Session 24: Task A: brief and planning
Learning outcomes
- Turn the Task A brief into measurable success criteria
- Produce a state table, IPO diagram and pin and power plan
- Prove each button and output with a short test sketch
Kit and components
- Uno, breadboard, 2 push buttons, 2 LEDs, 2 × 330 Ω resistors, jumpers
- Multimeter and oscilloscope
- Printed Task A brief and criteria grid
Pre-reading about 25 min
Students read these on their phones before class. They are listed on the student Before class page.
Session plan
- 0:0015 minDiscuss
Briefing
Walk through the brief, the criteria and the evidence list. Answer questions about the requirements, not about solutions.
- 0:1545 minPlan
Planning evidence
Learners write success criteria, IPO diagram, state table, pin and power plan and BOM. Check and initial each plan before the learner wires anything.
- 1:0045 minBuild
Build and prove subsystems
Learners wire the circuit and prove each button and LED with a test sketch, recording the results. Start the main sketch if time allows.
- 1:4515 minWrap-up
Plan check
Confirm every plan is initialled. Learners without an approved plan finish it as homework.
Checkpoint: ready to move on?
Every learner has an initialled plan and a wired circuit with both buttons and both LEDs proven.
Extension for fast finishers
Start the main sketch: the state variable and debounced inputs.
Catch-up path
Learners without an approved plan complete it at home from the planning lesson and bring it to S25 for approval before building.
Homework and practice
Complete the plan and start the sketch.
Facilitator notes
- Initial and time each plan: criterion 1 requires planning produced before wiring.
- Answer 'how do I...' questions by pointing to a lesson section or Code Along exercise, not with code.