To build upon the knowledge of circuits and breadboards by combining multiple inputs, including a push button, LEDs, and a potentiometer for more complexity. By the end of this lesson students should understand how a “switch” such as a push button can be used to control output (the LED).

A push button is a button that is pushed to operate an electrical device. It acts similar to a switch for a circuit, as it completes an electric circuit when you press on it. When it is pressed a metal spring inside of it connects two wires and allows electricity to flow. When it is not being pressed the spring restracts and connection between the two wires is broken, thus causing electricity to not flow.

Directions:

To get students thinking about the process, ask them to explain how the circuit was built and why is was built that way. This gets the students to think about and explain why certains elements go in a certain spot. If you have enough supplies, allow students to add another LED and/or pushbutton to the breadboard, and expand the circuit to incorporate the added elements.