Invention Literacy Workshop for Educators

Basic Circuit

Build a Basic Circuit

Work in pairs (partners)

1. Collect your supplies (one set for each pair)

one - Light Emitting Diode (LED)
one - 9 volt battery
one - 9 volt battery connector
one - container of Play-Doh
one - small piece of aluminum foil

2. Create a basic circuit

Connect wires using pieces of Play-Doh. Just push the wires into the Play-Doh.
- Play-Doh happens to be conductive which means it allows electricity to flow easily.
If the LED doesn't light try switching the wires.

3. Add a switch

Use the piece of aluminum foil to create a pressure sensitive switch. Push on the switch to turn the LED on.

4. Experiment with different types of circuits

Partner with other teams to build these circuits.

Series Circuit

Parallel Circuit

BONUS MATERIAL

Makey Makey LABZ - Simple Circuit Challenge

Colleen Graves has created and shared a wonderful "simple circuit challenge" HERE.

Watch the 2 min. 26 sec video below to learn what a circuit is.

Watch the video below to further understand what a simple circuit is.

What is electricity? Watch this video.

Simple Circuits Curriculum

Causal Patterns in Simple Circuits is a set of lessons that are to be infused into a broader unit on simple electrical circuits. The lessons are designed to address a set of persistent misunderstandings that students have when learning about simple circuits. Developed by Project Zero at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

MIT Graduates attempt to light a bulb. VIDEO HERE

Sources for Materials used in "Build a Basic Circuit"

Supplies (one of the following for every two people):
- LED - Lighthouse LEDs 10 x 5mm 9v Pre-Wired Red LED - Ultra Bright (7v, 8v, 9v)
- 9v battery - The link takes you to the amazon website to purchase their "basic" brand but you can buy these anywhere.
- Connector for 9v battery - Uxcell Black Red Short Cable Connection 9V Battery Clips Connector Buckle(10-Pack)
- Play-Doh - Regular off the shelf play-doh used to facilitate connections of wires. I like to buy the "Play-Doh Party Bag Dough, 15 Count (assorted colors)"

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