4-5.7 Illustrate the path of electric current in series and parallel circuits.
Electrical Circuits
Essential Question: How can I change the components needed for a complete circuit to make an open, series and parallel circuit?
Open Circuits
In the previous lesson, you illustrated a closed circuit (a complete path for electricity to follow) where the switch was closed and the light bulb was on. Now let’s say you want to turn off the light bulb. To do this, you have to open the circuit. An open circuit is an incomplete path for the flow of electricity. An open circuit has a break in it which stops the electricity from flowing through the circuit.
Series Circuits
More than one device that uses electricity can be part of the same circuit. A series circuit has two or more devices connected to a source of electricity in one loop.
In a series circuit, if one device stops working, that breaks the pathway, just like opening a switch.
Parallel Circuits
A parallel circuit also has two or more devices connected to a source of electricity. But each device has its own loop. Electricity can flow to all the devices at the same time. Electricity does not flow from one device to the next, as in a series circuit.
If one device in a parallel circuit stops working, electricity can still flow to the others. Most of the circuits in your home are parallel circuits.
Essential Question: How can I change the components needed for a complete circuit to make an open, series and parallel circuit?
Open Circuits
In the previous lesson, you illustrated a closed circuit (a complete path for electricity to follow) where the switch was closed and the light bulb was on. Now let’s say you want to turn off the light bulb. To do this, you have to open the circuit. An open circuit is an incomplete path for the flow of electricity. An open circuit has a break in it which stops the electricity from flowing through the circuit.
Series Circuits
More than one device that uses electricity can be part of the same circuit. A series circuit has two or more devices connected to a source of electricity in one loop.
In a series circuit, if one device stops working, that breaks the pathway, just like opening a switch.
Parallel Circuits
A parallel circuit also has two or more devices connected to a source of electricity. But each device has its own loop. Electricity can flow to all the devices at the same time. Electricity does not flow from one device to the next, as in a series circuit.
If one device in a parallel circuit stops working, electricity can still flow to the others. Most of the circuits in your home are parallel circuits.
Learning Task #1:
Students complete Kit Activity Sheet 2 Learning Task #2: Focus Question: How does electric current flow through a simple circuit? Students build parallel and series circuits. Students identify the properties of series and parallel circuits and begin to use this knowledge to describe their own circuits. Learning Task #3: Students closely read the Read Works Article: Electricity and Energy: Circuits. Students discuss the differences in a series and parallel circuit. Learning Task #4: Students view the DE Video on Series & Parallel Circuits and complete a video analysis sheet. Learning Task #5: Hidden Circuits: Students apply what they have learned about circuits in a new problem. Students use (assess) circuit testers (enclosed boxes) to investigate hidden circuits. Students develop problem-solving strategies. Learning Task #6: Students learn and use electrical symbols to illustrate circuit diagrams. Students practice translating electrical components into symbols. Student practice using circuit diagrams to construct real circuits. Formative Assessment Journal Entry, Edmodo, or Google Classroom Post: What is required to light a bulb? Use evidence to support your claim. Graphic Organizer |
Resources:
ABDO e-Book: ●Electricity pgs. 18-21 ●Electricity in the Real World Lerner e-Book: ●Investigating Electricity Discovery Ed Techbook: ●About Electricity ●Electric Circuits Switches and Circuits Techbook Resources: ●Current Electricity: Circuits Video Segment ●Circuits Video Segment ●Electric Current Exploration Techbook Resources: ● Series and Parallel Circuits Video Segment ● Getting Wired Exploration |