What Is A Circuit? Use this safer updated version from Makey Makey

What Is A Circuit?

Build a Basic Circuit

1. Collect your supplies 

• one - Light Emitting Diode (LED)

• one - 9 volt battery

• one - 9 volt battery connector OR alligator clips

• 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.

Application of Learning Challenge

4. Experiment with different types of circuits. Can you do the following:

• Can you build a series circuit?

• Can you build a parallel circuit?

• Can you make a switch using other materials?

Video Tutorials

Resources

• 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

This idea was adapted and used with permission from Tom Heck at Makey Makey. Check his site to learn more. 

https://sites.google.com/site/makeymakeyk12/home

Makey Makey just updated their site and lesson. There is a great circuit lesson posted here