This module will focus on the basic fundamental concepts of electrical engineering, as well as power and energy transfer. These concepts will be reinforced by building a small circuit that drives a motor to spin a propeller, controlled via an infrared light remote. When a button on the infrared remote is pressed, the motor will spin. Students will learn the concepts of voltage and current, and how different circuit components react to receiving voltage and current. Students will also see how energy stored in the infrared light is transferred into their circuit as voltage, and how that electric potential is converted into kinetic energy that turns the motor. These concepts will be explained through analogies and visualizing electricity flow.
The module will inspire fundamental circuitry and physics knowledge that is essential in any discussion of energy. In all energy fields, the concepts of current, voltage, and power are fundamental in understanding energy transfer and conservation. Energy systems such as solar panels, wind turbines, and battery storage all rely on these fundamental principles. However, these fundamental concepts can be best taught by focusing on a single circuit, and analyzing how it works.
Students will gain very useful knowledge that they can relate to energy fields, as well as many other fields such as entrepreneurship, consumer electronics, automotive technologies, or whatever may interest them. General circuitry knowledge is extremely useful and can be easily related to things that students see in their everyday lives. For example, by building the infrared controlled circuit, students will be able to imagine how their TV remotes work at home, and perhaps even speculate how other electronic systems work as well.

Learning objectives

• Understand the concepts of voltage, current, resistance
• Become familiar with common circuit components
• Gain hands‐on experience building a circuit

Recommended resources

• For the voltage, current, and resistance demo:

          3⁄4”x2’PVCPipe
          3”x2’PVCPipe
          3” PVC Pipe Caps
          A large bucket for water o Water*

•  For the infrared controlled circuit

          1.5V DC Motor (1 per student)
          IR Remote (students can share remotes)
          CR2025 Coin Cell Batteries for IR remotes (1 battery per remote)
          AA Batteries (2 per student)
          AA Battery holder (1 per student)
         Wire kits (1 per 5 students)
         Breadboards (1 per student)
         IR Receiver TSOP 38283 (1 per student)
         7555 Timer Chip (1 per student)
        BC547 Transistor (1 per student)
        BC337 Transistor (1 per student)
       0.1 uF Capacitor (1 per student)
       1 uF Capacitor (1 per student)
       10 uF Capacitor (1 per student)
       18K Resistor (1 per student)
       Ribbon, streamers, and tape (to share)*
* Denotes single use materials. All other materials are re‐usable.

Organisation in charge of this Accelerator

This Accelerator has been developed by MIT                                                                                                    .

Natalie Mionis, [email protected]

MIT – Office of open Learning
600 Technology Square
Cambridge, MA
Website: https://openlearning.mit.edu/​