KS3 Electronics & micro:bit: Lesson 1 – Circuit Symbols, Breadboards & Tinkercad Simulation

Fully resourced KS3 Electronics & micro:bit lesson introducing students to real electronic components, circuit symbols, breadboards and Tinkercad simulation.

Dyslexia-friendly PowerPoint, structured worksheet and step-by-step practical tasks included. Ideal for both practical and computer-based lessons.

Students learn:

• What key electronic components are and how they are represented using circuit symbols
• How to recognise resistors, LEDs, batteries, switches, buttons and thermistors
• How to safely navigate and use a breadboard
• How Tinkercad can simulate real circuits for free—perfect for homework, home learning or low-equipment schools
• How microcontrollers (like the micro:bit) fit into modern electronics

Lesson activities:

• Highlighting key information to build literacy in electronics
• Introductory electronics theory: batteries, current, LEDs, resistors and why they matter
• “Crack the Circuit” challenge (18 fast-paced levels)
• Research task: students locate circuit symbols, component names and functions
• Guided Tinkercad task: locate key components and assemble basic circuits
  • Battery + bulb
  • Battery + bulb + switch
  • Battery + LED + resistor + button
  • Potato-powered circuit (creative challenge)
• Clear “Is it OK to move on?” checkpoints ensure mixed-ability pacing

Challenge tasks:

• Build multiple circuits in Tinkercad
• Experiment with LED polarity and resistor values
• Try improvising unusual power sources (e.g., potato battery)

Lesson objectives:

• Introduction to the electronics course
• Recognise and understand common circuit symbols
• Use a breadboard and virtual circuits to simulate real electronics

Perfect for:

• KS3 Computing / Electronics / Design Technology
• Schools without full electronics kits (Tinkercad works 100% free)
• micro:bit preparation for later lessons involving coding + hardware