Electronics - Learning by Discovery

Most introductory guides begin with definitions and facts, and gradually get to the point where you can follow instructions to build a simple circuit.

This blog works the other way around. I want you to start putting components together right away. After you see what happens, you’ll figure out what’s going on. I believe this process of learning by discovery creates a more powerful and lasting experience.

Learning by discovery occurs in serious research, when scientists notice an unusual phenomenon that cannot be explained by current theory, and they start to investigate
it in an effort to explain it. This may ultimately lead to a better understanding of the world. We’re going to be doing the same thing, although obviously on a much less ambitious level.

Along the way, you will make some mistakes. This is good. Mistakes are the best of all learning processes. I want you to burn things out and mess things up, because this is how you learn the limits of components and materials.

Since we’ll be using low voltages, there’ll be no chance of electrocution, and so long as you limit the flow of current in the ways I’ll describe, there will be no risk of burning your fingers or starting fires.