Electronic Worksheet

Our electronic worksheet explains input, output, and signal processing units. Don't worry, it's not hard to grasp.

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MatchCard Science Electronic Worksheet

Objective: Describe the three major parts of an electronic system.

MatchCard: Download below.

MatchCard Information Pieces identify, describe, and give examples of input, output, and signal processing units.

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This is MatchCard #3 of the Technology Unit Study. Find more information on MatchCard Science below.

Opening Activity: Input and Output

This activity works best with one leader and three kids, though it can be adapted for any number.

Step 1 Written to Verbal

Write the word "heart" on a piece of paper. Show it to Student #1. Student 1 whispers it to Student #2.

Example 2: Verbal to Diagram

Student #2 draws a diagram of a heart after they hear the word from Student 1. Then Student 2 shows their diagram to Student #3.

Step 3: Diagram to Written Word

Student #3 writes the word of the diagram they were shown. Then show that the two written words are both "heart".

Discussion

In this activity each student had an “input” and an “output.” Discuss what those inputs and outputs were.

3 Parts of Electronics

INPUT

Takes signals from the physical world and converts them to different signals.

Signals may be temperature, electrical, or pressure.

Examples:

• Barcode Reader
• Scanner
• Digital Camera
• Joy Stick
• Keyboard
• Microphone

Signal Processing Unit: SPU

The Signal Processing Unit amplifies, interprets, and changes signals.

Signals may be analog or digital.

The Signal Processing Unit (SPU) converts the input signal into the output signal. What was the SPU of your heart activity? The students’ brains processed the input and constructed an output. Every piece of electronic equipment needs “brains” to do its work.

Analog

Analog signals are continuous signals that are transmitted electrically and imitate the original signal. They are older, less expensive.

Digital

Digital signals are discreet binary signals that are transmitted quicker and produce clearer pictures and sounds but with decreased nuances of color and tone.

OUTPUT

The output transforms signals into a useful form.

Signals are often visual or audio.

Examples:

• Monitor
• Printer
• Speaker
• Headphones
• GPS device

Other Actvities

The old televsion sets provided a very easy explanation of input and output signals. The antenna captured the signal and the television screen displayed it. Ask the students to give examples of other types of electronics and what their input and output signals would be.

Input Output Scramble

Use the italicized examples of inputs and outputs provided in the information pieces. You can rewrite them on larger cards if you desire. The student(s) sort them into two piles: input and output.

Diagram

Have students draw simple diagrams of different types of electronics. They should identify the input, output, and SPU. As an alternative to drawing diagrams you can also use:

• Photos taken of electronics in your house
• Pictures from sales brochures/catalogs of your local electronics retailers

Circuit Boards

Ready to learn more? The next MatchCard on Circuit Boards will teach you how incoming signals are changed to outgoing signals. Don't miss any of the MatchCard Science Technology activities.