SHS2 Physics · Semester 2 Week 14: Digital Electronics

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: 2.3.3.LI.2 - Describe the characteristics of basic logic and universal gates.

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

Define a logic gate and state the function of each of the five basic gates: NOT, AND, OR, NAND and NOR.
Draw the standard symbols for NOT, AND, OR, NAND and NOR gates accurately from memory.
Construct truth tables for NOT, AND, OR, NAND and NOR gates showing all possible input and output combinations.
Explain why NAND and NOR gates are called universal gates and describe how they can be used to build any other logic gate.
Identify logic gates in simple real-world circuits and describe what output the circuit will produce for given inputs.

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Curriculum details

Strand: Electric Field, Magnetic Field and Electronics (Strand 3)
Sub-strand: Digital Electronics (3.3)
Content standard: 2.3.3.CS.2 - Demonstrate the understanding of logic gates and describe their output in a digital system. 2.3.3.LO.2 Distinguish between the working operations of analogue and digital systems as well as design and build a decision-making circuit.
Indicator: 2.3.3.LI.2 - Describe the characteristics of basic logic and universal gates.
Suggested placement: Semester 2, Week 14 (Week 34 of the year)
Our suggestion, laid out in curriculum order across three terms of twelve weeks. NaCCA does not fix the week, so follow your school's scheme of learning.
Curriculum reference: NaCCA curriculum document, p. 136

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

Experiential Learning: Utilising previous knowledge of truth tables, learners describe truth tables and show the output of digital circuits of input combinations.
Talk for Learning and Project-Based Learning: Explain logic gates, draw their symbols and construct truth tables for NOT, AND, OR, NAND and NOR gates. Learners in pairs construct codes to apply in some applications in their community.
Encourage the appreciation and valuing of the skills and abilities of individuals from diverse backgrounds, including gender, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and disabilities.
Assessment (2.3.3.AS.2). The document marks these depth-of-knowledge levels for this indicator: Level 1 Recall; Level 2 Skills of conceptual understanding; Level 4 Extended critical thinking and reasoning.
Teaching and Learning Resources:
- Laptop/Computer
- Projector
- Internet
- Simulation lab software
- Science kit set