Project 27 - Pot Select LED "K-12 JUNO STEM KIT"

What You Can Build Using K-12 JUNO STEM KIT

In the "Pot Select LED" project from the K-12 JUNO STEM Kit, children create a simple circuit where turning a potentiometer (a dial-like variable resistor) allows them to control the brightness or selection of an LED. As learners rotate the potentiometer, the LED lights up at different levels or toggles between different LEDs, depending on the circuit design. This hands-on activity teaches fundamental control concepts with real-time feedback

What You Can Learn

• Variable Resistance: Kids understand how turning a potentiometer changes the resistance in a circuit, directly affecting current flow.

• LED Control: Learners see how varying resistance can dim an LED, select which one turns on, or adjust the speed of flashing.

• Basic Circuit Wiring: Students gain practice with breadboard setups, wiring a potentiometer, resistor, LED, and a power source.

• Cause and Effect: Observing immediate changes whenever the potentiometer is turned builds intuition for analog control and Ohm’s Law (V=IRV=IR).

Real Life Problem Solving

• Troubleshooting: If LED brightness or selection doesn’t change, learners inspect connections, potentiometer orientation, and circuit design for issues.

• Device Understanding: The project models real controls in lamps, dimmers, stereo volume knobs, and LED displays.

• Design Thinking: Students experiment with different potentiometer values or configurations, developing creativity and iterative improvements.

Additional Benefits

• Creativity: Kids invent games, create indicator panels, or use multiple LEDs for colorful effects using a single control dial.

• Collaboration: Group assembly and testing enhance teamwork, as students share discoveries and solutions.

• Confidence: Seeing direct analog control over electronics inspires mastery and curiosity for STEM topics.

• Foundation for Future Learning: This project readies learners for sensor integration, programmable electronics, and user interfaces.

Why Pot Select LED Matters

The Pot Select LED project makes the invisible—current, voltage, and resistance—visible, through hands-on analog control. Every twist of the knob brings new understanding, turning circuit theory into practical, creative fun.

With Project 27: Pot Select LED, every child gets to dial into new discoveries in electronics!