Project Tools Lite has now been incorporated into Project Tools and introduces the key principles of components, circuits and systems. It is ideal for teachers developing existing projects or creating new schemes of work. The instructional content is aimed at learners just getting started with practical electrical circuits and electronic systems. Project Tools Lite is now available as part of Project Tools.
This resource is organised into two core modules: ‘Acorn Starter Tasks and Themes’ and ‘Circuits & Components’ (see pink tabs above for details) with additional teaching tools common to both of these modules. There are several hands-on activities provided and these may be easily carried out using QuickLink’s reusable SmartStart modelling modules and/or FastTrack multi solution PCB’s. Text and images may be copied and pasted for hand-out use in the classroom (please see copyright details).
1 – Acorn Starter Tasks and Themes (screenshots below)
This module comprises of four ready-to-use focused practical tasks introducing a wide range of electronic components and the ‘systems’ approach to designing electronic circuits. Each activity, or Acorn task, is based on the multi solution FastTrack PCB (accommodating 1000 circuits); so systems can be quickly assembled and tested. The idea that more complex systems can be made from ‘input’, ‘process’ and ‘output’ subsystems is easily understood through these hands-on exercises.
The Acorn project tasks and themes may be developed later on with the upgraded Project Tools software; where new learner-designed systems can be generated and successfully realised with the same FastTrack PCB.
Features and Screenshots (including extra teaching tools):
Acorn Tasks welcome screen.
The grey strip on the left provides quick access to the four Acorn Tasks.
Interactive learning tools are quickly opened from the top of the screen. 
The four Acorn Task guide sheets may be printed on A4 paper.
Input, Process and output stages are shown in block/circuit diagrams.
Pictorial view of pcb and real world components makes assembly easier.
Interactive component table shows circuit symbols, descriptions and pictorial views of components.
Covering the symbols makes them disappear and reappear when clicked.
Memorising the symbols is easy using the ‘look, cover, write, check’ method.
Resistor colour code chart shows how to identify resistor values and accuracy from their coloured bands.
LED protection resistor calculator allows you to simply enter the voltage of your circuit and the specified LED voltage/current and it will automatically work out the value of resistor needed to protect your LED.
Values are automatically placed in the circuit diagram.
Interactive mutimeter shows how circuit voltages, currents and resistance values may be measured.
2 – Circuits and Components (screenshots below)
This module introduces the core principles of electrical/electronic components and the design and making of circuit boards. By using a combination of hands-on activities and interactive tutorials, learners can independently develop their knowledge and understanding in safe contexts. The tutorials are differentiated (+ audio support) and designed to accelerate learning in the classroom. An automatic assessment certificate is used to show today’s achievement and progress. As a follow on to the virtual activities, learners design systems which lead to a range of hands-on activities. To support whole-class teaching, QuickLink’s presentation tool lets you assemble interactive whiteboard presentations in seconds. These can contain content from Project Tools’ interactive tutorials, simulations or learning tools and allow you to class-teach when appropriate. (Single user + data projector licence required for whole class use).
Features and Screenshots:
Electrical/Electronic Circuits and Components welcome screen.
The grey navigation strip on the left provides quick access to its content.
Interactive learning tools are quickly opened from the top of the screen. 
'TrackLayer' circuit board designer.
Create simple series/parallel circuits.
Print 20 different project guides on A4
Lay copper tracks to build the circuits.
Before making, learn to solder by using the virtual soldering iron to safely connect the components to the tracks.
(15-part) Introductory tutorials.
Explores series and parallel circuits and range of common components.
'Communicating with Displays' Design and Make Assignment.
Use TrackLayer to create A4 project card templates for making.
Low cost practical activity 
(32-part) Interactive tutorials with assessment for learning.
Differentiated activities contain a variety of interactions & simulations.
Easy to read "progress check" graphic on left of screen.
Printable assessment certificate for above tutorials.
Displays correctly answered questions and no. of tries with weighted percentage score.
Areas of difficulty are easy to spot.
QuickLinks presentation maker.
Create electronics presentations in seconds.
Access Project Tools' key content instantly. 
See Project Tools Software (upgrade)
See Project Tools (PLUS) Software (upgrade)
