Course Overview
Magic of Electrons takes students on a journey into the science of electricity and electronics. Through hands-on projects, students explore electricity, the behavior and parts of atoms, and sensing devices. They learn knowledge and skills in basic circuitry design, and examine the impact of electricity on the world around them. From building their first circuit to programming electronic components, students develop a deep understanding of the principles that power every device in the modern world.
The Big Idea
Electricity is the invisible force that powers modern civilization. By understanding how electrons behave and how circuits work, students gain the foundation to design, build, and innovate with electronic systems.
Course Units
Unit 1: Atoms, Electrons & Electricity
Students explore the atomic structure of matter and discover how the behavior of electrons gives rise to electrical phenomena. They investigate the difference between conductors and insulators, explore static and current electricity, and connect atomic theory to the practical world of electrical engineering.
Key Activities
- Model atomic structure and identify subatomic particles
- Investigate conductors, insulators, and semiconductors
- Explore static electricity through hands-on demonstrations
- Connect atomic behavior to the flow of electric current
Unit 2: Circuits — Series & Parallel
Students build and analyze series and parallel circuits, discovering how voltage, current, and resistance interact according to Ohm's Law. They use multimeters to measure electrical quantities, compare the behavior of different circuit configurations, and troubleshoot circuits that don't work as expected.
Key Activities
- Build and test series and parallel circuits on a breadboard
- Measure voltage, current, and resistance with a multimeter
- Apply Ohm's Law to predict circuit behavior
- Troubleshoot and repair a malfunctioning circuit
Unit 3: Electronic Components & Sensing Devices
Students investigate the electronic components that make modern devices possible — resistors, capacitors, LEDs, transistors, and sensors. They explore how each component functions and how they work together in circuits. Students build circuits that incorporate sensing devices, creating systems that respond to light, temperature, and other environmental inputs.
Key Activities
- Identify and test common electronic components
- Build circuits incorporating LEDs, resistors, and capacitors
- Explore how transistors act as switches and amplifiers
- Create a sensing circuit that responds to environmental input
Unit 4: Applied Electronics — Design Challenge
Students apply their electronics knowledge to a design challenge, creating a functional electronic system that solves a real problem. They plan their circuit, select appropriate components, build and test their design, and document their work. Students present their completed electronic projects and reflect on the engineering process.
Key Activities
- Define a problem that can be solved with an electronic system
- Plan and schematically draw the circuit design
- Build, test, and refine the electronic prototype
- Present the final project with engineering documentation
Skills You'll Build
Transferable skills developed throughout this course. Learn more about each skill →