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Simple Circuits Worksheet Activities

The document outlines a challenge to create an electric circuit using basic components like a dry cell, wires, a switch, and a light bulb, while measuring voltage. It includes instructions for building circuits, recording observations, and analyzing the results. The goal is to understand the requirements for electrical current flow and the functionality of circuits.

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15 views4 pages

Simple Circuits Worksheet Activities

The document outlines a challenge to create an electric circuit using basic components like a dry cell, wires, a switch, and a light bulb, while measuring voltage. It includes instructions for building circuits, recording observations, and analyzing the results. The goal is to understand the requirements for electrical current flow and the functionality of circuits.

Uploaded by

bennypelger
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Exploring simple circuits

Power Smart for Schools

Name: Date:

Challenge
To create an electric current using a dry cell, wires, a switch and a light bulb, and to measure voltage in a simple circuit.

Critical question
What does a circuit need in order for electrical current to flow? Why?

Prediction
Predict how you might make a functioning circuit.

Materials
o a dry cell holder o a light bulb

o a dry cell o a switch

o conducting wires o a voltmeter

Instructions
1. Review the diagram in Box 1 and build the circuit.

2. Note the strength of the light emanating from the bulb or any other relevant observations.

3. Use a voltmeter to measure the voltage of your circuit, and record the voltage in Table B. Be sure to connect the voltmeter in
parallel (create a second pathway for current flow) to the source (dry cell) or the load (light bulb).

4. Draw a different circuit you think will work in Box 2. Construct this circuit and measure the voltage. Record the voltage.

5. Combine your materials with those of another team. In Box 3, draw and construct a functioning circuit with your combined
materials. Measure and record the voltage.

6. Clean up and return your materials.

7. Complete your analysis and conclusions.

Note: Please keep your switch(es) open or disconnect wires from your dry cell(s) when they’re not in use to extend the life of the
dry cell and light bulb. Be sure to align your dry cells correctly (they must be facing the same way) when combining
materials with those of another group.
Observations
a) In the space below, draw circuit diagrams illustrating the three ways in which you created a functioning circuit. Use appropriate
symbols and labels (see Table A).

1 2

3
TA B L E A: C I R C U I T D I AG R A M SY M B O L S

b) Record the voltage of your successful circuits and the one from your collaboration with another team.

TA B L E B

Circuit Voltage (volts)

Circuit 1 (1 dry cell)

Circuit 2 (1 dry cell)

Circuit 3 (2 dry cells)

Analysis
1. What is an electric circuit?

2. Name the main parts of an electric circuit.


Analysis
3. How are your successful circuits similar? How are they different?

4. What do you notice about your voltage measurements? Why is this so?

5. Give examples of circuits in your home and explain how they work.

Conclusions
Explain how you were able to make functioning circuits. How accurate was your prediction?
Why? How might you apply this knowledge in the real world?

BCH17-500.8.1

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