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Session 16: Little Bits 💡

Overview

Grades: 3-4 | Duration: 40 minutes | Session: 16 of 17

Students explore electronic circuits using Little Bits, creating inventions that combine inputs and outputs.

Session 16: Little Bits

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, students will:

  • Understand basic circuit concepts

  • Identify inputs, outputs, and power in circuits

  • Build working Little Bits creations

  • Design inventions that solve problems or create joy

Session 16: Little Bits

Materials Needed

  • 🔌 Little Bits kits (from CSCOE library)

  • 📋 Little Bits component reference cards

  • 📦 Craft materials for mounting

  • 📓 Engineering journals

Catholic Integration

Saint Connection

Blessed Carlo Acutis — Used technology creatively for good. He'd have loved inventing with Little Bits!

Scripture

"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others." — 1 Peter 4:10

Opening Prayer

Dear God, you sparked the gift of creativity in us. Help us use electronics and inventions to bring joy and help others. Guide our designs today. Amen.

Lesson Procedure

Opening Circle (5 minutes)

  1. Meet Little Bits:
  2. "Electronic building blocks that snap together!"
  3. Color-coded for easy understanding
  4. Circuit Parts:
  5. 🔵 Blue = Power (batteries)
  6. 🟢 Green = Outputs (lights, sounds, motors)
  7. 🩷 Pink = Inputs (buttons, sensors)
  8. 🟠 Orange = Wires (connect pieces)
  9. Rule: Power → Inputs → Outputs
  10. Blessed Carlo Acutis — Used tech for good!

Main Activity: Little Bits Exploration (27 minutes)

Part 1: Basic Circuits (7 minutes)

  • Build: Power + Output
  • Connect power to LED

  • See it light up!

  • Add: Power + Input + Output

  • Add button between power and LED

  • Now it's controlled!

  • Experiment with different outputs:

  • Buzzer
  • Motor
  • LED

Part 2: Sensor Exploration (8 minutes)

  • Try different inputs:
  • Light sensor
  • Sound sensor

  • Dimmer

  • Create "if-then" circuits:

  • IF dark, THEN light on

  • IF sound, THEN motor spins

  • How could these help people?

Part 3: Invention Challenge (10 minutes)

Challenge: Design something useful or joyful!

Ideas:

  • Night light (light sensor + LED)

  • Doorbell (button + buzzer)

  • Greeting card with sound

  • Spinning display

  • Alarm system

Steps: 1. Choose your purpose 2. Select components 3. Build and test 4. Improve! 5. Mount on craft material if desired

Part 4: Invention Fair (2 minutes)

  • Quick share: "My invention is... It does..."

  • Celebrate creativity!

Engineering Journal (5 minutes)

  1. Draw your circuit (label Power, Input, Output)
  2. Write: "My invention..."
  3. Write: "It helps/creates joy by..."
  4. Write: "I could improve it by..."

Closing Circle (3 minutes)

  1. Invention Appreciation — "What creative ideas did you see?"
  2. Technology for Good — "How can inventions serve others?"
  3. Closing Prayer — "Thank you, God, for the gift of invention. Help us use technology to make the world better and bring joy to others. Amen."

Assessment

Observation Checklist:

  • Built working circuits

  • Understood input/output concept

  • Created purposeful invention

  • Explained how invention works

Differentiation

For Students Who Need Support

  • Start with simple circuits

  • Partner assistance

  • Step-by-step guidance

For Advanced Students

  • Complex multi-component circuits

  • Solve specific problem

  • Design for particular user

Wonder at Home 🏠

Family Activity: Tell your family about your invention! Look for electronics in your home—what are the inputs and outputs? Brainstorm inventions that would help your family. Research young inventors!

Teacher Notes

  • Reserve Little Bits 2+ weeks ahead

  • Review components before class

  • Ensure batteries are charged

  • Allow creativity in designs

  • Document inventions for portfolio

Previous: Session 15 — Simple Machines
Next: Session 17 — Year Exhibition