Saturday, SAVY Day 1 “Wired Up! Electronics in Action” (5th/6th)
Today in Wired Up, we began by exploring the “hidden world” inside everyday devices. Students learned about the difference between AC (alternating) and DC (direct) electricity—and why the devices we use every day rely on steady, controlled DC power. We talked about how analog signals can vary smoothly (like how loud music can get louder or softer), while digital signals are more like clear yes/no steps. To make this idea real, students used a ladder of switches to convert a range of real-world signals into simple digital on/off patterns, just like computers do. We also introduced key electronic parts: resistors (which slow down and control electric current), capacitors (which store energy briefly and release it), diodes (the “traffic police” that only allow electricity to go in one direction), and transistors (tiny switches that help computers and devices make decisions). Students were amazed to learn that billions of transistors work together inside phones, tablets, and computers!
We also took our first steps into programming—the language we use to tell electronic devices what to do. Students learned what it means for a computer to make a choice using if/else statements, and how loops help a computer repeat steps quickly and efficiently. With these foundations, the students will have the foundations to think like an engineer: breaking problems into smaller steps, testing ideas, and explaining our reasoning.
Next weekend, students will begin hands-on activities using the Arduino microcontroller. They will write simple code and start controlling electronic components themselves. This is where ideas start to come alive, and students get to see how electronics and programming work together to make something interactive.
Dinner Table Questions (Kid-Friendly + Conversation-Starter)
- If a transistor is like a “switch,” what could you imagine turning on or off with it?
- Can you think of a real-life situation where you use an “if/else” decision? (Example: If it’s raining, I wear something different.)
- What electronic device at home do you wonder about the most? What do you think is happening inside it?
Best regards,
Anupam Kumar, Ph.D.