Voltage Explorer Kit

Classes 5-6, typical ages 10–12. Age ranges vary by learner. Guided low-voltage electronics.

Activity engagement

45–60 minutes. Explore 5–10 min · Build 15–20 min · Test and discuss 25–30 min. Estimated time for building, testing and discussion.

What you need

No computer required. An adult helps inspect connections.

Included components

• Small Breadboard / Mini Solderless Board - 400 points — 1 breadboard
• Jumper Wire Combo - Male to Male, Male to Female and Female to Female Breadboard Connecting Wires (10 Qty Each) — 1 set
• Illustrated Activity Guide and Observation Sheets — 1 set
• Fitted Headers and Labelled Connection Leads — 1 set
• 4 CELL AA BATTERY HOLDER WITH SWITCH / COVER — 1 holder
• AA BATTERY — 4 battery (individual units)
• Regulated 5 V Power Supply with Short-Circuit Protection — 1 power supply
• DT9205A Digital Multimeter with Probes and Battery — 1 multimeter
• 10 K POTENTIOMETER — 1 potentiometer
• 10K Ω 1/4 Watts (10 PCS) — 2 resistor (individual units)

What you learn

• Voltage is measured across two points; resistance is measured with power disconnected.
• Equal series resistors divide a voltage approximately in half.
• A potentiometer produces an adjustable voltage.

Connection guide

• Meter black lead → COM; red lead → V/ohm socket. Select DC volts, never the current socket for this activity.
• Two 10 kOhm resistors in series: regulated +5 V → R1 → midpoint → R2 → GND.
• Potentiometer outer pins → +5 V and GND; centre wiper is the adjustable output.

Steps to make it

1. Disconnect all power and identify the supplied part labels and pinouts before wiring.
2. With the supply disconnected, measure each resistor on the ohms range and write its value.
3. Build the two-resistor divider. Select DC volts before connecting the supply.
4. Measure across +5 V/GND, then midpoint/GND; compare midpoint voltage with half the measured supply.
5. Disconnect power, replace the divider with the potentiometer, reconnect and measure its wiper voltage at five positions.
6. Return the supply switch to OFF and remove the probes.

Test challenge

Predict the midpoint voltage, measure it three times, then compare the five potentiometer settings.

Observation task

Table: resistor values, supply voltage, predicted midpoint, measured midpoint, and potentiometer position.

Expected result

The equal-resistor midpoint is near half the supply; the wiper moves between near-zero and near-supply voltage.

If it does not work

Check meter mode and sockets first. A floating midpoint or broken breadboard rail gives inconsistent readings.

Try next

Use the potentiometer as one divider arm and draw the measured voltage curve.

Use and supervision

Use only the supplied low-voltage DC parts. Disconnect power before rewiring; check polarity and labelled pinouts. No soldering or exposed mains connections. Adult guidance is recommended.

How this experiment works

Download class activity guide

Cover illustrations show component types. Functional animations explain principles and are not recorded prototype tests. Follow the supplied connection labels and pinouts.