LESSON DESCRIPTION:
In a cooperative exercise, students learn the basics of making an electric circuit as they discover what happens when small, colored light bulbs are hooked up in series circuits and in parallel circuits.

TIME REQUIRED: One Hour

OBJECTIVES:
Students learn basic electrical concepts such as volts, circuits
(parallel and series) and the differences between DC and AC current. Students learn how a light bulb works. Students learn how to make a simple electrical circuit and what happens as a heavier electrical load is placed on that circuit.

FACILITIES REQUIREMENTS:
Students can be seated at tables or desks or on the floor.

SAFETY:
Voltages involved in this experiment are minimal. Students are cautioned not to play with electrical outlets or anything involving household levels of electrical current.

CALIFORNIA SCIENCE STANDARDS ALIGNMENT

Kindergarden: 1st Grade: 2nd Grade:   3rd Grade: 4rth Grade: 5th Grade:   6th Grade: