Lesson 2: Midterm Review Part II – Applied Challenge and Exam Readiness

• Can I explain each component’s function precisely?
• Can I analyze a diagram without prompts?
• Can I interpret binary patterns quickly and accurately?
• Can I explain system failure in clear cause-and-effect language?
• Where am I still uncertain?

Resistor
Capacitor
Diode
Inductor
Trace
Closed circuit
Open circuit
Binary
Input
Output
Signal
Processor
Regulation
Failure

HS PS2-6
Communicate scientific and technical information about designed systems.

HS ETS1-2
Evaluate and apply system reasoning to technological problems.

Science and Engineering Practices:

Constructing Explanations
Analyzing and Interpreting Data
Developing and Using Models

Crosscutting Concepts:

Systems and System Models
Cause and Effect
Structure and Function

• Timed reasoning
• Matching vocabulary precisely
• Diagram interpretation
• Logical sequencing
• Multi-step written explanation

Day 1 – Timed Challenge Rounds

Students participate in structured timed rounds aligned to midterm sections

STSM Midterm

:

Round 1 – Vocabulary Precision
Students must define or match components in under 30 seconds each.

Round 2 – Diagram Sprint
Students analyze a simple circuit diagram and answer:

Is it open or closed?
Where is power?
What component regulates flow?

Round 3 – PCB Pathway
Students trace an electrical pathway on a board image and identify at least one regulating component.

Purpose:
Simulate exam pacing and tighten recall accuracy.

DOK: 2–3

Day 2 – Binary and Logic Showdown

Students complete timed binary interpretation problems modeled directly after Section IV

STSM Midterm

:

Interpret 5-bit input strings.
Identify activated actions.
Explain order of operation.

Students then create one binary-controlled system problem for peers.

Class discusses:

Why binary reduces ambiguity.
Why unstable voltage corrupts logic.

Purpose:
Increase speed and confidence in binary reasoning.

DOK: 3

Day 3 – Failure Analysis and Full-System Response

Students respond to a full written prompt modeled after Sections V and VI

STSM Midterm

:

Explain a possible system failure.
Trace it back through regulation, circuitry, and material structure.
Explain effect on output.

Then students answer:

How could a social media decision be modeled as binary logic?

Students self-assess responses using a checklist:

Did I include cause-and-effect?
Did I reference system layers?
Did I use correct terminology?

Purpose:
Prepare for the most cognitively demanding written responses.

DOK: 4

Students connect:

Binary decisions in processors ? Content decisions in algorithms
Voltage regulation ? System stability
Component failure ? Device malfunction

This reinforces interdisciplinary coherence before the exam.

• Mixing up capacitor and inductor.
• Forgetting that diode controls direction.
• Confusing binary position order.
• Giving vague failure explanations without system trace-back.
• Treating processor as independent from circuitry.

Teacher emphasis: clarity, sequence, precision.

• Provide structured answer templates for written sections.
• Allow peer rehearsal before final written response.
• Offer vocabulary quick-reference sheets.
• Provide tiered binary challenges for varied pacing.
• Extension: Multi-layer failure scenario requiring deeper system trace.

Formative Assessments:

• Timed vocabulary accuracy
• Diagram interpretation accuracy
• Binary interpretation correctness
• Structured written failure response

Exit Ticket Prompt:

Write a 4–6 sentence explanation tracing how a material failure could ultimately produce an incorrect digital output.

Evaluation Criteria:

Accuracy of terminology
Logical sequencing
Clear cause-and-effect reasoning
Integration across system levels