Learning

Currently, Planet K covers the fundamentals of digital circuits (gates, truth tables, boolean algebra, and logic operators), circuit design, expression reduction with K-maps and combinational circuits (Adders, Multiplexers, Decoder, Roms, etc.).

Learning Objectives & Concepts

World 0: Alien Forest

Concepts Covered: Gates, Truth Table, Boolean Expressions, Logic operators

Learning Objectives: Be able to identify logic gates, and analyze the operation of a circuit of logic gates.

World 1: Abandoned Communications Complex

Concepts Covered: AND-OR Circuits, OR-AND Circuits, NOR Circuits, NAND Circuits

Learning Objectives: Be able to design combinational circuits using logic gates: AND, OR, NAND, & NOR.

World 2: Transport Station

Concepts Covered: 2-variables 3-variables & 4-variables K-maps, 3&4 variables with “Don’t Care” K-maps, 5-variable K-maps.

Learning Objectives: (1) Be able to apply K- Maps, up to six variables, as a tool for designing combinational circuits. (2) Be able to describe the relationships between operations performed using these tools and equivalent Boolean algebraic manipulations.

World 3: The SS Aprille Erickson

Concepts Covered: Adders – 2’s comp., Subtractors – 2’s comp, MUX, Decoders, PROM, PLA, PAL (single and multi-bit) components

Learning Objectives: (1) Using combinational circuitry, be able to analyze and design standard arithmetic circuits that involve signed addition, subtraction, and multiplication. (2) Be able to analyze and design combinational digital circuits using building blocks such as multiplexers, ROMS, PLAs, PALs, and decoders

World 4:

Under development

Project Objectives

Creating new student learning materials and strategies which vertically integrate a conceptual or pedagogical approach on digital system design into sequences of courses in electrical and computer engineering (ECE) and computer science (CS) curriculums.
Contributing to knowledge on undergraduate student attitudes on the use of video games as a motivator for pursuing or persisting in an ECE or CS major, and the effect on student performance, especially those from underrepresented groups.