Electric circuits resources

These kits and workbooks are designed in such a way that:

• all the CAPS recommended and prescribed electric circuits practicals can be done hands- and mins-on, guided systematically using: (1) labelled photographs (2) step-by step instructions (3) fill-in worksheets. Videos for each practical are also available, linked into the interactive pdf, for offline order, or online.

• thinking, understanding and terminology-acquisition are focused on.

• the practicals could be completed through collecting and recording data by following the instructions, referring to the glossary and applying logical thought, rather than needing to refer to a text book or needing a teacher. However, it would be better, for learning, to refer to as many resources as possible.

Some features of the kits:

• LEDs and high-value resistors (1k or higher) are mostly used since this conserves the batteries and reduces error since battery-internal resistance forms a smaller fraction of the whole. A few practicals use bulbs and low-value resistors where these are more appropriate to teach the target concepts.

• The circuit board consists of screws and washers embedded in chip-board. Components are secured in place by trapping them between the board and washer, using a provided screw-driver.

• Components:
  All kits: LEDs, bulbs, resistors of values corresponding to workbooks, variable resistor, wires, circuit board, pliers with wire-stripper, screw driver, multimeter
  Gr 8&9 kit: Nichrome wire cards differing in length and thickness
  Gr 10 Technical science kit: Nichrome wire cards differing in length and thickness and House-wiring circuit board for practical activity

Some features of the workbooks:

• their systematic, guided structure is intended to guide thinking and support learning even if there is little access to other resources and even if the learner has poor language competence, while also summarizing learning even if there is much access to other resources and even if the learner has strong language competence.

• the interactive PDFs have links to movies on each topic at the appropriate places. For these to work, internet access is required.

Limitations of the workbooks:

• The workbooks are not aimed at developing paragraph-writing skills. Other resources should be used to develop these important skills.

The workbooks (and memos) come in 3 formats. All are full-colour:

• paper

• laminated (allows for write with a white-board marker, and wipe, for reusability)

• interactive pdf (single license, non-printable, password secured): For some fields options are given in drop-down lists. Works on any device (cell phone / tablet / computer). Works offline, but links to external resources require internet connectivity.