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
Parallel
BONUS MATERIAL
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.
Makey Makey LABZ - Simple Circuit Challenge
Simple Circuits Challenge lesson plan at Makey Makey is HERE
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