Lesson 1: Electronic Basics
Lesson 1: Electronic Basics
Embedded Files
Fall 2025 Inquiry Miner Mayhem Programs
Lesson Overview
Lesson Overview
The purpose of this lesson is to introduce students to the basic concepts of electronics and electrical circuits. Students will learn:
Concepts of power, electricity, current, and voltage
Parts of an electrical circuit
How to wire a LED circuit
Required Kit Supplies
Required Kit Supplies
1x Arduino UNO
1x USB A-to-USB B cable
1x Breadboard
1x Red LED
1x 220 Ω resistor
Assorted Male-to-Male (M-M) wires
Additional Required Supplies
Additional Required Supplies
Chromebook or laptop with a USB port for each student to power their circuit
Keywords
Keywords
Electrical Circuit: A closed loop of components in which electrical energy, also known as electricity, flows through. The parts of an electrical circuit include sensors, motors, connecting wires, and a power source, such as a battery.
Closed Circuit: A circuit in which all components are connected and properly linked to both power and ground.
Open Circuit: A circuit in which one or more components are not connected to power or ground, leaving it incomplete. In order to be functional, the open circuit must be closed.
Voltage: The amount of electrical potential energy from one point to another in a circuit. A point that has a voltage of 5 volts (abbreviated to 5V) is considered to be 5V above a ground reference point.
Ground: A term used to describe 0V. Ground is used as a reference voltage for other components in a circuit. All electrical circuits must be connected to ground as a return path of current.
Power: Refers to something that supplies electrical energy to different components in a circuit. Devices that must be powered need both current and voltage to operate.
Current: The movement of electricity through a circuit. Current only flows from a point of high voltage to a point of low voltage or ground.
Resistance: The measure of a force that opposes (or resists) the flow of electric current in a circuit.
Additional Resources
Additional Resources
More information about Ohm’s Law:
Basic electronic components
Using a breadboard
Resistors and color codes
Note for Educators:
Note for Educators:
As you write the code for your students, you may write the code alongside them, sharing your own screen to see exactly where each line goes. The downloadable code is intended for your reference while following the activity.
If you find that the activity is not properly working, make sure to double check you/your students' wiring and code against ours. Working with electronics and Arduinos can be difficult and much of the learning process (for students and teachers) is in the troubleshooting. That being said, if it seems like the activity is still not working or you are stuck, let us know! Send us an email and we will work to troubleshoot as much as possible!
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