Video aids can be incredibly helpful when teaching electronics in the classroom or preparing yourself for an upcoming lesson. But sometimes searching for the right video can be overwhelming. Not to worry! We did the dirty work for you and combed through a sea of endless options to choose what we thought were the best, possibly underrated ones — and also recommend a few of our own.
How Electricity Works
This video from The Engineering Mindset teaches us how electricity works. The uncomplicated script and fun graphics start with the basics of the free electron in the atom and continue through conductors, voltage, current, resistors, LEDs, capacitors and transformers.
Specific Concepts of Electricity
If you'd rather tackle one concept of electricity at a time, we've put together a series called "Electricity Basics." Creative Engineer Shawn Hymel explains in simple, visual terms about voltage, batteries, electric current, series vs. parallel circuits and more. Choose whatever concept you're covering in a project or lesson; here's one on Ohm's Law that definitely won't put your students to sleep.
Electronics Components
In this video, user Make it mech provides visual aids to demonstrate the basics of useful electronics components. The what, why and how of resistors, potentiometers and switches are explained. This video does not include a voice-over, but the written captions are easy to read and understand.
Intro to Buttons and Switches
Produced with funding from the National Science Foundation, NYU Science of Music takes the confusion out of using buttons and switches in your projects. The basic principle of using these components to complete a circuit by manipulating a mechanical object is laid out simply and efficiently.
Intro to Breadboards
Solderless breadboards are one of the most useful tools in the instruction of basic electronics and circuitry in the classroom. ScienceOnline has simply illustrated how a breadboard functions in circuit design and circuit testing. For another great resource, check out our "How to Use a Breadboard" tutorial.
Basic Soldering
Do you plan to teach soldering in your classroom? In this short video, iFixit provides straightforward instruction for setting up your soldering station and getting started building the skills needed for expert soldering. To make teaching soldering to a group easier, try creating your own giant soldering tools with this tutorial.
Intro to LC Oscillators circa 1974 U.S. Air Force Training Film
When I first came across this video posted by Jeff Quitney, I thought it was a fun look into the past, but this is more than just a cool, vintage training video. The content that is presented is, in fact, incredibly informational:
- Intro to LC oscillators
- Voice-over video with clear visuals
- Possible classroom application — use the same visual representation
- Determining frequency
How to Use a Multimeter
We may be biased, but some of the most useful getting started videos can be found on SparkFunEducation.com. In one of the most popular videos from our "Useful Maker Tools" collection, Shawn demonstrates the various features of a multimeter and how to appropriately take measurements in your circuits. Learn how to use this indispensable tool that allows young makers to analyze circuits and diagnose problems in their electrical design.
We hope you learned something that you can incorporate into your own lesson plans. Do you have any go-to electronics videos? If so, please share links in the comments below!
teaching tools, Adventures in Science