Exploring Circuits and Optimum Power
- Students build series circuits using “grain of wheat bulb” and LEDs powered by various low voltage solar panels.
Students build parallel circuits using grain of wheat and LED bulbs powered by various low voltage solar panels.
Students demonstrate and draw the energy transfer using solar energy.
Students draw a circuit diagram of their final optimal circuit.
Students design an optimal circuit model that will be used in their final project.
This lesson is an exploratory learning cycle that will give the instructor input as to where students are in their understanding of circuits and also scaffolds student learning. This lesson starts by engaging students by using an Energy Stick. Then, students start by working with small lamps and LEDs to build simple series and parallel circuits. Students then move on to testing motors with propellers and then add a battery pack to the circuit. In the end, students should build a circuit that they feel will be the best for their future mobile aircraft.