of DIY projects (toys, lights, tools).
- Define “Maker”: Someone who builds cool things using electronics, cardboard, and imagination!
- Set the goal: “Today you’ll build real circuits with light and sensors!”
- Voltage = Pressure
- Current = Flow
- Resistance = Restriction
- Battery, LED, Resistor, Breadboard, Wires, Switch
"Light the LED"
- Build a simple circuit on breadboard:
Battery → Resistor → LED → Ground - Add switch to turn it into a mini torch.
- Experiment: Reverse the LED, connect 2 LEDs, try different resistors.
- Open demo table with:
- Snap circuits or gadgets
- Components to touch and play with
- Music, light vibe, encourage questions and tinkering
- Sensors detect things: light, sound, motion, etc.
- LDR (Light Dependent Resistor)
"Automatic Night Lamp"
- Build a circuit where LED turns on in darkness using LDR.
- Use 10KΩ resistor in series.
- Cover LDR to test sensitivity.
"LED Art or Glowing Nameplate"
- Use cardboard/paper to build a glowing display.
- Students decorate and wire up LEDs in their name/symbols.
- Use switches or copper tape to make it interactive.
Encourage teamwork and experimentation!
-
Showcase everyone’s projects on a Maker Table.
-
Share reflections:
- “What did you like the most?”
- “What do you want to make next?”
-
Tease Day 2:
“Tomorrow we’ll teach the circuit to think – with Arduino!” -
Group photo + Certificate or Sticker
“Level 1: Circuit Explorer Unlocked!”
Get ready to dive into Arduino and build smart projects tomorrow!