Learning Objective

Name the parts of the MakerBuddy IoT Board, and tell which are built in and which plug in.

Hardware Components & Board Tour

The board is like a tiny robot: sensors are its senses, the ESP32 is its brain, and outputs let it respond.

Week 2 Term 1 45–60 minutes

The MakerBuddy IoT Board

Some parts are built into the board. Others plug into labeled connectors. Most connectors are marked with a number, such as 25; a few have names, such as HC-SR04 and I2C.

Two words to know: embedded means a part is already fixed to the board. Connector-based means a separate part plugs into its own labeled socket.

The green MakerBuddy IoT Kit V1.0 board with its built-in components labeled: push button, capacitor, RGB LED, LDR, single LED, potentiometer and buzzer

This board picture shows the same layout as your MakerBuddy.

Inputs, Brain and Outputs

Every smart project follows Input → Process → Output. An input notices something, the ESP32 decides what it means, and an output responds.

Family	Easy meaning	Examples on or beside MakerBuddy
Input	Sends information to the board	Push button, potentiometer, LDR, DHT11, distance sensor
Process	Thinks about the information	The ESP32, the board’s small computer
Output	Does something we can see, hear or move	LED, RGB LED, buzzer, servo, relay, LCD

Example: you press the button (input), the ESP32 notices (process), and the buzzer beeps (output).

Already Embedded: No Wiring Needed

These parts are already built into your MakerBuddy IoT Board:

Push Button

An input you press and release.

Potentiometer

A small knob (a trimmer) you turn to change a value.

LDR

Measures how bright the room is.

Single LED

A light you can switch and dim.

RGB LED

Mixes red, green and blue light into colors.

Buzzer

Makes alerts and sound patterns.

Quick board hunt

Find each part without touching it. Point and say its name.
Decide: input or output?
Tell a partner what it senses or does.

Connector-Based Components

When a lesson uses one of these parts, plug it into its own labeled connector. For example, the DHT11 goes in the connector marked 25. The picture below shows where each one goes.

DHT11

Temperature and humidity

DS18B20

Waterproof temperature probe

HC-SR04

Distance sensor

HC-SR501

PIR motion sensor

MQ-2

Relative gas/smoke level

Soil Moisture

Plant-water level

SG90 Servo

Precise movement

Relay

Switches the supplied low-voltage load

16×2 LCD

Text and live values

The green MakerBuddy IoT Kit V1.0 board with each connector labeled with the sensor or module that plugs into it

Safe connection routine: switch off USB power. Check the part's connector label and find it on the board. Line up the plug gently and never force it. Ask an adult or teacher to check before you power on.

Try It: Explore the Real Board

Interactive demo · no kit needed

Play with a pretend MakerBuddy board and its web page, right here.

Follow the steps one at a time. Got the kit? You can switch to the real board inside.

Picture Guide: Built In or Plug In?

This picture shows the big idea. Use the real photos above to find exact parts.

Child-friendly concept diagram comparing components built into an IoT board with external components that plug into labeled connectors

Concept illustration: built-in parts stay on the board; plug-in parts can be added when a project needs them.

Activity: Sort, Match, Explain

Write two headings on paper: Built In and Plug In.
Write every part from this lesson under one heading.
Circle every input and underline every output.
Pick an input and an output that work together. Complete: “When ___ senses ___, MakerBuddy could ___.”
Swap lists with a partner and check them against the pictures.

Challenge: Component Detective

Work through three levels. Explain every answer; don't just point.

Level 1 — Find: point to the six embedded parts and name each one.
Level 2 — Match: find the connector for the DS18B20, servo and LCD. Is each mainly an input or an output?
Level 3 — Design: pick a sensor and an output for an invention. Draw where the extra part plugs in and write an IF … THEN … rule.

Success check: a classmate can name both parts, follow your labeled connection and explain your invention.

Key Takeaways

Embedded parts are already fixed and wired to the board.
Connector-based parts plug into their own labeled socket (most marked with a number) when needed.
Sensors and controls give inputs. LEDs, buzzers, motors, relays and screens make outputs.
Turn off power, check the connector label and never force a connector.

Learning Support

Use this quick guide to help every learner understand, practice and explain Hardware Components & Board Tour.

For students

Try it in three steps

Say it: explain the main idea in one simple sentence.
Show it: Find the button, potentiometer, buzzer, LDR, RGB LED and single LED already built into the board.
Stretch it: Match each external component to its labelled MakerBuddy connector. Most connectors are marked with a number, such as 25 for the DHT11.

Checkpoint: What was your input, what decision or process happened, and what was the output?

For teachers & parents

Coach without taking over

Before: ask the learner to predict what will happen and why.
During: use prompts such as “What changed?” and “What could you test next?” instead of giving the answer.
After: ask for a 30-second explanation, one piece of evidence and one improvement.

Look for: safe handling, correct vocabulary, a result the learner can demonstrate, and an explanation in their own words.

Did you get it?

Three quick questions. Pick an answer to see whether it is right, and why.

1What does "embedded" mean for a part on the MakerBuddy board?
2In the board's Input, Process, Output pattern, what does the ESP32 do?
3Which of these is an output on or beside the board?