General Topics: Circuits, Electric Energy, Electronics
Grade Level: 2-3

In this activity we explored the process of basic circuitry. The exercise taught how a simple wiring setup worked and how multiple lights taking one power source affect brightness. The students had a simple switch-activated light setup by the end.

Each student was first given 4 lights,  already soldered together, and a battery. They were then asked to observe what happens when they light individual bulbs, two bulbs, and so on until they lit up all 4 at the same time.

Students were asked to show two lights, one light, and three lights lit up to ensure the concept was understood.

The students then were given 2 individual lights of different colours to connect themselves and create a basic circuit with a paperclip switch!

Students were also able to add the original 4 lights if they wanted to and create a 6 light circuit! Some students added a second switch and were able to turn on one light separately from turning on the two!

This class we learned:

• How electricity is transferred through the wire and where circuits end and begin
• How batteries work
• How light works
• What is energy
• How a switch works
• How an additional switch gives more abilities for lighting

Things to keep in mind for future activities: 

• Some students had trouble grasping how to work the circuit (lighting two lights versus all 4 for example), more time should be spent on explaining how a circuit works
• The double switch was popular when the students realized it was possible, working on that as the primary project should be considered