Resistors

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Metrix Prefix Sheet
Metrix Conversion Sheet
Resistor Practice Sheet
Resistor Quiz
Student Sample One
Student Sample Two
Student Sample Three

Name: Joan Westcott & Carmel Rastley

Grade: 11

School: Seaway Area Tech Center

  1. Title/Context Of Learning Experience
    Many of the CTE programs at Seaway Tech need to be able to calculate the value and tolerances of resistors. As prior knowledge, students need to have a basic understanding of place value, both whole numbers and decimals. A basic understanding of Ohm’s Law is helpful but not necessary. This unit can be taught either before or after the Ohm’s law unit.

    MST.S3.C 6 – recognize the order of real numbers
    MST.S3.C 8 – use addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and exponentiation with real numbers and algebraic expressions
    MST.S3.C 13 – represent problem situations symbolically by using algebraic expressions, sequences, tree diagrams, geometric figures, and graphs.

  2. Essential Question
    What do the colored bands on these resistors stand for?
  3. Assessment Plan
    Students are assessed through the use of bell ringers, observation of their work in the lab/shop, and quiz/test question.

    Levels:
    Distinguished - =/>95%
    Proficient - =/>70% to 94%
    Developing - <70%

    When students are assessed, they receive reteaching for any assignments that they achieve <70% on. Reaching is optional for students receiving =/>70% and many will take part voluntarily.

  4. Procedure
    Activities/Procedures

    Day 1
    1. Assess prior knowledge
    2. Introduce resistors and the color code.
    3. Make resistor color wheels
    4. Practice determining resistor value using the color wheel.
    5. Summarize

    Day 2
    1. Discuss practical application of expressing numbers with large amount of zeroes.
    2. Teach converting to the most commonly used prefixes, mega, kilo, milli, and micro.
    3. Do several problems together.
    4. Assign guided practice problems to be completed in pairs.
    5. Go over practice problems.
    6. Summarize

    Day 3
    1. Review using the color wheel.
    2. Introduce the concept of tolerance and the fourth color band.
    3. Do several problems together.
    4. Assign guided practice problems to be completed in pairs.
    5. Go over practice problems.
    6. Summarize

    Day 4
    1. Review calculating resistor value and tolerance.
    2. Demonstrate use of a multimeter and do several readings.
    3. Have students use a multimeter to measure the resistance of a resistor and determine if it is within its tolerance.
    4. Summarize

    Day 5
    1. Review calculating resistor value and tolerance.
    2. Reteach as necessary.

    Day 6
    Quiz

  5. Resources
    Online Resistor Calculator - http://www.dannyg.com/examples/res2/resistor.htm
    Resistor Color Chart - http://www.radioing.com/hamradio/resistors.html
    Resistor Color Wheel - http://www.kpsec.freeuk.com/components/rescal.htm

    Materials:
    resistor color charts
    resistor color wheels
    colored pencils
    brass brads
    resistor worksheets
    resistors
    multimeters
    quiz
    laminated “resistors”

  6. Instructional/Environmental Modifications
    Calculators are available for the students with IEPs indicating the need for a calculator. The students are allowed to use their color wheels for all assignments and assessments. We have resistor color charts posted throughout the room. We also have pocket cards for the students that have the resistor color chart and the power wheel on them.
  7. Time Required
    Teacher time: minimal once the materials have been developed. It will take a couple hours to make the resistors for bell ringers.
    Student time: This learning experience will take approximately 45 minutes per day for 6 days.
  8. Reflection
    Resistors have many applications in CTE. This unit not only effectively teaches students how to determine the value of a resistor and its tolerance, but also teaches how to test them with a multimeter to determine if they are within tolerance.

    The unit was taught in Computer Careers/Information Technology, but is applicable to many of the CTE programs.

    The multiday format allows for repetitive review. Also, the instructor can provide review (another practice period) when the students are in the lab/shop.

    The laminated “resistors” have many uses besides bellringers. They can be used for a class review, exchange between pairs, as quiz questions, etc.