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Session 7: Christmas Electronics 🎄

Overview

Grades: 5-6 | Duration: 45 minutes | Session: 7 of 17

Students use Little Bits to create interactive Christmas/Advent electronic projects.

Session 7: Christmas Electronics

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, students will:

  • Apply electronic circuit concepts

  • Design interactive electronic projects

  • Use inputs, outputs, and logic in circuits

  • Create meaningful Advent/Christmas creations

Session 7: Christmas Electronics

Materials Needed

  • 💡 Little Bits kits (from CSCOE library)

  • 📦 Craft materials for mounting

  • 📓 Engineering journals

  • 🎄 Christmas/Advent theme supplies

Catholic Integration

Saint Connection

St. Lucy — Her name means "light." She brought hope during dark times. Celebrated during Advent!

Scripture

"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light." — Isaiah 9:2

Opening Prayer

Dear Jesus, you are the Light of the World. As we prepare for Christmas, help us create projects that spread your light and love. Come, Lord Jesus! Amen.

Lesson Procedure

Opening Circle (7 minutes)

  1. Advent & Light:
  2. Shortest days, longest nights
  3. Light grows as Christmas approaches
  4. Jesus = Light breaking into darkness
  5. St. Lucy:
  6. Name means "light"
  7. Brought food to hiding Christians wearing candle crown
  8. Celebrated December 13
  9. Little Bits Review:
  10. Blue = Power
  11. Pink = Inputs (buttons, sensors)
  12. Green = Outputs (lights, sounds, motors)
  13. Orange = Wires
  14. Today: Create interactive Advent/Christmas electronics!

Main Activity: Christmas Electronics (30 minutes)

Part 1: Circuit Planning (5 minutes)

Choose a Project:

Option A: Interactive Nativity

  • Light sensor triggers star light

  • Sound activated Angel "Gloria!"

  • Motion-triggered stable lights

Option B: Advent Wreath

  • Buttons for each candle

  • Progressive lighting (week 1, 2, 3, 4)

  • Light sensor for "darkness to light"

Option C: Christmas Card/Gift

  • Touch-activated music

  • Light-up elements

  • Personalized message display

Option D: Light of the World Display

  • Darkness sensor activates light

  • "Light in darkness" demonstration

  • Interactive elements

Part 2: Build & Test (20 minutes)

Circuit Building: 1. Plan circuit on paper (2 min) 2. Gather Little Bits components (2 min) 3. Build circuit in stages: - Power first - Add input - Add output - Test each stage 4. Mount on project base (5 min) 5. Refine and debug (3 min)

Part 3: Demonstration & Gallery (5 minutes)

  • Share creations

  • Explain circuit and meaning

  • Celebrate the light!

Engineering Journal (5 minutes)

  1. Draw your circuit (label components)
  2. Explain what each part does
  3. Write: "Light is important at Advent because..."
  4. Write: "My creation represents..."

Closing Circle (3 minutes)

  1. Light Celebration — All circuits light up!
  2. Advent Hope — "What does Jesus' light mean to you?"
  3. Closing Prayer — "Jesus, Light of the World, shine in our hearts. Help us bring your light to everyone we meet. Amen."

Assessment

Observation Checklist:

  • Built working circuit

  • Used inputs and outputs

  • Created meaningful project

  • Connected to faith theme

Differentiation

For Students Who Need Support

  • Simpler single-input circuit

  • Partner work

  • Template circuit design

For Advanced Students

  • Multiple inputs/outputs

  • Logic modules

  • Interactive sequence

Wonder at Home 🏠

Family Activity: Share your creation with family! Discuss light symbolism in Advent. Notice how light increases as Christmas approaches. Create more light-themed projects together!

Teacher Notes

  • Reserve Little Bits from CSCOE

  • Test all components before class

  • Projects make great gifts

  • Display at Christmas concert

Previous: Session 6 — Thanksgiving Innovation
Next: Session 8 — App Inventor