Thursday 28 February 2013

Design and electronics...


Beginning at December 2012 we have started the course “basics of electronics” with our first year craft and technology teacher students. The first task was to get them to manufacture a simple circuit connection, which operates as an electricity indicator. They had to design also a workable and compact casing for it. The device is useful for example in checking the state of fuses in the home electrical center. I prefer student agreeable projects: the second task for my students was to get them to design a stereo-amplifier for their own purpose use. They were allowed to use an existing circuit, and one electronics store supplied them the very cheap components. However, they had to design and manufacture the circuit boards on their own, as well as the boxes and other devices for the amplifiers and loudspeakers. In craft and technology education, the theory knowledge, knowledge of design and working has the equal importance. During the lectures we have been studying the basics of electronics, the function of the components and simple calculations with different quantities. During the demonstration lessons the students have been working with their projects. In the end of the project we are going to organize an exhibition and evaluation session. Kouluelektroniikka Oy (the electronics store) will become to test the devices.  I’m waiting they will become ready! We have already tested quite many amplifiers, and the technology is ok. I suppose that also the design of all devices will be fine!

Some of the students’ projects are challenging.