by Ben Barker, King Edward VII School, Sheffield, UK
October 1999
Back in the 1970's I heard a case put forward that we should pay pupils to come to school. Now I'm not suggesting that we compromise over a century of British education but I do believe that we should keep all options open when it comes to reinforcing pupils' interest in school.
Crocodile Clips 3 builds on the strengths which I first reviewed for Electronics Education in 1996 and continues to provide us with a unique tool for motivating pupils. It comes with a full user guide and a simple simulation booklet with step by step questions which will save on lesson preparation time and make for effective differentiation in planning. New additions include a very wide range of sample circuits, ranging from fairly sophisticated logic circuits to an impressive array of transducers such as solenoids, loudspeakers and electric motors. Perhaps the most interesting dimension to this third series is the addition of a mechanical range of components which can be fully integrated with the electronics.
Although a very useful tool in its own right, Crocodile Clips 3, when combined with PCB Wizard 2, is a formidable and very positive step forward in electronics teaching. In an age when curriculum time is at a premium, the efficient use of the two programmes means that a circuit may be designed and prepared for etching in one lesson.
It is worthwhile mentioning that although aimed at pupils, Crocodile Clips 3 is also a very effective In Service Training tool for staff with little or no electronics knowledge. The user friendly nature of the programme means that staff can experiment and learn a great deal in a relatively short period of time and in a cost effective way.
I found that I sometimes needed components which do not actually exist. For example, the samples car circuit which requires a non-existent two-way switch with centre off position, or a moisture sensor circuit which needs a pair of probes. However, it is usually possible to find a way around such difficulties by other means and the manufacturers assure me that suggestions from teachers for future editions of Crocodile Clips will be given serious consideration.
Paying pupils to attend school may be somewhat OTT but the next best thing is to engage youngsters in activities which will appeal to the natural inquisitiveness of the 21st century pupil. Crocodile Clips 3 is the jump lead from the battery of expertise which we teachers need as we buzz 'altruistically' around the design and technology.