Beginner

School Introduction Programme

A practical introduction to electronics and robotics for secondary school students.

Length: 4 weeks
Delivery: 90 minutes per week (2 × 45-minute sessions)

Week by week

Four-week learning plan

Week	Focus	Activities
Week 1	Electronics foundations	Identify components, learn symbols and read simple schematics.
Week 2	LM386 audio amplifier	Build and test a simple, low-voltage amplifier with a small speaker.
Week 3	Automatic street light	Build a light-sensitive circuit that switches an LED on automatically when the surroundings become dark.
Week 4	Test and demonstrate	Check wiring, troubleshoot faults, correct mistakes, and demonstrate both projects.

What students build

The projects

Project 1

LM386 mini audio amplifier

A beginner-friendly circuit for exploring sound amplification.

Learning objectives

Recognise the role of an amplifier IC.
Identify input, power, ground and speaker connections.
Understand electrolytic capacitor polarity.
Test the circuit using a low-voltage supply.

Main components

LM386 amplifier IC and breadboard
Small speaker and 9 V battery with clip
10 kΩ potentiometer and resistors
Electrolytic and ceramic capacitors
Jumper wires and audio input lead

Estimated parts cost per learner: ₦3,700

Project 2

Automatic street light

A low-voltage light-sensing circuit that introduces sensors and automatic control.

Learning objectives

Understand how an LDR senses changes in surrounding light.
Observe how the circuit responds as light levels change.
Use a transistor as an electronic switch.
Adjust and test the circuit’s light-response threshold.

Main components

Light-dependent resistor (LDR)
LED and current-limiting resistor
NPN transistor (such as BC547 or 2N2222) and suitable resistors
Jumper wires, breadboard/protoboard and low-voltage battery supply

Use a low-voltage battery-powered demonstration circuit. The LED is the street-light model; never connect the student circuit to AC mains or real street-light wiring.

Estimated parts cost per learner: ₦2,500

Combined estimate for both projects: ₦6,200 per learner. Indicative Nigerian naira prices only; they vary by supplier and quantity.

Safety first

Safety and classroom checks

Low voltage only

Use battery-powered, low-voltage circuits for student activities.

Check polarity

Verify IC orientation, electrolytic capacitor polarity and LED direction.

Teacher inspection

Inspect wiring before powering each circuit; disconnect power before changing connections.

Programme goal

Inspire learners to continue building and exploring electronics and robotics.

Bring it to your school