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

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