TEACHER GUIDE · DAYS 6-7

Daily Learning Contract

Topic: Component behavior in controlled circuits

Objective: Students will explain how polarity, resistance, and control choices affect LED and motor outputs and use tests to diagnose unexpected behavior.

TEKS:

§126.19(c)(12)(F) — apply appropriate troubleshooting techniques and seek technical assistance as needed;
§126.19(c)(12)(A) — integrate use of appropriate technology terminology in scholarly inquiry and dialogue such as classroom discussion and written samples;

Demonstration of learning: LED direction test, motor direction test, resistor comparison, and labeled input-to-output system diagram.

LEDs, Resistors + Motors

Students control light and motion, then explain the system from input to output.

Slides
28-38

Lab
Light, limit + motion

Grade
5 points

Prep

✓ Parts: green LED, 100-ohm resistor, 1k-ohm resistor, motor, fan, press switch, slide switch, battery holder, and blue wires.
✓ Build one LED comparison and one motor circuit before class.
✓ Choose the status-and-motion build that matches your kit inventory.

Lab 3 editable DOCX · Make a Google copyLab 3 printable PDF

Deck map

Day 6: slides 28-33. Leave slide 33 projected.

Day 7: slides 34-38. Leave slide 38 projected.

Teacher moves

LED: check the plus mark and direction before deciding a part is broken.
Resistors: compare 100 ohms and 1k using the same LED circuit. More resistance should make the LED dimmer.
Motor: reverse the connection and observe direction. Keep hands, hair, and faces clear of the fan.
Trace the status system as user input → electrical path/process → visible or moving output.

Answers + watch-fors

An LED is directional. A resistor limits current. Reversing motor polarity changes direction. A switch is an input/control, not the output.

The water analogy can introduce resistance, but electricity is not water in a wire. Return to the circuit evidence quickly.

If time is tight

Teacher-demo the resistor comparison, but preserve student hands-on work with LED direction and motor direction. The final status-system diagram can replace a second combined build.