Draw the Schematic - AgTech

1. Draw the symbols of the three components as shown in the video. Begin with the symbol for the power source, then the symbol for the resistor, and finally the symbol for the LED.

2. Connect the three components with lines as shown in the video. Notice once the symbols are connected the electrical circuit is complete. 

STEM Connections

An electrical schematic is a technical drawing of an electrical circuit. This is the schematic of the electrical circuit that can be referenced as the circuit is built using the components (materials that were explored). Schematics only show how the components are connected and how electric current flows from one component to the next. A schematic does show the connections between components, but there are many ways in which the real components can be arranged in the actual circuit.

An alternative option for the order you draw the schematic is listed below:

1. Have students draw the battery symbol.
    
2. Then draw the LED symbol across from the battery symbol and emphasize that they will be using 5 volts to power the LED, but that the LED only needs 3 volts to work properly.
    
3. Ask students what we can use to protect our LEDs.  We need a resistor to help reduce the flow of electricity and protect the LED from burning out. 
    
4. Ask students if the circuit is complete before drawing the final line connecting the LED to the negative side of power.  This emphasizes the idea of having a complete circuit.

If you are using the Thinkabit Lab Notebook:

Have students draw the schematic in their notebook.