Control the Flow

Source Institutions

4-H

Control the Flow

In this activity about electricity, learners build and test a paper clip switch to turn on a light bulb. This activity introduces learners to open and closed switches and how electricity flows through conductive materials.

Preparation Time:: 10 to 30 minutes
Learning Time:: 10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:: $10 - $20 per group of students
Age Range:: Ages 8 - 11
Resource Types:: Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:: English

Materials List (per group of students)

Wire strippers
6 rolls of transparent tape
Brass paper fasteners
Metal paper clips
Pieces of 8-10 inch insulated, solid core, 20, 22 or 24 gauge wire
2 inch by 2 inch pieces of cardboard
D-cell batteries
Battery holders
1.5 volt light bulbs
Pencils

Keywords

Subjects

Engineering and Technology
- Engineering
  - Electrical Engineering
Physical Sciences
- Electricity and Magnetism
  - Electric Charges and Currents
  - Electric Circuits
The Nature of Science
- The Scientific Process
  - Conducting Investigations
The Nature of Technology
- The Design Process

Informal Categories

Electronics

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

see
touch

Learning styles supported:

Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards

Standards Alignment WI Academic Standards: Science C.4 Science Inquiry

This resource is part of:

4-H Afterschool Electricity Projects

Access Rights:

Free access

By:

Department of 4-H Youth Development, University of Wisconsin Extension

Rights:

All Rights Reserved, Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, ©2002