Exploring Circuits: LED Circuit Buddies

POWERPOINT LESSON PLAN: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1hhBZbaCqbpGlU4nohGD8fVWjz73gvLoYbco2ebICYzM/edit?usp=sharing

Target Audience: Middle school students in NYC (Allergic to Salad after school program)

Instructor skill-set

• Instructors must have a basic knowledge of circuitry and electricity.

• Instructors who have fun and are creative!

Overview

For this lesson, students will delve into the world of electronics by exploring the fundamentals of circuits and LEDs. The lesson begins with an introduction to basic circuit concepts, followed by a hands-on demonstration of building a simple LED circuit. The highlight of the activity is an engaging activity where students unleash their creativity, constructing personalized LED circuit buddies using pipe cleaners.

“Ingredients”

• LEDs 120pc (assorted colors) $13

• Coin cell batteries 20pc (3V) $8

• Pipe cleaners 200pc (assorted colors) $7

• Jumper Wires $0

• Clothes pins 50pc $6

• Wire Tape $3

Learning Goals

• Introduce students to basic concepts of circuits and electricity.

• Teach students how to create a simple LED circuit.

• Engage students in a hands-on activity to build their own LED circuit buddies.

• Encourage creativity through the construction of LED circuit buddies in various shapes using pipe cleaners.

• Get a sense of curiosity about how everyday devices work and the role of circuits in technology.

Learning Objectives

• Students will learn about the cool world of circuits and electricity.

• Students will learn why LEDs are important.

• Students will be able to identify everyday objects that use an LED circuit.

• Students will get hands-on experience building their own LED circuits.

Outline

[INTRO] - 5 minutes

Literacy, STEM, or Leadership Skills Developed:

• STEM

Performance Goals

• Learning what a circuit is and LED

Description:

• Begin with a brief discussion on electricity and circuits.

• Show examples of everyday items that use LED circuits (e.g. flashlights, indicators, decorative LED).

• Explain why LEDs are important and can be part of simple circuits.

[Basics of a Simple LED Circuit] - 10 minutes

Literacy, STEM, or Leadership Skills Developed:

• STEM

Performance Goals

• Learn to build a circuit and learn how it works.

Description:

• Distribute materials to each student.

• Provide a variety of pipe cleaner colors and encourage creativity in designing their LED circuit buddies.

• Optional: Show them photos of examples of different kinds of circuit buddies that have been made before during the development of this lesson plan. This can help students who might be intimidated or have trouble getting started and also serve as inspiration for all students.

• Guide students through building the circuit, securing the LED and Battery.

[Close Up and Clean Up] - 10 Minutes

Description: Students will reflect on the activity and have time to clean up and put the tools back.

Evaluations

• Evaluation should be done during a close-up circle.

• A learning evaluation should be done by discussion and asking students questions about what they learned and about the activity.

• Things to consider when doing the evaluation:

  • Does anybody remember what a circuit is?

  • What are some things you can add to improve your activity?

  • Will a closed or open circuit turn on an LED?

  • What are some components you need to make a circuit?

• Instructors should do the evaluations.

Exit Ticket

Through this lesson, students leave this activity with learning circuits and LEDs, having successfully built and illuminated their own LED circuit buddies. The hands-on experience will enhance their problem-solving skills, creativity, and confidence in exploring basic electronics. Additionally, students will carry home their unique creations, serving as both a tangible representation of their learning and a source of pride in their newfound engineering skills.