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Instructions
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Warning: Do not skip this step! Without the resistor, there is a risk that the LED could break when plugged into power.

 

  1. Insert one end of the resistor into any hole in the red row of the breadboard. Remind students the red wire and resistor are now connected (holding hands).

  2. Insert the other end of the resistor into any hole in the blue row of the breadboard.

  3. Use the blue marker to mark this on the schematic as shown in the video.

 

STEM Connections

A resistor needs to be added to a circuit because LEDs can be damaged when too much electric current flows through them. How much a resistor reduces the flow of electric current is known as the resistance and is measured in a unit called Ohms. The resistance of a resistor is indicated by colored lines on the resistor.

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Implementation
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At the Thinkabit Lab, we use the schematic of the circuit to engage students in the following discussion:

  1. Explain to students that since the schematic is colored red on one side of the resistor, we will connect one side of the resistor to the red row.

  2. Ask students: “Where in the breadboard do you think the other side of the resistor should go?”

  3. Students will likely answer the blue or black row.

  4. Explain to students that if we connected the resistor to the black row, that would complete the circuit and skip the LED altogether, so we need to use a different row.  Therefore, we need to use the blue row

  5. Write out “Resistor: red row – blue row”

  6. Using a blue marker to color the connection from the resistor to the LED is a way to show students where components belong on the breadboard.
     

If you are using the Thinkabit Lab Notebook:

Have students fill in the blank on page 13 after “Resistor” with “red row to blue row” and color their schematic.

Resistor:    red row to blue row    

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Troubleshooting
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Resistor legs are bent

  1. The legs of the resistor can be bent or reshaped, as needed.

  2. Replace the resistor if it breaks. It is normal for the resistor to break after repeated reshaping of the legs.

Resistor doesn’t fit into the breadboard

  1. Try a different hole in the same row of the breadboard
Instruction Category
Video