Circuit Projects: How to Use a Breadboard

How to Use a Breadboard Build your electronics skills with this hands-on learning course. Inside, you'll find a full-color, illustrated handbook from the publishers of Make: magazine. Using comic book-style panels, the handbook explains the basics of using a breadboard; then it walks you through ten fun and educational projects. You'll learn-by-doing as you study the circuit diagrams and colorful drawings, working your way through each project. Bonus features include an "X-ray" drawing of the breadboard and a guide to understanding resistor color codes.

Check out How to use a Breadboard Book

The included breadboard gives you a base on which to build a circuit and then tear it down and build the next one. Because no solder is required, the breadboard can be used again and again. It is the perfect platform for learning, whether at home or in the classroom. In addition, the kit for the learning course contains all the electronic components you need to complete every project in the handbook, including a battery and an assortment of jumper wires. You'll learn how to use a light sensor, a potentiometer, a diode, a 555 timer, capacitors, transistors, and more! You'll also be challenged to actively figure out what else you can do with the circuits you have built.
The Clicker

You'll learn how to build the following circuits:
  • Dark Detector
  • LED Flasher
  • Electric Cricket
  • Breathing LED
  • Light Theramin
  • Blues Organ
  • Bike Signal Light
  • Touch Switch
  • LED Color Organ
As you gain experience building the circuits, you'll also learn how to read schematics – the shorthand language of electronics. The glossary provides definitions and illustrations for terms that may be unfamiliar.

There's no better way to learn than by making things yourself. In this course you won't be handed all the answers. You'll be encouraged to experiment, and you'll be asked questions that you'll have to try to answer yourself. Electronics is the perfect STEM subject because it touches on all the key components – science (physics), technology, engineering, and mathematics.