Lesson 2 – Learning about LED’s, Diodes and Circuits
Paper Circuits track I is designed to introduce you to various fundamental concepts related to electronics. Electronics is the study of how to control the flow of electrons (sub atomic particles responsible for moving energy around as we know it). Electronics essentially deals with circuits made up of components that control the flow of electricity. Electronics as a branch of science, is a part of physics and electrical engineering.
In this tutorial we will explore some of the key fundamental electronics concepts. A good understanding of these concepts will help us when we start working with the different electronics components part of the Paper Circuit Track I. We will start by looking at LED’s or Light Emitting Diodes and how they might be useful to us when building circuits. We will then move onto exploring Zener diodes, Schottky diodes and finally look at how to put together a simple electronic circuit.
Video – Let’s explore what’s an LED and how it works?
Interested in learning more about LED’s, then head over to LED’s // learn.sparkfun.com.
Video – Let’s learn about Schottky Diodes and how they work?
Interested in learning more about diodes, head over to – diodes // learn.sparkfun.com.
Video – Let’s explore Zener diodes and how they work?
Interested in learning more about diodes, head over to – diodes // learn.sparkfun.com.
Video – Let’s bring everything together and learn about circuits?
Interested in learning more about circuits, head over to – What is a circuit // learn.sparkfun.com.
Optional learning –
If you are interested in diving into the basics of electronics a bit further and keen to explore commonly used electronic components, terminology, concepts then this section is for you –
- What is a capacitor // learn.sparkfun.com
- What are transistors // learn.sparkfun.com
- What are integrated circuits or IC’s // learn.sparkfun.com
- Series and Parallel Circuits // learn.sparkfun.com
- Analog v/s Digital Circuits // learn.sparkfun.com
Not all the concepts introduced in this Optional Learning section are relevant to the work you will be doing in this tutorial. However the concepts, electronic components and terminology covered in this section will go a long way to helping you strengthen your understanding of the basics of electronics.
About Paper Circuits Track I –
Paper circuits are a great way to get started with the fundamentals of electronics. Simply speaking paper circuits are low voltage electronics circuits that one creates using a combination of paper, conductive copper tape, passive or active electronic components (resistors, LED’s, etc.) including an easy to access power source like a coin cell battery. Educators and parents alike are able to make use of paper circuits to help kids learn relevant fundamentals of electronics by engaging them in hands on activities. Kids create these circuits using the various components provided and through the making learn key concepts. Our paper circuits kits enables kids of all ages with the opportunity to explore fundamentals of electronics without having to worry about damaging expensive electronic boards or components or getting hurt. Paper circuits are a combination of electronics and art bringing together a blend of creativity, learning and experimentation.
Prerequisites –
- This development track is based on the “Paper Circuit Kit – I” available from OzToyLib
- Check out the “Paper Circuit Kit – I” and pick one up from – OzToyLib
