Make a Simple Electric Device
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What you will learn
- 1Name the four components of a simple electric circuit
- 2Distinguish between an open circuit and a closed circuit
- 3Plan and build a simple electric device using a battery, wires, and a bulb
Mini Lesson
Electricity flows through a circuit — a complete loop of conducting materials. When the loop is unbroken (closed), electricity flows and a device like a bulb can light up. When the loop is broken (open), electricity cannot flow and the device stops working. Understanding circuits lets us build useful electric devices.
The Four Circuit Components
- Battery — the source of electrical energy; provides the push (voltage).
- Wire — the conductor that carries electricity around the circuit.
- Bulb (or buzzer) — converts electrical energy into light (or sound).
- Switch — opens or closes the circuit to control the flow of electricity.
Open vs Closed Circuit
- Closed circuit — all components are connected in a complete loop; current flows; bulb is ON.
- Open circuit — there is a gap or a switch is open; current stops; bulb is OFF.
Building Your Device
- Gather: a 1.5V battery, two wires with alligator clips, a small bulb.
- Connect one wire from the positive (+) end of the battery to the bulb.
- Connect a second wire from the bulb back to the negative (−) end of the battery.
- If the bulb lights, the circuit is closed. Well done!
- Add a switch: ask a grown-up to cut one wire, then connect the two ends to a switch.
Words to know
circuit
a complete loop through which electricity can flow
conductor
a material that allows electricity to flow through it (e.g. copper wire)
insulator
a material that does not allow electricity to flow (e.g. rubber, plastic)
When presenting your device, show the closed circuit (bulb on) and open circuit (bulb off), and explain what each component does.
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