Skip over navigation
What can we change?
What will happen if we change the settings?
Simple Counting Machine
Age 11 to 16
Challenge Level 
Why do this problem?
This problem offers a simple challenge using logic gates and circuits. Through experimentation with switches and settings, students will begin to see the structure of logic gates emerge without the need for any detailed formalism. They can then move on to construct circuits with more complicated behaviours.Possible approach
If students haven't worked with logic gates before you could
start by directing them to Circuit
Maker
Put the problem on to the board. Ask students to work out what
the circuit board does.
Encourage experimentation with combinations of on / off
switches and different settings on the logic gates. At each stage,
encourage students to predict what they think will happen, and to
explain what does happen.
Key questions
Describe what you see.What can we change?
What will happen if we change the settings?
Possible extension
Once the concept of the gate is understood there are several follow up problems, such as Adding MachinePossible support
You might suggest focussing on the AND and OR gates to begin with.You may also like
Flow Chart
The flow chart requires two numbers, M and N. Select several values for M and try to establish what the flow chart does.