Unit-5 AC / DC Electronics Fundamentals

Unit Overview and Outline:

You will explore the Fundamentals of Electronics, the basic principles and hands-on skills of electronics, such as voltage, current and resistance/reactance relationships in AC and DC circuits.  You will learn the theory of operation and industrial applications of transistors and integrated circuits, as well as learn to use test and measurement equipment (voltmeters, oscilloscopes, in-line and clamp-on ammeters, etc.).

• Understand the relationship of voltage, current, and resistance as it relates to DC and AC circuits

• Demonstrate an understanding of Series and Parallel Circuits.

• Calculate, construct and debug simple circuits on a breadboard (resistors, capacitors, LED, transistors, timers, Op-Amps, Logic, etc)

• Use test and measurement equipment (voltmeters, oscilloscopes, in-line and clamp-on ammeters, etc.)

• Electricity and Magnetism - How are waves used to transfer energy and to send and store information 

• Introduction to op-amps, basic op-amp circuits, typical op-amp circuits, feedback , differential, and instrumentation amplifiers

• Passive and active-filter circuits, Oscillators and timers & Low-noise techniques

Prerequisites:

• No prerequisite knowledge or skills.  All the Math, Physics and Science needed for this Unit and Modules will be taught as part of the lessons.

Caution & Safety  Considerations:

Primer:  "Aaron, I can imagine no way in which this thing could be considered anywhere remotely close to safe. All I know is I spent six hours in there and I'm still alive... You still want to do it?"

• As with any activity, please make sure you are using appropriate safety equipment.   If you are coding, writing, reading, or working a lab, make sure you stand up and stretch every hour or so,  Please consider any safety issues connecting to a Raspberry Pi, Arduino, computers and other electronic equipment.

Essential Questions:

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Unit Topics and Lessons

Resistance Is Futile...

Resources:

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• AC/DC Electronics – Year-Long Course Table of Contents

• Unit 1: Introduction to Electricity & Electronics

• 1.1 Overview of Electrical Careers & Industry Applications
  1.2 History and Impact of Electricity
  1.3 Electrical Safety, PPE, and Lockout/Tagout Procedures
  1.4 Introduction to Tools, Symbols, and Test Equipment
  1.5 Using the Digital Multimeter (DMM)

• 
  
• Unit 2: Basic Electrical Concepts

• 2.1 Matter, Atoms, Electrons, and Charge
  2.2 Voltage, Current, and Resistance Concepts
  2.3 Ohm’s Law: Calculations and Applications
  2.4 Electrical Power (Watts) and Energy Consumption
  2.5 Circuit Types: Open, Closed, Short, and Load
  2.6 Hands-On Lab: Ohm’s Law and Power Measurement

• 
  
• Unit 3: DC Circuits

• 3.1 Introduction to Direct Current (DC) Sources
  3.2 Building and Analyzing Simple DC Circuits
  3.3 Series DC Circuits – Rules and Characteristics
  3.4 Parallel DC Circuits – Current Paths and Rules
  3.5 Combination DC Circuits – Reduction and Analysis
  3.6 Hands-On Lab: DC Series and Parallel Circuit Construction
  3.7 Hands-On Lab: Voltage, Current, and Resistance Measurement

• 
  
• Unit 4: Resistors and Circuit Applications

• 4.1 Introduction to Resistors and Their Function
  4.2 Resistor Types: Carbon Film, Wire-Wound, Surface-Mount
  4.3 Resistor Identification: Color Code and Tolerance Reading
  4.4 Using Multimeters to Measure Resistance
  4.5 Ohm’s Law Review with Real Components
  4.6 Series Resistor Circuits: Voltage Division and Current
  4.7 Parallel Resistor Circuits: Conductance and Total Resistance
  4.8 Hands-On Lab: Resistor Identification and Value Testing
  4.9 Hands-On Lab: Series Resistor Circuit Measurement and Analysis
  4.10 Hands-On Lab: Parallel Resistor Circuit Measurement and Analysis
  4.11 Hands-On Lab: Build and Troubleshoot a Combination Resistor Network

• 
  
• Unit 5: Capacitors and RC Networks

• 5.1 Introduction to Capacitance and Capacitors
  5.2 Types of Capacitors and Applications
  5.3 Charging and Discharging Characteristics
  5.4 Time Constant (τ) and RC Circuit Calculations
  5.5 AC Behavior in Capacitive Circuits
  5.6 Series and Parallel Capacitor Configurations
  5.7 Hands-On Lab: Measure and Compare Capacitance
  5.8 Hands-On Lab: Charging and Discharging a Capacitor
  5.9 Hands-On Lab: Build and Test an RC Timing Circuit
  5.10 Hands-On Lab: RC Low-Pass and High-Pass Filters

• 
  
• Unit 6: Introduction to AC Circuits

• 6.1 Differences Between AC and DC
  6.2 AC Waveforms and Sine Wave Characteristics
  6.3 Frequency, Period, Peak, and RMS Voltage
  6.4 Introduction to Oscilloscopes for AC Analysis
  6.5 Hands-On Lab: Measure and Analyze AC Signals

• 
  
• Unit 7: AC Circuit Analysis

• 7.1 Series AC Circuits (Resistive, RC, RL, RLC)
  7.2 Parallel AC Circuits and Impedance
  7.3 Reactance and Phase Angle
  7.4 Resonance in RLC Circuits
  7.5 Hands-On Lab: AC Circuit Measurement with Oscilloscopes

• 
  
• Unit 8: Transformers and Power Distribution

• 8.1 Magnetic Induction and Electromagnetic Fields
  8.2 Transformer Construction and Turn Ratio
  8.3 Step-Up vs Step-Down Transformers
  8.4 Power Grid Overview and Distribution
  8.5 Hands-On Lab: Build and Test a Simple Transformer Setup

• 
  
• Unit 9: Power Supplies and Rectification

• 9.1 Diodes and the Basics of Rectification
  9.2 Half-Wave and Full-Wave Rectifiers
  9.3 Capacitor Filtering and Voltage Regulation
  9.4 Linear vs. Switching Power Supplies
  9.5 Hands-On Lab: Build a DC Power Supply from AC Input

• 
  
• Unit 10: Circuit Design, Simulation, and Troubleshooting

• 10.1 Schematic Symbols and Diagrams
  10.2 Breadboarding and Wiring Best Practices
  10.3 Using Simulation Software (Tinkercad/Fritzing/Multisim)
  10.4 Troubleshooting Process and Common Faults
  10.5 Hands-On Lab: Debugging Faulty Circuits

• 
  
• Unit 11: Capstone Project & Course Wrap-Up

• 11.1 Design and Document a Real-World AC/DC Project
  11.2 Build, Test, and Present Final Project
  11.3 Written and Hands-On Final Exam
  11.4 Review of Industry Certifications (OSHA 10, NCCER)
  11.5 Career and College Pathways in Electronics

more....

AC/DC Electronics Year-Long Curriculum

Course Overview

This year-long course introduces high school and college students to the foundational principles of electricity and electronics through a hands-on, project-based approach. Students will explore direct and alternating current systems, circuit analysis, and practical applications aligned with real-world industry needs.

Standards Alignment

NGSS Alignment:

• HS-PS2-6: Communicate scientific and technical information about why the molecular-level structure is important in the functioning of designed materials.

• HS-PS3-3: Design, build, and refine a device that works within given constraints to convert one form of energy into another.

CTE Model Curriculum Standards (Engineering & Architecture Pathway):

• CTE.EA.A.1.1: Understand and apply electrical theory and laws.

• CTE.EA.A.5.3: Design, test, and evaluate electrical systems and devices.

• CTE.EA.C.1.3: Demonstrate proficiency using tools and equipment of the trade.

Pacing Guide

Semester 1: Foundations of DC Circuits

Unit 1: Introduction to Electricity & Electronics (Weeks 1–2)

• Overview of Electrical Systems

• Safety, PPE, Lockout/Tagout

• Tools & Equipment

• Assessment: Safety quiz, Equipment ID worksheet

Unit 2: Basic Electrical Concepts (Weeks 3–4)

• Atomic Theory, Charge, Voltage, Current

• Ohm's Law, Power

• Lab: Ohm's Law Verification

• Assessment: Concept quiz, Lab report

Unit 3: DC Circuits (Weeks 5–7)

• Series, Parallel, Combination Circuits

• Voltage/Current Rules

• Lab: Build & Analyze Series and Parallel Circuits

• Assessment: Circuit analysis test, Practical troubleshooting check

Unit 4: Resistors & Applications (Weeks 8–10)

• Types, Color Code, Tolerance

• Series & Parallel Resistor Networks

• Lab: Resistor ID, Series/Parallel Builds, Voltage Divider Design

• Assessment: Resistor math quiz, Hands-on ID test

Unit 5: Capacitors & RC Networks (Weeks 11–13)

• Capacitance, Charging/Discharging

• Time Constant, Filters

• Lab: RC Timer, RC Filter Circuit

• Assessment: RC circuit design task, Lab rubric evaluation

Unit 6: Semester Review & Midterm Project (Weeks 14–16)

• Review Theory and Labs

• Midterm Capstone: Build a Working DC Circuit with Documentation

• Assessment: Midterm exam, Project presentation, Peer evaluation

Semester 2: AC Circuits and Applications

Unit 7: Introduction to AC Circuits (Weeks 17–19)

• AC vs DC, Sine Waves, RMS, Frequency

• Tools: Oscilloscope Basics

• Lab: AC Waveform Measurement, Signal Generator Exploration

• Assessment: Quiz on waveform terminology, Lab documentation

Unit 8: AC Circuit Analysis (Weeks 20–23)

• AC Impedance, Reactance, Phase Angle

• RLC Circuits & Resonance

• Lab: Build and Analyze AC RC, RL, RLC Circuits

• Assessment: Calculations quiz, Resonance test

Unit 9: Transformers and Power Distribution (Weeks 24–26)

• Induction, Transformer Basics

• Power Grid and Step-up/down Systems

• Lab: Transformer Ratio and Load Testing

• Assessment: Circuit calculations, Group lab report

Unit 10: Power Supplies and Rectification (Weeks 27–29)

• Diodes, Rectifiers, Filters

• Build a Linear Power Supply

• Lab: Bridge Rectifier with Filter Cap

• Assessment: Build rubric, Voltage analysis report

Unit 11: Simulation, Troubleshooting, and Final Project (Weeks 30–35)

• Circuit Design Software, Breadboarding

• Troubleshooting Faults and Failures

• Capstone: Design and Build a Functional AC/DC Project

• Assessment: Final Exam, Capstone Rubric, Presentation Panel

Unit 12: Career and Industry Connection (Weeks 36)

• OSHA & NCCER Overview

• Pathways: Electrician, Electronics Technician, Engineering Tech

• Certification Practice (OSHA-10, NCCER module samples)

• Assessment: Career reflection paper, Certification practice test

Additional Lab Examples

• Light Bulb Brightness in Series vs Parallel

• Design a Voltage Divider for Sensor Input

• Build a Simple Audio Filter (RC Low Pass)

• Troubleshoot a Faulty Breadboarded Circuit

• Simulate RLC Resonance with Frequency Sweep

Assessments Overview

• Weekly Quizzes & Concept Checks

• Lab Reports with Rubric (Objective, Procedure, Data, Analysis)

• Circuit Construction Practical Exams

• Midterm Project with Peer and Instructor Evaluation

• Final Capstone Project and Presentation

• Career Pathway Research Paper

• Certification Practice Quizzes (OSHA/NCCER Style)

another try...

AC/DC Electronics Year-Long Curriculum

Course Overview

This year-long course introduces high school and college students to the foundational principles of electricity and electronics through a hands-on, project-based approach. Students will explore direct and alternating current systems, circuit analysis, and practical applications aligned with real-world industry needs.

Standards Alignment

NGSS Alignment:

• HS-PS2-6: Communicate scientific and technical information about why the molecular-level structure is important in the functioning of designed materials.

• HS-PS3-3: Design, build, and refine a device that works within given constraints to convert one form of energy into another.

CTE Model Curriculum Standards (Engineering & Architecture Pathway):

• CTE.EA.A.1.1: Understand and apply electrical theory and laws.

• CTE.EA.A.5.3: Design, test, and evaluate electrical systems and devices.

• CTE.EA.C.1.3: Demonstrate proficiency using tools and equipment of the trade.

Pacing Guide with Expanded Lesson Plans

Semester 1: Foundations of DC Circuits

Unit 1: Introduction to Electricity & Electronics (Weeks 1–2)

• Topics: Overview of Electrical Systems, Safety Protocols (PPE, Lockout/Tagout), Multimeter Use

• Activities: Safety demonstrations, equipment identification scavenger hunt

• Lab: Introduction to tools and equipment hands-on

• Assessment: Safety quiz, Equipment ID worksheet, Group safety poster

Unit 2: Basic Electrical Concepts (Weeks 3–4)

• Topics: Atomic Structure, Voltage, Current, Resistance, Ohm's Law, Power Formula

• Lab: Ohm's Law Verification Lab with variable resistors

• Activities: Water analogy simulations, group calculations

• Assessment: Concept quiz, Lab report, Interactive notebook check

Unit 3: DC Circuits (Weeks 5–7)

• Topics: Series, Parallel, and Combination Circuits

• Labs:

  • Build & Analyze Series and Parallel Circuits using breadboards

  • Interactive breadboard map activity

• Activities: Circuit tracing race, diagram-to-build challenge

• Assessment: Circuit analysis test, Practical troubleshooting check, Peer review

Unit 4: Resistors & Applications (Weeks 8–10)

• Topics: Resistor Types, Color Code, Tolerance, Resistor Calculations

• Labs:

  • Resistor ID and Sorting

  • Series/Parallel Build Challenge

  • Voltage Divider Circuit

  • Build a Thermistor-Based Temperature Sensor

• Activities: Resistance card games, resistor bingo

• Assessment: Resistor math quiz, Hands-on ID test, Color code worksheet

Unit 5: Capacitors & RC Networks (Weeks 11–13)

• Topics: Capacitance, Charging/Discharging Curves, RC Time Constant, Filters

• Labs:

  • RC Timer with LED Blink Delay

  • RC Low-Pass Filter with Audio Source

  • Charge/Discharge Graphing with Multimeter

  • Design a Delayed-Action LED Circuit

• Activities: Graphing RC charge curve, filter demo station

• Assessment: RC circuit design task, Data analysis activity, Lab rubric evaluation

Unit 6: Semester Review & Midterm Project (Weeks 14–16)

• Topics: Review Core Concepts from Units 1–5

• Project: Build a Working DC System (e.g. LED light system, burglar alarm)

• Activities: Peer presentation prep, poster design, group planning

• Assessment: Midterm exam, Project presentation, Peer and Instructor evaluation

Semester 2: AC Circuits and Applications

Unit 7: Introduction to AC Circuits (Weeks 17–19)

• Topics: AC vs DC, Sinusoidal Waveforms, RMS, Frequency, Peak Voltage

• Labs:

  • Signal Generator and Oscilloscope Lab

  • Measure Wall Outlet with True RMS Meter

  • AC Frequency Comparison Using Different Power Supplies

• Activities: Waveform drawing contests, signal scavenger hunt

• Assessment: Quiz on waveform terminology, Lab documentation

Unit 8: AC Circuit Analysis (Weeks 20–23)

• Topics: Impedance, Reactance (XL, XC), Phase Angles, Resonance

• Labs:

  • Build and Analyze RLC Circuits

  • Frequency Sweep Experiment for Resonance

  • Measure Phase Angle with Oscilloscope

  • AC Filter Build: High-Pass and Band-Pass Filters

• Activities: Impedance triangle building, circuit modeling

• Assessment: Calculations quiz, Resonance test, Group presentation

Unit 9: Transformers and Power Distribution (Weeks 24–26)

• Topics: Magnetic Induction, Transformer Basics, Step-up/Step-down Applications

• Labs:

  • Transformer Ratio and Load Test

  • Build a Simple Power Transfer Demo

  • Design a Step-Down Power Adapter

• Activities: Voltage matching challenge, transformer diagram race

• Assessment: Circuit calculations, Group lab report, Exit tickets

Unit 10: Power Supplies and Rectification (Weeks 27–29)

• Topics: Diodes, Half- and Full-Wave Rectification, Filtering

• Labs:

  • Build a Bridge Rectifier with Capacitor Filter

  • Measure Ripple Voltage under Load

  • LED Polarity Tester Using Diode Behavior

• Activities: Schematic matching, circuit puzzle

• Assessment: Build rubric, Voltage analysis report, Design challenge

Unit 11: Simulation, Troubleshooting, and Final Project (Weeks 30–35)

• Topics: Circuit Design Software (Tinkercad, EveryCircuit), Troubleshooting Techniques

• Project: Build and Document a Custom AC/DC Circuit Application

• Labs:

  • Simulate before building

  • Troubleshoot Injected Faults Lab

  • Blind Breadboarding Partner Challenge

• Assessment: Final Exam, Capstone Rubric, Presentation Panel, Portfolio submission

Unit 12: Career and Industry Connection (Week 36)

• Topics: Industry Certifications, OSHA & NCCER Overview, Career Pathways

• Activities: Industry Guest Speaker, Career Poster Creation, Resume Writing Workshop

• Assessment: Career reflection paper, Certification practice test

Additional Lab Examples

• Light Bulb Brightness in Series vs Parallel

• Design a Voltage Divider for Sensor Input

• Build a Simple Audio Filter (RC Low Pass)

• Troubleshoot a Faulty Breadboarded Circuit

• Simulate RLC Resonance with Frequency Sweep

• Oscilloscope “Freeze Frame” Analysis Lab

• Ripple Voltage Comparison: Filtered vs Unfiltered

• Build a Variable Power Supply with Potentiometer

• Energy Storage and Discharge Using Supercapacitors

• Measure and Graph Real-World Battery Discharge Curves

• DIY Solar Charger Circuit with USB Output

Assessments Overview

• Weekly Quizzes & Concept Checks

• Lab Reports with Rubric (Objective, Procedure, Data, Analysis)

• Circuit Construction Practical Exams

• Midterm Project with Peer and Instructor Evaluation

• Final Capstone Project and Presentation

• Career Pathway Research Paper

• Certification Practice Quizzes (OSHA/NCCER Style)

• Simulation-Based Circuit Troubleshooting

• Technical Writing: Lab-to-Report Translation

last try....

AC/DC Electronics Year-Long Curriculum

Course Overview

This year-long course introduces high school and college students to the foundational principles of electricity and electronics through a hands-on, project-based approach. Students will explore direct and alternating current systems, circuit analysis, and practical applications aligned with real-world industry needs.

Standards Alignment

NGSS Alignment:

• HS-PS2-6: Communicate scientific and technical information about why the molecular-level structure is important in the functioning of designed materials.

• HS-PS3-3: Design, build, and refine a device that works within given constraints to convert one form of energy into another.

CTE Model Curriculum Standards (Engineering & Architecture Pathway):

• CTE.EA.A.1.1: Understand and apply electrical theory and laws.

• CTE.EA.A.5.3: Design, test, and evaluate electrical systems and devices.

• CTE.EA.C.1.3: Demonstrate proficiency using tools and equipment of the trade.

Pacing Guide with Expanded Lesson Plans and Embedded Labs

Semester 1: Foundations of DC Circuits

Unit 1: Introduction to Electricity & Electronics (Weeks 1–2)

• Topics: Overview of Electrical Systems, Safety Protocols (PPE, Lockout/Tagout), Multimeter Use

• Activities: Safety demonstrations, equipment identification scavenger hunt

• Labs:

  • Tool Identification and Safety Setup

    • Materials: DMM, safety glasses, breadboards, wire strippers, jumper wires

  • Using a Multimeter to Measure Voltage, Current, and Resistance

    • Materials: DMM, 9V battery, resistors, breadboards, leads

• Assessment: Safety quiz, Equipment ID worksheet, Group safety poster

Unit 2: Basic Electrical Concepts (Weeks 3–4)

• Topics: Atomic Structure, Voltage, Current, Resistance, Ohm's Law, Power Formula

• Labs:

  • Ohm’s Law Lab with Variable Resistors

    • Materials: Breadboard, resistors, potentiometers, DMM, 9V battery

  • Power Dissipation Analysis

    • Materials: DMM, 9V battery, resistors (1/4W and 1/2W), calculator

• Activities: Water analogy simulations, group calculations

• Assessment: Concept quiz, Lab report, Interactive notebook check

Unit 3: DC Circuits (Weeks 5–7)

• Topics: Series, Parallel, and Combination Circuits

• Labs:

  • Build & Analyze Series and Parallel Circuits

    • Materials: DMM, breadboard, 9V battery, various resistors, switches

  • Light Bulb Brightness in Series vs Parallel

    • Materials: Miniature 3V bulbs, sockets, breadboard, 9V battery

  • Troubleshoot a Faulty Breadboarded Circuit

    • Materials: Breadboard, inserted faults (open/short), DMM

• Activities: Circuit tracing race, diagram-to-build challenge

• Assessment: Circuit analysis test, Practical troubleshooting check, Peer review

Unit 4: Resistors & Applications (Weeks 8–10)

• Topics: Resistor Types, Color Code, Tolerance, Resistor Calculations

• Labs:

  • Resistor ID and Sorting

    • Materials: Mixed resistor pack, color code chart, DMM

  • Series/Parallel Build Challenge

    • Materials: Breadboard, assorted resistors, DMM

  • Voltage Divider Circuit

    • Materials: Breadboard, resistors, DMM, LED

  • Thermistor-Based Temperature Sensor

    • Materials: Thermistors, resistors, breadboard, 9V battery, DMM

• Activities: Resistance card games, resistor bingo

• Assessment: Resistor math quiz, Hands-on ID test, Color code worksheet

Unit 5: Capacitors & RC Networks (Weeks 11–13)

• Topics: Capacitance, Charging/Discharging Curves, RC Time Constant, Filters

• Labs:

  • RC Timer with LED Blink Delay

    • Materials: Breadboard, capacitor, resistor, LED, 9V battery, stopwatch, DMM

  • RC Low-Pass Filter with Audio Source

    • Materials: Capacitors, resistors, breadboard, audio source, oscilloscope

  • Charge/Discharge Graphing

    • Materials: Breadboard, 9V battery, capacitor, resistor, DMM, graph paper

  • Delayed-Action LED Circuit

    • Materials: LED, capacitor, resistor, breadboard, 9V battery, DMM

• Activities: Graphing RC charge curve, filter demo station

• Assessment: RC circuit design task, Data analysis activity, Lab rubric evaluation

Unit 6: Semester Review & Midterm Project (Weeks 14–16)

• Topics: Review Core Concepts from Units 1–5

• Project: Build a Working DC System (e.g. LED light system, burglar alarm)

  • Materials: Breadboard, resistors, transistors, LEDs, switches, capacitors, buzzers, DMM

• Activities: Peer presentation prep, poster design, group planning

• Assessment: Midterm exam, Project presentation, Peer and Instructor evaluation

Semester 2: AC Circuits and Applications

Unit 7: Introduction to AC Circuits (Weeks 17–19)

• Topics: AC vs DC, Sinusoidal Waveforms, RMS, Frequency, Peak Voltage

• Labs:

  • Signal Generator and Oscilloscope Lab

    • Materials: Function generator, oscilloscope, probe leads, breadboard

  • Measure Wall Outlet with True RMS Meter

    • Materials: DMM (true RMS), safety insulated probes

  • AC Frequency Comparison Using Different Power Supplies

    • Materials: Oscilloscope, AC wall adapter, USB charger, function generator

• Activities: Waveform drawing contests, signal scavenger hunt

• Assessment: Quiz on waveform terminology, Lab documentation

Unit 8: AC Circuit Analysis (Weeks 20–23)

• Topics: Impedance, Reactance (XL, XC), Phase Angles, Resonance

• Labs:

  • Build and Analyze RLC Circuits

    • Materials: Breadboard, inductors, capacitors, resistors, oscilloscope, function generator

  • Frequency Sweep for Resonance

    • Materials: Function generator, oscilloscope, RLC components

  • Phase Angle Measurement with Oscilloscope

    • Materials: Oscilloscope, dual-channel probes, R and C components

  • Audio Filter Design (High/Low/Band Pass)

    • Materials: Audio source, capacitors, resistors, oscilloscope, breadboard

• Activities: Impedance triangle building, circuit modeling

• Assessment: Calculations quiz, Resonance test, Group presentation

Unit 9: Transformers and Power Distribution (Weeks 24–26)

• Topics: Magnetic Induction, Transformer Basics, Step-up/Step-down Applications

• Labs:

  • Transformer Ratio and Load Test

    • Materials: Step-down transformer, load resistor, DMM

  • Build a Simple Power Transfer Demo

    • Materials: Ferrite core, wire, multimeter

  • Design a Step-Down Power Adapter

    • Materials: Transformer, rectifier diodes, capacitors, DMM

• Activities: Voltage matching challenge, transformer diagram race

• Assessment: Circuit calculations, Group lab report, Exit tickets

Unit 10: Power Supplies and Rectification (Weeks 27–29)

• Topics: Diodes, Half- and Full-Wave Rectification, Filtering

• Labs:

  • Bridge Rectifier with Capacitor Filter

    • Materials: 1N4007 diodes, capacitors, breadboard, AC source, DMM, oscilloscope

  • Ripple Voltage under Load

    • Materials: Breadboard, resistor, capacitors, oscilloscope

  • LED Polarity Tester

    • Materials: LEDs, resistors, diodes, breadboard, 9V battery

• Activities: Schematic matching, circuit puzzle

• Assessment: Build rubric, Voltage analysis report, Design challenge

Unit 11: Simulation, Troubleshooting, and Final Project (Weeks 30–35)

• Topics: Circuit Design Software (Tinkercad, EveryCircuit), Troubleshooting Techniques

• Project: Build and Document a Custom AC/DC Circuit Application

• Labs:

  • Circuit Simulation with Prebuild Test

    • Materials: Access to simulation software, breadboard components

  • Injected Fault Troubleshooting

    • Materials: Breadboarded circuit with known faults, DMM

  • Blind Breadboarding Challenge

    • Materials: Circuit diagram, breadboard, standard components, DMM

• Assessment: Final Exam, Capstone Rubric, Presentation Panel, Portfolio submission

Unit 12: Career and Industry Connection (Week 36)

• Topics: Industry Certifications, OSHA & NCCER Overview, Career Pathways

• Activities: Industry Guest Speaker, Career Poster Creation, Resume Writing Workshop

• Assessment: Career reflection paper, Certification practice test

Assessments Overview

• Weekly Quizzes & Concept Checks

• Lab Reports with Rubric (Objective, Procedure, Data, Analysis)

• Circuit Construction Practical Exams

• Midterm Project with Peer and Instructor Evaluation

• Final Capstone Project and Presentation

• Career Pathway Research Paper

• Certification Practice Quizzes (OSHA/NCCER Style)

• Simulation-Based Circuit Troubleshooting

• Technical Writing: Lab-to-Report Translation

A TOC of a text book:

Comprehensive AC/DC Electronics Textbook Table of Contents

Preface

• How to Use This Textbook

• Safety and Lab Protocols

• Career Connections in Electronics

Unit 1: Introduction to Electricity and Electronics

• What Is Electricity?

• History and Applications

• Safety Fundamentals and PPE

• Tools of the Trade: DMMs, Oscilloscopes, Breadboards

• Hands-On Lab: Tool Identification and Safety Setup

  • Materials: DMM, breadboard, wire stripper, jumper wires, goggles

Unit 2: Basic Concepts of Electricity

• Atomic Structure and Charge

• Voltage, Current, and Resistance Defined

• Units and Measurement

• Ohm's Law

• Power in Electrical Systems

• Hands-On Lab: Ohm’s Law with Variable Resistors

  • Materials: Breadboard, resistors, potentiometers, DMM, 9V battery

Unit 3: Series and Parallel Circuits

• Characteristics of Series Circuits

• Characteristics of Parallel Circuits

• Combination Circuits

• Voltage and Current Behavior in Circuits

• Kirchhoff's Laws

• Hands-On Lab: Series vs Parallel Light Bulb Brightness

  • Materials: Breadboard, bulbs, sockets, battery

• Hands-On Lab: Troubleshooting Faulty Circuits

  • Materials: Breadboard, DMM, faulty setup

Unit 4: Resistors and Applications

• Types of Resistors

• Resistor Color Code and Tolerance

• Reading and Measuring Resistors

• Resistors in Series and Parallel

• Voltage Divider Applications

• Thermistors and Variable Resistors

• Hands-On Lab: Resistor ID and Sorting

  • Materials: Assorted resistors, color code chart, DMM

• Hands-On Lab: Voltage Divider Design

  • Materials: Breadboard, resistors, LED, DMM

Unit 5: Capacitors and RC Networks

• What Is Capacitance?

• Charging and Discharging Curves

• RC Time Constants

• Filtering Applications (Low/High Pass)

• Hands-On Lab: RC LED Timer Circuit

  • Materials: Breadboard, capacitor, resistor, LED, 9V battery, stopwatch

• Hands-On Lab: Audio Low-Pass Filter

  • Materials: Breadboard, audio source, resistors, capacitors, oscilloscope

Unit 6: Measurement and Troubleshooting Techniques

• Using a Digital Multimeter (DMM)

• Introduction to Oscilloscopes

• Measuring Voltage, Current, Resistance

• Injected Fault Identification

• Hands-On Lab: Troubleshooting a Mixed Circuit

  • Materials: DMM, breadboard, prebuilt error circuit

Unit 7: Introduction to AC Theory

• AC vs DC

• Sine Waves, Frequency, and Period

• RMS, Peak, and Average Values

• Introduction to Signal Generators and Oscilloscopes

• Hands-On Lab: Sine Wave Measurement with Oscilloscope

  • Materials: Function generator, scope, leads

Unit 8: Impedance and AC Circuit Analysis

• Reactance and Impedance (XL, XC, Z)

• RLC Circuits and Resonance

• Phase Relationships in AC Circuits

• Hands-On Lab: RLC Resonance with Frequency Sweep

  • Materials: Function generator, oscilloscope, RLC parts

• Hands-On Lab: Phase Angle Observation

  • Materials: Dual-channel oscilloscope, resistors/capacitors

Unit 9: Transformers and Induction

• Magnetic Fields and Inductance

• Transformer Principles and Ratios

• Step-Up and Step-Down Examples

• Hands-On Lab: Transformer Load Testing

  • Materials: Step-down transformer, resistors, DMM

• Hands-On Lab: Build Mini Power Transfer Circuit

  • Materials: Ferrite core, wire, multimeter

Unit 10: Diodes and Rectification

• Semiconductor Basics

• Diode Behavior in Circuits

• Half-Wave and Full-Wave Rectifiers

• Smoothing with Capacitors

• Hands-On Lab: Full-Wave Bridge Rectifier

  • Materials: Breadboard, 1N4007 diodes, filter capacitor, AC adapter, DMM

• Hands-On Lab: Ripple Voltage Measurement

  • Materials: Oscilloscope, load resistors, capacitors

Unit 11: Power Supplies and Voltage Regulation

• Unregulated vs Regulated Power Supplies

• Zener Diodes and Voltage Regulators

• Designing Small DC Power Supplies

• Hands-On Lab: Build a 5V Regulated Supply

  • Materials: 7805 regulator, capacitors, diodes, DMM

• Hands-On Lab: Load Testing a Power Supply

  • Materials: Breadboard, resistors, multimeter

Unit 12: Simulation and Digital Tools

• Using Circuit Simulators (Tinkercad, EveryCircuit)

• Comparing Simulated and Real-World Results

• Design and Testing of Virtual Circuits

• Hands-On Lab: Simulate and Build a DC System

  • Materials: Access to simulation software, physical components

Unit 13: Final Project and Capstone

• Planning and Proposing a Custom AC/DC System

• Design, Build, Test, and Present

• Project Examples: LED Lighting System, Audio Amp, Timed Alarm

• Materials: Breadboard, capacitors, resistors, LEDs, power supplies, sensors

Unit 14: Careers and Certification Preparation

• CTE and OSHA Overview

• Industry Pathways in Electronics

• Resume and Interview Skills

• Certification Prep Tests

Appendices

• Glossary of Terms

• Resistor and Capacitor Charts

• Common Tools and Symbols

• Breadboarding Guide

• Formulas and Calculators

• Sample Lab Report Template

• Instructor Resource Guide

Index