Exploring Basic Electronics for Kids

7 in 1 kit

Guidelines

1. To avoid loosing the small components for building the engine, assemble the engine yourself or
task higher grade learners to do it. Do not allow G1-G3 to do it.

2. Once the parts are cut from the main boards, store them in the zip lock bags provided. Separate
them using colour.

Chapter 1: What is Electricity? Electricity is a form of energy that powers things like lights,
TVs, computers, and toys. It flows through wires like water flows through pipes. Just like water
helps plants grow, electricity helps our gadgets work.

Electricity and Water Analogy Think of electricity like water from a tap:

• The water is like electrons (tiny particles that move in a wire).

• The tap is like a switch (turns electricity on or off).
• The pipe is like a wire (carries electricity).
• The water pressure is like voltage (pushes the electrons).

When you open a tap, water flows. When you turn on a switch, electricity flows!

Chapter 2: Basic Electronic Components

1. LED (Light Emitting Diode) An LED is a tiny light that glows when electricity flows
through it. It only lights up if the electricity flows in the right direction. LEDs are used in
flashlights, indicators, and decorations.

Types of LEDs and Power Requirements

• Red LED – Uses about 1.8 to 2.2 volts

• Green LED – Uses about 2.0 to 3.0 volts
• Blue LED – Uses about 3.0 to 3.5 volts
• White LED – Uses about 3.0 to 3.5 volts
• RGB LED – Has red, green, and blue in one LED
2. Wire A wire is like a road for electricity. It lets electricity travel from one place to
another. Wires are usually made of copper and covered in plastic.

3. Breadboard A breadboard is a special board with holes used to build circuits without
soldering. You can easily plug in wires and components to test how a circuit works.

4. Switch A switch controls the flow of electricity. When it’s ON, electricity flows. When it’s
OFF, it stops.

5. Resistor A resistor slows down the flow of electricity. It protects components like LEDs
from getting too much power.

6. LDR (Light Dependent Resistor) An LDR changes how much it resists electricity based on
light. When it’s bright, it lets more electricity through. When it’s dark, it lets less
electricity through. It’s used in night lights and automatic lamps.
 7. Power Supply A power supply provides the energy that makes your electronic circuit
work. It can come from batteries, USB ports, or wall adapters. It converts electricity
from a source into the right voltage and current for your project.

8. Buzzer A buzzer produces sound by converting electrical energy to sound energy. It

produces a beeping sound.

Chapter 3: What is an Arduino?

An Arduino is a small computer that can control things like lights, motors, and sensors. You can
tell it what to do by writing code (simple instructions). It helps us build fun and useful electronic
projects.

Types of Arduino Boards

1. Arduino Uno – Best for beginners. It has many pins and is easy to program.
 2. Arduino Nano – Small and handy. Fits in small spaces.
3. Arduino Mega – Has lots of pins. Used in big projects.
4. Arduino Leonardo – Can act like a keyboard or mouse.
5. Arduino Micro – Very small, good for compact projects.

Basic Arduino Syntax

1. Structure of a Sketch

Every Arduino program (called a sketch) has two main functions:

void setup() {
// Runs once at the beginning
}

void loop() {
// Runs continuously after setup()
}

2. Comments
// Single-line comment

/*
Multi-line
comment
*/

3. Variables
int ledPin = 13; // integer variable
float sensorValue = 0; // decimal numbers
char letter = 'A'; // single character
String text = "Hello"; // string of text

4. Pin Modes
pinMode(13, OUTPUT); // set pin 13 as output
pinMode(2, INPUT); // set pin 2 as input
pinMode(3, INPUT_PULLUP); // input with internal pull-up resistor

5. Digital I/O
digitalWrite(13, HIGH); // turn pin 13 ON
digitalWrite(13, LOW); // turn pin 13 OFF

int buttonState = digitalRead(2); // read pin 2 (HIGH or LOW)

6. Analog I/O
int value = analogRead(A0); // read analog pin A0 (0–1023)
analogWrite (9, 128); // PWM output on pin 9 (0–255)

7. Control Structures
// IF statement
if (value > 500) {
digitalWrite (13, HIGH);
} else {
digitalWrite(13, LOW);
}

// FOR loop
for (int i = 0; i < 5; i++) {
digitalWrite(13, HIGH);
delay(200);
digitalWrite(13, LOW);
delay(200);
}

// WHILE loop
while (digitalRead(2) == LOW) {
digitalWrite(13, HIGH);
}

8. Timing
delay(1000); // wait 1 second
unsigned long t = millis(); // time since Arduino started (ms)

9. Serial Communication
[Link](9600); // start serial at 9600 baud
[Link]("Value: "); // print text
[Link](value); // print text with newline
Chapter 4:

Project 1: Making an LED Blink with Arduino

Uno

G5-G9

What You Need:

• Arduino Uno
• USB cable
• 1 LED
• 1 resistor (220 ohms)
• Breadboard
• Jumper wires

Steps:

1. Plug the LED into the breadboard.

2. Connect the longer leg (positive) of the LED to pin 13 on the Arduino using a jumper
wire.
3. Connect the shorter leg (negative) through the resistor to the ground (GND) on the
Arduino.
4. Plug the Arduino into your computer using the USB cable.
The Code:

void setup() {
pinMode(11, OUTPUT); // Set pin 13 as an output
}

void loop() {
digitalWrite(11, HIGH); // Turn LED
on
delay(1000); // Wait 1 second
digitalWrite(11, LOW); // Turn LED
off delay(1000); // Wait 1 second
}
Altenatively, you can locate this code in File> examples> basics> blink

Upload the code to your Arduino. Watch the LED blink on and off every second!

Project 2: Fading LED (Breathing Effect) G6 - G9

What You Need:

• Arduino Uno
• USB cable
• 1 LED
• 1 resistor (220 ohms)
• Breadboard
• Jumper wires

Steps:

1. Plug the LED into the breadboard.

2. Connect the longer leg (positive) of the LED to pin 5 (a PWM pin, marked with ~) on
the Arduino using a jumper wire.
3. Connect the shorter leg (negative) through the resistor to the ground (GND) on the
Arduino.
4. Plug the Arduino into your computer using the USB cable.
Code:

int ledPin = 5;

void setup() {
pinMode(ledPin, OUTPUT);
}

void loop() {
// increase brightness
for (int brightness = 0; brightness <= 255; brightness++) {
analogWrite(ledPin, brightness); // PWM value
delay(10);
}
// decrease brightness
for (int brightness = 255; brightness >= 0; brightness--) {
analogWrite(ledPin, brightness);
delay(10);
}
}
Altenatively, you can locate this code in File> examples> basics> fade

Explanation:
Instead of turning fully ON/OFF, the LED gradually increases and decreases brightness using PWM
(Pulse Width Modulation), creating a smooth fading or "breathing" effect.

Quiz; Ask the learners to discuss and give answers as to where this project can apply in a real life
situation.
Project 3: LED Chaser (Knight Rider Effect) G6-G9

What You Need:

• Arduino Uno
• USB cable
• 5 LEDs
• 5 resistors (220 ohms)
• Breadboard
• Jumper wires

Steps:

1. Plug the LEDs into the breadboard.

2. Connect the longer leg (positive) of the LED to pins 2,3,4,5,6 on the Arduino using
jumper wires.
3. Connect the shorter leg (negative) through the resistor to the ground (GND) on the
Arduino.
4. Plug the Arduino into your computer using the USB cable.

Code:

// Project 2: LED Chaser

int ledPins[] = {2, 3, 4, 5, 6}; // LED pins
int numLeds = 5;

void setup() {
for (int i = 0; i < numLeds; i++) {
pinMode(ledPins[i], OUTPUT); // set all pins as outputs
}
}
void loop() {
// move LEDs forward
for (int i = 0; i < numLeds; i++) {
digitalWrite(ledPins[i], HIGH);
delay(200);
digitalWrite(ledPins[i], LOW);
}
// move LEDs backward
for (int i = numLeds - 2; i > 0; i--) {
digitalWrite(ledPins[i], HIGH);
delay(200);
digitalWrite(ledPins[i], LOW);
}
}

Explanation:
The LEDs light up one after another and then move back, creating a "chasing" or Knight Rider effect.

Quiz; Ask the learners to discuss and give answers as to where this project can apply in a real life
situation.

✅ These 3 projects teach you:

1. Digital Output Control (Blink)

2. PWM Control (Fading)
3. Multiple LEDs + Loops (Chaser)

G5 PROJECT TERM 3

Automatic security lights

Sensor Knowledge

In this chapter, we will learn about two important components often used in Arduino projects: the LDR
(Light Dependent Resistor) and the Relay.

Light Dependent Resistor (LDR)

An LDR is a sensor that changes its resistance depending on the amount of light falling on it.

• In bright light, the resistance of the LDR becomes very low.

• In darkness, the resistance becomes very high.

By connecting an LDR to the Arduino, we can measure light levels. This makes it useful in projects like:
 • Automatic street lights
• Night security lights

Relay

A Relay is an electrical switch that is controlled by the Arduino. It allows the Arduino to turn high-
power devices (like bulbs, fans, or motors) ON and OFF safely.

• The input side of the relay is connected to the Arduino (low voltage, 5V).
• The output side connects to external devices (can be AC mains or higher voltage).

Relays are used when the Arduino needs to control devices that require more power than it can supply
directly. Common uses include:

• Home automation (lights, appliances)

• Security systems
• Industrial machines

✅ In summary:

• The LDR helps the Arduino sense light.

• The Relay helps the Arduino control big devices.

What you need

• Arduino Uno
• LDR (Light Dependent Resistor)
• 10kΩ Resistor (for voltage divider)
• Relay Module (5V)
• Light bulb / LED (as load)
• Jumper wires + breadboard

Steps

1. LDR + Resistor Voltage Divider:

o Connect LDR between 5V and A0.
o Connect 10kΩ resistor between A0 and GND.
o This way, A0 reads voltage depending on light level.
2. Relay Module:
o IN pin → Arduino pin 8
o VCC → 5V
o GND → GND
 o Relay COM → Bulb live wire, Relay NO → Bulb wire

( If using AC bulb, be careful! Work with insulated wires, or test with an LED + battery first.)
Code
// Automatic Night Security Light

int ldrPin = A0; // Pin where the LDR (light sensor) is connected
int relayPin = 8; // Pin that controls the relay (and the lamp)
int threshold = 500; // The "limit" number to decide dark or bright

void setup() {
pinMode(relayPin, OUTPUT); // Relay will be controlled by Arduino
digitalWrite(relayPin, LOW); // Start with the light OFF
[Link](9600); // Start Serial Monitor (to see numbers)
}

void loop() {
int ldrValue = analogRead(ldrPin); // Read how bright or dark it is
[Link](ldrValue); // Show the value on the Serial Monitor

if (ldrValue < threshold) {

// If it's DARK (value is small), turn ON the light
digitalWrite(relayPin, HIGH);
} else {
// If it's BRIGHT (value is big), turn OFF the light
digitalWrite(relayPin, LOW);
}

delay(500); // Small pause before checking again

}
Explanation

• LDR works as light sensor → resistance decreases when bright, increases when dark.
• Arduino reads the LDR value via A0.
• If it’s (dark), the Arduino activates the relay, turning the lamp ON.
• If it’s (bright), relay is OFF, lamp stays OFF.
• You can monitor values in the Serial Monitor to choose the right threshold.

Quiz; Ask the learners to discuss and give answers as to where this project can apply in a real life
situation.
G6 PROJECT TERM 3

Clap Switch
Sensor Knowledge

Microphone Sensor

A microphone sensor is a device that allows the Arduino to detect sound. It works by converting sound
waves (like claps, speech, or music) into small electrical signals that the Arduino can read.

How it works:

• When there is no sound, the sensor outputs a low or steady signal.

• When a loud sound (like a clap) is detected, the signal spikes and the Arduino can use this to
trigger an action.

In this project, we use a clap to turn an LED on or off.

The sound sensor detects sounds and sends signals to the Arduino. To tell a clap apart from normal
talking, we set a level.
When the sound level goes above this level (like when you clap), the Arduino switches the LED: the first
clap turns it ON, and the next clap turns it OFF.
const int soundSensorPin = A0; // Pin where the Sound Sensor is connected
const int ledPin = 7; // Pin where the LED is connected

void setup() {
pinMode(soundSensorPin, INPUT); // The Sound Sensor will send signals to Arduino
pinMode(ledPin, OUTPUT); // The LED will be controlled by Arduino
[Link](9600); // Start Serial Monitor (to see numbers and messages)
}

void loop() {
int soundValue = analogRead(soundSensorPin); // Read how loud the sound is

[Link]("Sound Level: "); // Show the sound level number on the screen
[Link](soundValue);

int threshold = 500; // The "limit" number to decide if the sound is loud

if (soundValue > threshold) {

// If the number is bigger than the limit, it means the sound is loud
digitalWrite(ledPin, HIGH); // Turn ON the LED
delay(5000); // Keep it ON for 5 seconds
} else {
// If the sound is quiet
digitalWrite(ledPin, LOW); // Turn OFF the LED
}

delay(500); // Small pause before checking again

}

Applications:

• Clap to turn ON/OFF a light.

• Sound-activated alarms.
• Voice-controlled home automation (basic level).
G7 project term 3

Arduino Based Fire Alarm System

Sensor Knowledge
Infrared Fire Sensor

An infrared fire sensor is a device used to detect flames by sensing the infrared (IR) light they produce.
Fire emits infrared radiation, which the sensor picks up and converts into an electrical signal that the
Arduino can understand.

How it works:

• When there is no flame, the sensor gives a LOW (0) output.

• When a flame is detected, the sensor gives a HIGH (1) output to the Arduino.
• Some modules also have an analog output, which changes depending on how close or intense
the flame is.

✅ In summary:
An infrared fire sensor helps the Arduino detect flames quickly so it can trigger alarms or activate fire
safety measures.

A fire alarm system is a safety device that helps detect fire early and warn people. In this project, we
use an Arduino with a flame sensor or smoke sensor to build a simple fire alarm.

The sensor continuously monitors the environment. If it detects fire (flame or smoke), it sends a signal
to the Arduino. The Arduino then activates a buzzer and/or LED to alert people about the danger.

This system is cheap, easy to build, and can be improved by adding more features like sending an SMS
alert or turning on a water pump for firefighting.

Materials Needed:

1. Arduino board (e.g., Arduino Uno, Arduino Nano)

2. Flame Sensor module
3. Resistor (10k ohms)
4. LED (optional, for visual indication)
5. Breadboard and jumper wires
6. USB cable for Arduino
7. Computer with the Arduino IDE installed ([Link]

Step 1: Wiring

Connect the Flame Sensor module to the Arduino board as follows:

 • Connect the module’s A0 (Analog Output) pin to the A0 analog input pin on the Arduino.
• Connect the module’s D0 (Digital Output) pin to a digital pin on the Arduino (e.g., D2).
• Connect the module’s GND (Ground) pin to the GND pin on the Arduino.
• Connect the module’s VCC (Voltage) pin to the 5V pin on the Arduino.
• Place a 10k ohm resistor between the VCC pin and the D0 pin of the module.

const int flameSensorPin = A0; // Pin where the Flame Sensor is connected
const int flameIndicatorPin = 2; // Pin where the LED is connected

void setup() {
pinMode(flameSensorPin, INPUT); // The Flame Sensor will send signals to Arduino
pinMode(flameIndicatorPin, OUTPUT); // The LED will be controlled by Arduino
[Link](9600); // Start Serial Monitor (to see numbers and messages)
}

void loop() {
int flameValue = analogRead(flameSensorPin); // Read how much light the Flame Sensor sees

[Link]("Flame Sensor Value: "); // Show the sensor number on the screen
[Link](flameValue);

int threshold = 400; // The "limit" number to decide if fire is seen

if (flameValue < threshold) {

// If the number is less than the limit, it means fire is close
digitalWrite(flameIndicatorPin, HIGH); // Turn ON the LED
} else {
// If no fire is seen
digitalWrite(flameIndicatorPin, LOW); // Turn OFF the LED
}
}
delay(100); // Small delay to avoid rapid repeated detections
}

Applications:

• Fire alarm systems.

• Automatic fire extinguishing systems.
• Safety systems in industries and homes.
• Robots that can detect and respond to fire.
An Arduino-based fire alarm can be used in many places where early fire detection is important for
safety. Some examples include:

• Homes and Apartments → to warn families in case of fire or smoke.

• Schools and Colleges → to protect students and staff in classrooms and labs.
• Offices and Shops → to safeguard employees, equipment, and documents.
• Warehouses and Factories → to prevent damage to goods and machines.
• Hospitals → to protect patients and sensitive medical equipment.
• Libraries and Data Centers → where important books, records, or servers are stored.

In short: Arduino fire alarm systems are useful in any place where fire can cause harm to people,
property, or equipment.

G8 project term 3

Driving alert system

Sensor Knowledge
Ball Switch Sensor

A ball switch sensor is a simple device used to detect movement or tilt. Inside the sensor, there is a
small metal ball that rolls and makes contact with electrical terminals when the sensor is moved or
tilted. This opens or closes the circuit, which the Arduino can read as HIGH or LOW.

How it works:

• When the sensor is still/upright, the ball rests in place and may complete the circuit (CLOSED).
• When the sensor is shaken or tilted, the ball moves away, breaking the circuit (OPEN).
• The Arduino detects this change as a digital signal (0 or 1).

Applications:

• Anti-theft alarms (detects movement of objects).

• Tilt detection in toys and gadgets.
 • Motion-activated devices.
• Detecting orientation of small robots or devices.

✅ In summary:
A ball switch sensor helps the Arduino detect movement or tilt by sensing the position of a rolling ball
inside the sensor.

The Ball Switch module is a sensor designed to detect the tilting or rolling motion of a ball inside the
module. It’s an entertaining and engaging sensor that you can use in various Arduino projects. In this
step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to set up the Ball Switch module with an Arduino and how to
use it to create interactive projects.

Required Components:

• Arduino board (e.g., Arduino Uno, Arduino Nano)

• Ball Switch module
• Breadboard and jumper wires
• USB cable for Arduino
• Computer with the Arduino IDE installed ([Link]

Step 1: Wiring

Connect the Ball Switch module to the Arduino board as follows:

• Connect the module’s GND (Ground) pin to the GND pin on the Arduino.
• Connect the module’s VCC (Voltage) pin to the 5V pin on the Arduino.
• Connect the module’s DO (Digital Output) pin to any digital pin on the Arduino (e.g., D2).

Step 2: Arduino Code

const int ballSwitchPin = 2; // Pin where the Ball Switch is connected

const int buzzerPin = 4; // Pin where the Buzzer is connected

void setup() {
pinMode(ballSwitchPin, INPUT); // Ball Switch will give signals to Arduino
[Link](9600); // Start Serial Monitor (to see messages on the computer)
pinMode(buzzerPin, OUTPUT); // Buzzer will be controlled by Arduino
}

void loop() {
int ballState = digitalRead(ballSwitchPin); // Check if the Ball Switch is rolling or still
 if (ballState == HIGH) {
[Link]("Ball is rolling!"); // Show message on Serial Monitor
digitalWrite(buzzerPin, HIGH); // Turn ON the Buzzer
delay(4000); // Keep buzzer ON for 4 seconds
} else {
digitalWrite(buzzerPin, LOW); // Turn OFF the Buzzer
delay(1000); // Wait for 1 second
}

delay(100); // Small pause so it doesn’t check too fast

}
G9 term 3 project

Anti theft alarm system

The Shock Sensor Module, also known as a vibration sensor or shake sensor, is designed to detect
sudden movements or shocks. It is commonly used in security systems, impact detection projects, and
interactive installations.

Materials Needed:

1. Arduino board (e.g., Arduino Uno, Arduino Nano)

2. Shock Sensor Module (e.g., SW-420)
3. Buzzer or LED (optional, for alert indication)
4. Resistor (220 ohms, if using an LED)
5. Breadboard and jumper wires
6. USB cable for Arduino
7. Computer with the Arduino IDE installed ([Link]

Step 1: Wiring

Connect the Shock Sensor Module to the Arduino board as follows:

• Connect the module’s VCC (Voltage) pin to the 5V pin on the Arduino.
• Connect the module’s GND (Ground) pin to the GND pin on the Arduino.
• Connect the module’s OUT (Digital Output) pin to a digital pin on the Arduino (e.g., D2).

Step 2: Optional Alert Indication

If you want to add an alert indication, you can use either a buzzer or an LED.

• For a buzzer:
o Connect the positive (longer) leg of the buzzer to a digital pin on the Arduino (e.g., D3).
o Connect the negative (shorter) leg of the buzzer to the GND pin on the Arduino.
• For an LED:
o Connect the anode (longer leg) of the LED to a digital pin on the Arduino (e.g., D3).
 o Connect the cathode (shorter leg) of the LED to a 220 ohm resistor, and then connect
the other end of the resistor to the GND pin on the Arduino.

Step 3: Coding

const int shockSensorPin = 2; // Pin where the Shock Sensor is connected

const int alertPin = 3; // Pin where the Buzzer or LED is connected

void setup() {

pinMode(shockSensorPin, INPUT); // Shock Sensor will give signals to Arduino

pinMode(alertPin, OUTPUT); // Buzzer/LED will be controlled by Arduino

digitalWrite(alertPin, LOW); // Make sure Buzzer/LED is off at the start

[Link](9600); // Start Serial Monitor (to see messages on the computer)

void loop() {

int shockValue = digitalRead(shockSensorPin); // Read if the Shock Sensor feels movement

if (shockValue == HIGH) {

[Link]("Shock detected!"); // Show message on Serial Monitor

digitalWrite(alertPin, HIGH); // Turn ON the Buzzer or LED

} else {

digitalWrite(alertPin, LOW); // Turn OFF the Buzzer or LED

delay(100); // Small wait so it doesn’t repeat too fast