Electricity and Electronics
Syllabus
Our Electricity and Electronics class is for anyone who wants to learn more about electronics. In one year they
will develop an understanding of electromagnetic theory, the ability to design circuits, and hands on skills
constructing circuits. We supply the information, the lab and equipment. You supply the brain power and the
work ethic. We will assign reading and homework suitable for 180 hours effort in this topic. This class is a
prerequisite for Robotics (2014-2015). Register after July 1 at www.mindgearlabs.com/homeschool/.
Prerequisites: First year Algebra completed.
Class Time: Thursdays 1-4pm
Fees: $135/mo or reduced rate of $1100/year. Covers classes, books and all materials.
Materials: Text is TBD, Portable electronics kit, breadboard and Arduino with shield
August 22 – Introduction to Class, Atomic theory, conductors and insulators Lab: Coin Battery
August 29 – Ohm’s Law. Resistor identification
Lab: Simple light circuit
September 5 – Series and Parallel Circuits, Reading Circuit Diagrams
Lab: Voltage Dividers
September 12 – Kirchoff’s Law, Circuit analysis
Lab: Multimeter Diagnostics
September 19 – Variable Resistors
Lab: Dimming light
September 26 – Capacitors
Lab: Blinking light
October 3 – Diodes, Solar Panels
Lab: Solar Recharging Circuit
October 10 – Introduction to Soldering
Lab: Soldering Lab
October 17 – Catch up class, Advanced topics
October 24 – Alternating Current, Impedance, Reactance
Lab: Sound Generator
October 31 - Oscilloscopes
Lab: TBD
November 7 - Inductors
Lab: RLC circuit
November 14 – High and Low Pass Filters
Lab: Filter circuit
November 21 – Rectifiers and Transformers
Lab: Power supply
November 28 – Thanksgiving
December 5 – Magnetism, Electric Motors
Lab: Electric motor frame
December 12 – Electromagnets and Servos
Lab: Steerable Chassis
December 19 – Catch up class, Advanced topics
December 26 – Christmas
January 2 – New Years
January 9 - Binary Logic
Lab: TBD
January 16 - Semiconductors, Integrated Circuits
Lab: 555 IC timer
January 23 – Basics of Coding
Lab: Programmable IC
January 30 – Basics of Coding Cont.
Lab: Programmable IC
February 6 – Gates and Multiplexors
Lab: Logic Board
February 13 – Schmidt Triggers, Latching
Lab: Control Board
February 20 – Catch up class, Advanced topics
February 27 – Field Effect Transistors
Lab: FET experiments
March 6 – Solenoids, Audio Theory
Lab: Speakers
March 13 – Amplifiers, Op-Amps, Comparators
Lab: Variable power supply
March 20 – Control Theory
Lab: Precision controlled motor
March 27 – Spring break
April 3 – Introduction to Arduino
Lab: TBD
April 10 – Sensors, thermal, position, light
Lab: Sensor lab
April 17 – RF Modulation, Antennas
Lab: Transmitter-receiver
April 24 – RS232 peripherals, USB controllers
Lab: maneuvering robot
May 1 – Catch up class, Advanced Topics
May 8 – Weather Day
8331 Madison Blvd, Suite 200B
Madison, AL 35758
256-705-4327
www.mindgearlabs.com