OBJECTIVES AND MATERIALS: ELECTRICITY & CIRCUITS

Learning Objective: Aligns with FOSS Investigation 2, Part 1
Simple circuits consist of an energy source (e.g., battery) that is connected to an energy converter (e.g., light bulb) by conductors (e.g., wires).
Physical Materials: 1 flashlight with 2 D cells, rulers, wire stripper, 1 incandescent bulb

For Each Group: 2 D cells, 2 light bulbs, short striped wires (20 gauge, 15 cm long)

Learning Objective: Aligns with FOSS Investigation 2, Part 2

Motors are another converter that can be used in a simple circuit.

Physical Materials: wire stripper

For Each Group: 1 D cell, 1 motor, 1 circuit base (blue)

Learning Objective: Aligns with FOSS Investigation 2, Part 2

A switch controls the electricity in a circuit by closing or opening the switch. A closed circuit is complete and will work. An open circuit is incomplete and the energy will not be transferred to the converter.

Physical Materials: wire stripper

For Each Group: 1 D cell, 1 motor, short striped wires (20 gauge, 15 cm long), 1 switch, FOSS Science Handout and Resource – “Electric Energy”, 1 circuit base (blue)

Learning Objectives: Aligns with FOSS Investigation 2, Part 3

1. Metals are good conductors because they are made up of small particles that move freely in response to electricity.

2. Insulators (e.g., wood, plastic) do not conduct electricity because they are made of small particles that do not move freely.

Physical Materials:

For Each Group: 1 D cell, 1 motor, short striped wires (20 gauge, 15 cm long [2] and 30 cm [4]), 1 switch, 1 circuit base (blue), test objects: cardboard square, plastic straw, aluminum foil, river rock, steel screw, steel paper clip, steel nails, wood stick (popsicle), wool string, rubber band

Learning Objectives: Aligns with FOSS Investigation 3, Part 1

1. A series circuit has more than one type of component within the closed circuit.

2. A series circuit may have two energy converters or two energy sources, but all the components are in one consecutive circuit.

Physical Materials: (Optional: if you want students to do a physical lab afterwards)

For Each Group: 2 D cells, 2 light bulbs in holders, 1 motor, short striped wires (20 gauge, 15 cm long [2] and 30 cm [4]), 1 switch, 1 circuit base (blue)

Learning Objectives: Aligns with FOSS Investigation 3, Part 1

1. In order to increase the energy output in a series circuit, you can add more batteries.

2. Batteries must be arranged with oppositely charged sides touching for the circuit to continue.

Physical Materials: (Optional: if you want students to do a physical lab afterwards)

For Each Group: 2 D cells, 2 light bulbs in holders, short striped wires (20 gauge, 15 cm long [2] and 30 cm [4]), 1 circuit base (blue)

Learning Objective: Aligns with FOSS Investigation 3, Part 2
Another way to increase the energy output is to decrease the resistance to an energy converter. You can do this by creating two simple but parallel circuits that share an energy source but are on separate simple circuits.
Physical Materials: (Optional: if you want students to do a physical lab afterwards)
Wire Stripper, Rulers
For Each Group: 1 D cell, 2 light bulbs in holders, 1 motor, short striped wires (20 gauge, 15 cm long [2] and 30 cm [4]), 1 switch, FOSS Science Handout and Resource “Series and Parallel Circuits”, 1 cell holder (blue), 1 circuit base (blue)