CU 4.20A Simple Circuit

1. 1

   Show each part and name it: battery, bulb, wire.

2. 2

   Clip one wire to one end of the battery holder and to the bulb holder.

3. 3

   Clip the second wire to the bulb holder and, last, to the other end of the battery holder. The bulb lights.

4. 4

   Say: 'The electricity goes around in a loop. This loop is called a circuit.'

5. 5

   Unclip one end. The bulb goes out: 'The loop is open. Electricity cannot get around.'

6. 6

   Invite the child to build the circuit.

7. 7

   Open the loop and clip a test object into the gap. Sort the objects into 'lights the bulb' and 'does not'.

8. 8

   Show the safety card: 'We only use small batteries. Never wall outlets.'

What catches the child’s eye

• The bulb glowing the instant the last clip closes the loop
• A plain paper clip lighting the bulb while a plastic spoon does not

Extensions, easiest to hardest

1. Add a simple switch to the loop
2. Find switches in the classroom and talk about what they open and close
3. Draw the circuit with the battery, wires, and bulb
4. Sort picture cards of things that use electricity