Design and Technologies-Introduction to Micro controller using PICAXE

The Introduction to Microcontrollers Using PICAXE 20M2 workbook provides students with a practical introduction to electronic control systems, programming, and engineering design. Using the K1184 Student Experimenter Module, students explore how microcontrollers are used to receive inputs, process information, and control outputs in modern technological systems.

The workbook introduces key concepts including sensors, actuators, algorithms, programming, automation, and system design. Through a series of structured activities, students learn how the PICAXE 20M2 microcontroller can be programmed to control LEDs, monitor switches, read light sensors, produce sounds, receive infrared signals, and operate motors.

Students progressively build their understanding of electronic systems while developing computational thinking, problem-solving, and design skills aligned with Design and Technologies outcomes.

Educational Benefits

• Introduces students to microcontrollers and programmable electronics.
• Develops computational thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Explores engineering systems and control technologies.
• Provides hands-on programming experience.
• Reinforces the Input → Process → Output model.
• Develops understanding of sensors and actuators.
• Encourages creativity through design challenges.
• Builds confidence in electronic system design and testing.

Classroom Benefits

• Classroom-ready STEM resource.
• Structured progression from beginner to intermediate concepts.
• Supports Design and Technologies curriculum delivery.
• Reduces lesson preparation time.
• Encourages inquiry-based and project-based learning.
• Suitable for individual, paired, and collaborative activities.
• Integrates programming with practical electronics.
• Aligns with Australian Curriculum Technologies outcomes.

Key Features

• Uses the PICAXE 20M2 microcontroller.
• Designed for use with the K1184 Student Experimenter Module.
• Covers programming fundamentals.
• Introduces sensors and control systems.
• Includes practical programming activities.
• Supports engineering design processes.
• Investigates automated systems.
• Encourages testing, troubleshooting, and evaluation.

Applications / What Students Can Do

Students can:

• Program LEDs to flash and sequence.
• Read push-button switch inputs.
• Monitor changing light levels using an LDR.
• Generate sounds using a piezo sounder.
• Receive and process infrared signals.
• Control motor direction and speed.
• Design automated systems.
• Develop algorithms and flowcharts.
• Test and refine programs.
• Create solutions to design challenges.

Curriculum Alignment

Australian Curriculum Version 9.0

Design and Technologies (Years 7-8)

• AC9TDE8K03 Analyse how force, motion and energy are used to manipulate and control engineered systems.
• AC9TDE8K06 Analyse how characteristics and properties of systems, components and equipment can be combined to create designed solutions.
• AC9TDE8P01 Investigate needs and opportunities for designing solutions.
• AC9TDE8P04 Generate and communicate design ideas and strategies.
• AC9TDE8P08 Produce designed solutions using technologies, tools and processes.

Digital Technologies (Years 7-8)

• AC9TDI8P04 Define and decompose real-world problems.
• AC9TDI8P05 Design and implement algorithms in a general-purpose programming language.
• AC9TDI8P08 Generate and evaluate alternative digital solution designs.
• AC9TDI8P10 Evaluate digital solutions against design criteria.

Design and Technologies (Years 9-10)

• AC9TDE10K02 Analyse the impact of innovation and emerging technologies.
• AC9TDE10K03 Analyse how force, motion and energy are utilised in engineered systems.
• AC9TDE10P01 Investigate and define design opportunities.
• AC9TDE10P08 Produce, test, evaluate, and refine designed solutions.

Digital Technologies (Years 9-10)

• AC9TDI10P04 Define and decompose engineering and technology problems.
• AC9TDI10P05 Design and validate algorithms.
• AC9TDI10P06 Implement and modify programs.
• AC9TDI10P10 Evaluate digital solutions and future impacts.

State Curriculum Alignment

Victoria (VCAA)

Supports:

• Design and Technologies
• Digital Technologies
• Engineering Principles and Systems
• Materials and Technologies Specialisations
• STEM Programs
• Systems Thinking and Control Systems

New South Wales (NESA)

Supports:

• Technology Mandatory
• Computing Technology
• Industrial Technology
• Design and Technology

Queensland (QCAA)

Supports:

• Design Technologies
• Digital Technologies
• STEM Programs
• Engineering Pathways

Western Australia (SCSA)

Supports:

• Technologies Curriculum
• Engineering Studies
• Digital Technologies

South Australia (SACE)

Supports:

• Design, Technology and Engineering
• Digital Technologies
• STEM Education Programs

Tasmania (TASC)

Supports:

• Applied Technologies
• Engineering and Design
• Digital Technologies

Australian Capital Territory

Supports:

• Technologies Learning Area
• STEM and Digital Technologies Programs

Northern Territory

Supports:

• Technologies Learning Area
• Engineering and STEM Programs

Educational Applications

• Microcontrollers
• Programming
• Design and Technologies
• Digital Technologies
• Engineering Principles and Systems
• Computational Thinking
• Electronic Systems
• Control Technologies
• STEM Education
• Robotics Foundations

Recommended Year Levels

• Years 7–10
• STEM Programs
• Design and Technologies
• Digital Technologies
• Engineering Programs

What’s Included

• Introduction to Microcontrollers Workbook
• PICAXE 20M2 Programming Activities
• K1184 Experimenter Module Activities
  • K1184 Module not included. Sold separate
• Engineering Design Tasks
• Input and Output Investigations
• Sensor Activities
• Motor Control Activities
• Automated Systems Projects
• Evaluation and Reflection Tasks