California Career and Technical Education Standards

• ED.B.B1.1 Understand the classification and use of various electronic components, symbols,...
• ED.B.B1.2 Plan, prepare, and interpret mechanical, civil, chemical, and electrical sketche...
• ED.B.B1.3 Know the current industry standards for illustration and layout.
• ED.B.B1.5 Draw flat layouts of a variety of objects by using the correct drafting tools, t...
• ED.C.C2.2 Apply conventional engineering design processes and procedures accurately, appro...
• ED.D.D1.1 Understand the classification and use of various electronic components, symbols,...
• ED.D.D1.4 Draw flat layouts of a variety of objects by using the correct drafting tools, t...

• Completed distribution board review - Demo / Modeling

  The teacher will use the completed power distribution board with motors and battery used in lessons 1 and 2 to review students prior knowledge of the components of these systems. Students will be randomly given cards with tape that represent the various components and asked to tape their cards to the appropriate components when asked. If a student does not know or tapes incorrectly, a review discussion will ensue.

  Prior knowledge required: students should have completed lessons 1 and 2
• Introduction to Proper Circuit Diagram layout, conventions and symbols - Lecture

  Students will be given 2 documents: an example of a basic circuit diagram in the form of an automatic room light controller circuit diagram, and a list of the common circuit elements, along with the symbols that represent them on a circuit diagram. 

  Using the example circuit, the teacher will point out the various elements of the circuit, noting that all lines are drawn with a ruler or straight edge, that lines represent wires, lines are always drawn parallel and at 90 degree angles (only vertically and horizontally). The lecture should stress neatness overall, but pay special detail to how element labels are written parallel to the wires. 

  Alternatively, students could be asked to make observations about the circuit, and the teacher could write them on the board. 

  In any event, the lecture should end with a summary of basic circuit diagram rules:

  1. All lines should be drawn with a ruler or straight edge

  2. Lines represent  wires. They should always be drawn at 90 degree angles to each other (they should be only horizontal or vertical)

  3. Whenever possible, circuit elements should be labeled. Writing should be parallel to wire which provides current to circuit element. 

  4. Drawing should be as simple and neat as possible, but express the necessary information. 

  • roomlight.circuit.gif [ View Image ] [ Download Original ] automatic room light controller circuit diagram
  • 400px-Circuit_elements.png [ View Image ] [ Download Original ] Circuit diagram symbols
• Circuit Diagram construction - Demo / Modeling

  Students will be given blank sheets of paper. Using the rules list from the previous lesson, the completed Power Distribution Board with motors and battery, and cut-outs of the various circuit elements of the power distribution board, students will be asked to draw complete circuit diagrams representing the power distribution board, motors and battery.

  Required prior knowledge: Use of drafting equipment.