Electrical Circuit

Introduce your students to the electric circuit with the diagram, MatchCard, and simple activities to demonstrate the flow of electrons.

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Electrical Circuits MatchCard

Objective: Diagram an electrical circuit.

Explain that for electricity to flow, the electrons need to make a complete circle. Demonstrate this with the following experiment.

Electrical Circuit MatchCard

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This is MatchCard #8 of the Light and Energy Unit Study. Find more information on MatchCard Science below.

Electrical Circuit Activities

Build A Simple Circuit

Use Common Materials to Build Your Own Circuit

• Cut two pieces of aluminum foil approximately 12 inches long and 1/2 inch thick. Fold the strips the long ways so they are 1/4 inch thick.
• Set a battery on one end of one of the foil strips.
• Touch the other end of that strip to the metal base of a flashlight bulb.
• Now touch one end of the other strip to the flashlight bulb as well. Make sure the two aluminum strips do not touch each other.
• Now touch the opposite end of the second strip to the positive end of the battery. The bulb will light up.

Diagram a Circuit

Use the Electrical Circuit MatchCard to explain that the flow of electrons makes a complete circuit. When an electrical circuit is diagramed it always has the following components:

• wires
• switch
• electrical source

Using the MatchCard, match the purpose of each component with its diagram and name.


Extra credit: Look up other symbols for more complex electronic circuits. What do each of these components do? Make a poster for additional credit.

Electronic Kits

Most local toy stores and book stores have electronic kits for kids to help them understand and build electric circuits. These can be both fun and educational for students. Prices can range from $8 to $100 or more.

A cheaper kit will allow students to connect and disconnect wires to turn on a light or a buzzer. They are usually used for only one or two projects. It is also not necessary to get a kit, as we explain in the next column how to make a circuit with common items.

A popular, but more expensive, option are the Snap Circuits kits by Elenco. These high quality materials allow the students to snap the components together to build a variety of electrical circuits. It you have a student with ANY interest in electricity OR any interest in do it yourself kits, consider getting either the Snap Circuits 100 kit (about $30.) For the more energetic student, the Snap Circuits 300 has 300 projects rather than 100; and costs about twice as much. If you are unsure, get the less expensive kit, because you can buy an expansion back to add on if you find your student desires more than 100 projects.