Traffic Lights - Computer Control

A PowerPoint that explores how traffic lights are controlled by computers.

The ideas that traffic lights are controlled by computers should be introduced and the example sequence shows. Students should then spot that the colours are incorrect. The top layer should then be deleted to reveal an alternative traffic light sequence (also incorrect). Eventually after delete several layers, the correct traffic light sequence is shown.

The next slide shows what happens when computer control works and the sequence of instructions is followed. Traffic flows successfully across the crossroads.

The next slide shows what would happen without a sequence of instructions and effective computer control - car crash!

Students are then shown picture of different sensors. They should be given time to think about what the sensor is, how it works and how it will affect the sequence of instructions. Students should then feedback to the class.