Science
Name of School: ___________________________
Name of Pupil: ___________________________
Grade: 7
Year: 2026
Project Title: Making a Simple Electric Circuit
PROJECT OBJECTIVES
1. To understand what an electric circuit is.
2. To identify the components of a simple electric circuit.
3. To construct a working electric circuit.
4. To explain how electricity flows in a closed circuit.
5. To apply scientific and technological skills in solving practical problems.
STAGE 1: PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION
1 Description of the problem, innovation, or identified gap
Electricity is used daily in homes, schools, and industries. However, many
learners do not understand how electricity flows in a circuit or how simple
devices such as bulbs light up. Without practical knowledge, learners may
fail to understand important concepts in Science and Technology.
There is a need to demonstrate how a simple electric circuit works using
affordable and locally available materials.
2 Brief statement of intent
This project aims to design and construct a simple electric circuit to
demonstrate how electricity flows in a closed circuit and lights a bulb.
3 Design / Project specifications or parameters
- The circuit must light a bulb.
- It must use safe, low-voltage batteries.
- Materials must be affordable and easily available.
- The circuit must clearly show open and closed circuit positions.
- It must be safe for classroom demonstration.
STAGE 2: INVESTIGATIONS OF RELATED IDEAS
.1 Evidence of related ideas
Idea 1: Series Circuit
A circuit where components are connected one after another in a single
path.
Idea 2: Parallel Circuit
A circuit where components are connected in separate branches.
Idea 3: Open and Closed Circuits
A closed circuit allows electricity to flow.
An open circuit breaks the flow of electricity.
2.2 Analysis of ideas
Idea 1: Series Circuit
Merits:
- Simple to construct.
- Requires fewer wires.
- Easy to demonstrate.
Demerits:
- If one component fails, the whole circuit stops working.
Idea 2: Parallel Circuit
Merits:
- Other components work even if one fails.
- Used in household wiring.
Demerits:
- More complex to construct.
- Requires more materials.
Idea 3: Open and Closed Circuits
Merits:
- Easy to demonstrate using a switch.
- Helps learners understand flow of electricity.
Demerits:
- Requires proper connection to avoid loose wires.
2.3 Overall quality of presentation
The series circuit is the most suitable for a Grade 7 project because it is
simple and easy to explain.
STAGE 3: GENERATION OF IDEAS / POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS
3.1 Evidence of possible solutions
Solution 1: Construct a simple series circuit using one battery, wires, and
a bulb.
Solution 2: Construct a circuit with a switch to show open and closed
circuit.
Solution 3: Add two bulbs to show how current flows in series.
3.2 Merits of each solution
Solution 1:
- Very simple.
- Easy to understand.
- Requires fewer materials.
Solution 2:
- Demonstrates control of electricity.
- Shows difference between open and closed circuit.
Solution 3:
- Demonstrates sharing of electricity.
- More educational.
3.3 Demerits of each solution
Solution 1:
- Limited demonstration.
- Does not show switching.
Solution 2:
- Requires extra material (switch).
- Slightly more complex.
Solution 3:
- Requires more wires.
- Bulbs may become dim.
3.4 Overall quality of presentation
Combining Solution 1 and Solution 2 gives a better learning experience.
STAGE 4: DEVELOPMENT / REFINEMENT OF CHOSEN IDEA
4.1 Indication of choice
Chosen Solution: Constructing a simple series circuit with a switch.
4.2 Justification of choice
Reason 1:
It clearly demonstrates how electricity flows.
Explanation:
When the switch is closed, the bulb lights. When the switch is open, the
bulb goes off.
Reason 2:
It is safe and affordable.
Explanation:
The circuit uses low-voltage batteries and simple materials available at
school.
4.3 Developments / refinements
- Use insulated wires for safety.
- Secure connections using tape.
- Mount components on a cardboard base for neatness.
- Label each component (battery, bulb, switch, wires).
4.4 Overall presentation
The circuit is neatly arranged on cardboard with clear labels and secure
connections to avoid loose wires.
STAGE 5: PRESENTATION OF THE FINAL SOLUTION
5.1 Artefact
- A mounted simple electric circuit showing:
- Battery
- Bulb
- Switch
- Connecting wires
5.2 Service
- Demonstration to classmates explaining:
- Closed circuit
- Open circuit
- Flow of electric current
5.3 Product
- A working electric circuit model.
- A written report explaining the project.
- Labeled diagram of the circuit.
STAGE 6: EVALUATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
6.1 Relevance to statement of intent
The project successfully demonstrates how a simple electric circuit works
and helps learners understand the concept of electricity flow.
6.2 Challenges encountered
- Loose wire connections.
- Bulb not lighting at first.
- Difficulty securing the switch.
Solutions:
- Tightened connections.
- Checked battery orientation.
- Used tape to secure components.
6.3 Recommendations
1. Use fresh batteries for better results.
2. Always handle wires carefully to avoid short circuits.
3. Teachers should encourage more practical experiments.
4. Learners should practice drawing circuit diagrams.
5. Schools should provide more science kits for experiments.