Demonstrating Boolean Logic Using Simple Electrical Circuits

Introduction

The honors geometry classes at parkway North High School in Creve Coeur, Missouri, typically do a unit on Boolean logic operators as a precursor to the formal thinking required for geometric proofs. To provide a more direct and tangible connection of logic with a real-world application, I developed this enrichment activity. The activity uses simple electric circuits to model the basic logic operators AND and OR, thus allowing students to physically visualize the true-or-false patterns of compound logic statements make conceptual connections between logical operators and the physics of electrical circuits, and gain an appreciation for the design of common electronic products.