Locktronics remains the system of choice for teaching the basics of electricity in over half of UK school science departments - but it has huge potential for Design and Technology too. Locktronic solutions now provide teaching applications for schools, universities and industry and the technology covers everything from simple circuits through analogue and digital electronics to microprocessor control. Customers include blue-chip names such as Rolls Royce, Porche and General Motors, to name just a few. Locktronics is based around a simple, robust base board with a grid of connecting pillars. Electronic components are mounted on a sturdy carrier with the appropriate circuit symbol bonded into the upper surface. These then snap into the grid to effectively reproduce the circuit diagram but with real components. As students build and test the circuit, they will be maintaining a strong, tangible link between theory and practice. If they turn the carrier over, the component itself is visible making it a short step to soldering their own project circuits. All Locktronic kits are supplied with comprehensive teaching materials in digital format. Worksheets can be freely copied or made available to students. Locktronic kits neatly pack away into robust cases which makes classroom management very easy. The system is proven to be mechanically and electronically robust so will cope with years of enthusiastic use by students of all ages.
