Simple Circuits
Grade Level: 5th Grade
Standard:
Explanation: I think just about every upper elementary science class has done some sort of simple circuits experiment. I know there are tons of different labs out there, but I thought I would share this quick little lab with you. It's designed as an open-ended lab where the students aren't given much direction. Their job is to work together (Interpersonal) to figure out how to get the materials (Kinesthetic) they've been given to light up the light bulb (Logical). The students seemed to learn m0re from this lab, than if we had taught them about circuits first and then gave them a structured lab to do. You could include less wires or more if you choose as this affects how bright the light bulb burns. My students really enjoyed trying to figure out how few wires they could use to make their circuit work.
Description:
Procedures:
1. Explain that today students will do a lab on simple circuits.
2. Ask students to define "circuit."
3. Name and present each material that students can use (don't say what it can be used for or if it's a conductor!). Be sure to tell students
that they have all the necessary materials on their trays to make a light bulb work.
4. Divide students into small groups (We did groups of 3-4).
5. Give each group a tray (Don't give out the switches yet).
6. Have students work together in their groups to figure out how to light the light bulb.
7. Once a group has completed that task, then have them find a different way to light the light bulb.
8. After a group can demonstrate 2 different ways to light a light bulb, give the group a switch.
9. Once a group has completed that task, then have them find a different way to light the light bulb using a switch.
10. After a group can demonstrate 2 different ways to light a light bulb using a switch, they are finished.
11. Have each student from the group draw a picture of their simple circuit with and without a switch.
12. Once all groups are done, have certain students share their methods.
13. Go to Engineering Interact and review the module there and have the students complete the guided notes (See
circuits_guided_notes.docx below materials section).
14. Students must complete the Exit Ticket question in order to leave. This is a good way to quickly assess which students understand
simple circuits.
Materials:
Battery Holder (Optional, but makes it easier for students)
Light bulb Holder (Optional, but makes it easier for students)
D Battery
S-11 Light Bulb
2 Wires with each end cut off (Black wires shown in picture)
2 Wire Leads with Alligator Clips (Green wires shown in picture)
Switch
Standard:
Explanation: I think just about every upper elementary science class has done some sort of simple circuits experiment. I know there are tons of different labs out there, but I thought I would share this quick little lab with you. It's designed as an open-ended lab where the students aren't given much direction. Their job is to work together (Interpersonal) to figure out how to get the materials (Kinesthetic) they've been given to light up the light bulb (Logical). The students seemed to learn m0re from this lab, than if we had taught them about circuits first and then gave them a structured lab to do. You could include less wires or more if you choose as this affects how bright the light bulb burns. My students really enjoyed trying to figure out how few wires they could use to make their circuit work.
Description:
Procedures:
1. Explain that today students will do a lab on simple circuits.
2. Ask students to define "circuit."
3. Name and present each material that students can use (don't say what it can be used for or if it's a conductor!). Be sure to tell students
that they have all the necessary materials on their trays to make a light bulb work.
4. Divide students into small groups (We did groups of 3-4).
5. Give each group a tray (Don't give out the switches yet).
6. Have students work together in their groups to figure out how to light the light bulb.
7. Once a group has completed that task, then have them find a different way to light the light bulb.
8. After a group can demonstrate 2 different ways to light a light bulb, give the group a switch.
9. Once a group has completed that task, then have them find a different way to light the light bulb using a switch.
10. After a group can demonstrate 2 different ways to light a light bulb using a switch, they are finished.
11. Have each student from the group draw a picture of their simple circuit with and without a switch.
12. Once all groups are done, have certain students share their methods.
13. Go to Engineering Interact and review the module there and have the students complete the guided notes (See
circuits_guided_notes.docx below materials section).
14. Students must complete the Exit Ticket question in order to leave. This is a good way to quickly assess which students understand
simple circuits.
Materials:
Battery Holder (Optional, but makes it easier for students)
Light bulb Holder (Optional, but makes it easier for students)
D Battery
S-11 Light Bulb
2 Wires with each end cut off (Black wires shown in picture)
2 Wire Leads with Alligator Clips (Green wires shown in picture)
Switch
circuits_guided_notes.docx | |
File Size: | 13 kb |
File Type: | docx |