Closed Circuits

Closed Circuit Materials:

1D Cell Battery

1 Paper Clip

1 with threads, not the kind you pop in

Journal for each 

               

• in small groups:
• have them practice using the 3 objects to cause an electric reaction (lighting up of the light bulb)
• have them identify different ways to make this occur and explain what happens when an object is removed from the equation...If you remove 1 object, none of it works.

Identify the safety concerns: 

1. the objects may get very hot
2. broken glass from a reaction to the heat
3. paper clip may be used incorrectly (as a weapon)

Addresses TPE: (4=Making Content Accessible; 5=Student Engagement; 6=developmentally appropriate teaching practices; 2=Monitoring student learning during instruction; 3=interpretation and use of assessments)

Purpose of this activity is to firmly grasp the concept of a closed circuit and the parts that are required for it to work as a cohesive unit comprised of varied independent items. This promotes working with others to accomplish as well as the hands on experience required for the kinesthetic learner. This type of application allows for students to firmly grasp the concept of what makes things work and how exactly it occurs before their eyes, making it a teachable moment that they may carry for a lifetime.