Creating a Light-up Circuit: A Step-by-Step Guide for the Tinker Challenge

Materials needed:

1. Battery (AA or AAA)

2. Light bulb (with socket or LED)

3. Wires with alligator clips or insulated wire

4. Paper clips

5. Small cardboard or foam board

6. Masking tape

Steps:

1. Introduction (5 minutes): Start by briefly explaining the basics of electricity. Use simple terms to define key concepts:

• Electricity: The flow of electric charge.

• Circuit: A path for electricity to flow.

• Voltage: The force that pushes electric charge through a circuit.

• Current: The flow of electric charge in a circuit.

• Resistance: Anything that hinders the flow of electric charge.

1. Demonstration (10 minutes):

• Assemble the materials in front of the students.

• Connect the light bulb to the battery using wires with alligator clips. Explain that this is a simple circuit.

• Turn on the light to show that electricity is flowing and the bulb lights up.

1. Hands-On Activity (15 minutes):

• Divide the students into small groups.

• Give each group a small cardboard or foam board to create their own circuit.

• Provide batteries, light bulbs, wires, and paper clips for each group.

• Instruct them to build a circuit that lights up the bulb when the switch is closed.

1. Discussion (10 minutes):

• After the groups have successfully created their circuits, gather the class for a discussion.

• Ask students to explain how their circuits work, emphasizing the concepts of voltage, current, and the role of the light bulb as a resistor.

• Discuss how adding more batteries or changing the resistance (e.g., using more paper clips) affects the circuit.

1. Extension (5 minutes):

• Optional: Discuss power briefly as the rate at which work is done in the circuit. Introduce the formula: Power (P) = Voltage (V) × Current (I).

• Encourage students to think about how changing the voltage or current affects the brightness of the light bulb.

This activity combines hands-on experience with conceptual understanding, making it an engaging way for 5th graders to learn about electric circuits and related concepts.