Suggested YouTube Video for Full Process:
YouTube Video Link: https://youtu.be/50l3fREv0Qo
Reference WebSite Link: https://www.instructables.com/How-to-Teach-an-Online-Circuits-Class-With-Tinkerc/
Note: This Blog Article is inspired by the above Reference Website Article.
Tinkercad is known as a beginner-friendly 3D CAD program, but it also includes a circuit and Arduino simulator that runs in a web browser. This makes it a useful tool for teaching introductory circuits and Arduino classes both in person and online.
What is Tinkercad Circuits?
Tinkercad Circuits is a fully functional Arduino and circuit simulator that runs in a web browser. It can be accessed by logging into Tinkercad and clicking "Circuits" in the left menu. While other circuit simulators exist, Tinkercad provides a "breadboard view" with graphics that look like the physical circuit parts. This is more beginner-friendly than the "schematic view" used by many other simulators. The ability to simulate an Arduino and run code directly in the web browser is an added benefit.
When to Use Tinkercad Circuits
Tinkercad Circuits is useful in several scenarios:
Active learning in large lectures: Students can follow along with the instructor by building circuits on their laptops.
Online classes: Simulations can help keep an online class engaging.
Remote debugging: Students can rebuild their circuits in Tinkercad and share their screen to make it easier to debug.
Introductory makerspace/library workshops: Tinkercad allows people to explore and practice without needing to purchase their own Arduino.
Teaching with Tinkercad: A Step-by-Step Approach
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| Teaching TinkerCAD CIrcuits || Basic LED Circuit |
Account Creation:
Ensure students create accounts at www.tinkercad.com before the class begins.
Interactive Screen Sharing:
Share your screen and guide students to open a separate browser tab for real-time participation.
Circuit Creation:
From the main page, instruct students to click "Circuits" followed by "Create new Circuit," and to rename the circuit accordingly.
Basic LED Circuit:
Familiarize students with the interface by guiding them through the construction of a basic LED circuit consisting of a 9V battery, LED, and 1K resistor. Emphasize the importance of connecting the LED’s anode to the battery’s positive terminal.
Wire Color-Coding:
Explain the significance of wire color-coding, using red for positive connections and black for negative connections.
Simulation:
Initiate the simulation by pressing the "Start Simulation" button to illuminate the LED.
Microcontroller Explanation:
Clarify that a microcontroller executes a single task, such as automatically toggling an LED.
Arduino Integration:
Instruct students to create a new circuit incorporating an Arduino and a breadboard.
Power Connections:
Connect the Arduino 5V pin to the breadboard + bus using a red wire and the Arduino GND pin to the breadboard – bus using a black wire.
Bus Connections:
Connect the left and right-side buses.
Wiring Practices:
Emphasize the importance of maintaining neat and color-coded wiring.
Code Editor:
Open the Code Editor and explain that the code instructs the Arduino to utilize pin 13 as an output for controlling devices like LEDs, enabling the LED to blink on and off at one-second intervals.
Simulation Activation:
Press the Start Simulation button and zoom in on the Arduino to observe the built-in LED next to the letter “L” blinking.
Level up your online circuits class! The "TinkerCAD Circuits Reference Handbook" provides educators with comprehensive guidance, innovative teaching methods, and hands-on examples for engaging students using Tinkercad. Buy now and transform your online classroom!
For more details on eBook click this link:
TinkerCAD Circuits Reference Handbook eBook: About Page
Happy Tinkering!
…till next post, bye-bye and take care.
