Sensor systems
Learning about types of sensors and their uses
In this engaging lesson, students will be taught about types of sensors and their uses. They’ll do this by investigating a range of sensors, examining how they operate as well as considering the type of device the sensors can be used in.
The role of smart sensors in our everyday lives is becoming increasingly fundamental. Complex and simple electronic devices that power the modern world rely on systems that process information in the form of signals collected by sensors. The Smart Sensor Communications topic focuses on what smart sensors are, how they are being used today and how they can be innovative in the future.
This is one of a set of resources developed to aid the teaching of the secondary national curriculum, particularly KS3. It has been designed to support the delivery of key topics within design and technology (DT) and science.
Activity: Learning about spies and codes
In this activity, students look at simple tasks that they do every day and investigate what sort of decisions need to be made.
Using the ‘Sensors as Part of a System’ handout, students will investigate different types of sensors, understand how they operate, and explore the various devices they can be used in.
Learners will be encouraged to ‘think’ like an electronic system, considering a ‘change in environment’ that requires a ‘decision’ to be made and what the ‘output’ would be to satisfy that decision.
Download our activity overview for a detailed lesson plan for teaching students about sensor systems.
The engineering context
Engineers designing and developing innovative technologies in mobile communications, aerospace, healthcare, weather forecasting, manufacturing, or a variety of other industries, will use electronic systems to improve devices and make them more efficient.
These electronic systems often rely on sensors for measuring data from the outside world such as temperature and light.
Learning about how the role sensors play as part of an electronic systems will give students an introduction into electronic engineering as well as give them a newfound understanding of how household and industrial technology works.
Suggested learning outcomes
At the end of this lesson students should have a solid understanding of how sensors work within electronic systems, including how sensors can be inputs to electronic systems. They’ll also be able to identify the different types of sensors and understand their uses. The activity also gives an insight into how complex decision-making processes can be within electronic systems.
Download our activity sheet and other teaching resources
The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.
Download our classroom lesson plan and handout below.
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