Physics classes that are studying electricity connect photovoltaic cells into both series and parallel circuits. Inquiry and critical thinking come into play as learners try to determine which circuit is more productive. They associate...

Electrons flow from negative to positive, but the general consensus is that current flows from positive to negative. Scholars explore current through construction of circuits in both series and parallel. The focus is on voltage,...

Emerging electricians build a simple ammeter for making measurements on an electric current. They test the placement of solar cells in both series and parallel circuits and examine the magnetic field produced by the movement of electrons...

Learners compare series and parallel circuits. In this electricity and circuits lesson, students roleplay as a "wire" passing an energy ball to demonstrate how a series circuit works and how the circuit can be broken. Learners construct...

Through inquiry and exploration, 4th graders will learn and understand the functions of open and closed circuits. They will break into 2 groups, define vocabulary, hypothesize how to light a bulb, then test their hypothesis 4 different...

Fourth graders explore electricity and electrical circuits. They explore series and parallel circuits using Christmas lights. Students pull lights out of each strand of lights. They observe the results when the light bulb is pulled out....

Sixth graders make an electrical switch. In this electricity lesson, 6th graders will make an electrical switch, a series circuit, and a parallel circuit. They explain an open and closed circuit and give examples of  series and...

Students explore the differences between a parallel and a series circuit.In this current activity students complete several experiments using a light bulb.

Eighth graders discuss series and parallel circuits and design an investigation to test a hypothesis on total resistance of series and parallel circuits in combination. After discussion, groups design their experiments, run tests, and...

Students explore the properties of electricity. This lab shows students the need for a circuit in order to have a flow of electricity. It demonstrates Ohm's law, which relates voltage, current, and resistance.

High schoolers explore using a circuit board in this physics lesson. They will analyze current and battery set up on a circuit board. Teachers check the board before the young scholars experiment.

Students examine the uses of batteries and bulbs and explain the differences between series and parallel circuits.  In this circuits lesson students complete a lab activity.

Students investigate electricity. In this Physics lesson, students experiment with insulators and conductors of electricity. Students use batteries as the energy source for the experiment.

Fifth graders build and experiment with electric circuits using easily available materials. They hypothesize what may happen if a part is changed.

Students explore the relationship between time traveled, distance and speed.  In this solar race car lesson students wire solar batteries using series and parallel circuitry. 

Young scholars research on renewable and nonrenewable resources. In this chemistry lesson, students design and build solar panels. They evaluate their device and write a lab report.

What a clever idea! Chemistry learners imagine themselves deserted on an island with a radio, but no batteries. They also have a few odds and ends in their pockets and storage chest. They are challenged to create a battery that will...

Students explore electricity by conducting a series of experiments. In this physics lesson, students discover the relationship between current, voltage and resistance. They calculate voltage and power in a given system.

High schoolers construct a homopolar motor following certain procedures. In this physics instructional activity, students explain how generators and motors work. They compare and contrast the characteristics of both.

Pupils describe how electric charges exert forces on each other as well as compare the strengths of electric and gravitational forces. They distinguish between conductors and insulators. In addition, students examine voltage and...