Building Parallel and Series Circuits

< BACK TO ELECTRICITY ALL AROUND US HOME
Write your awesome label here.
Download the activity files below for a quick start or scroll down to take the online lesson format of this activity.

Please click the View this Activity button above to login/create an account or to begin.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this activity, learners will:
  • Demonstrate a parallel and series circuit
  • Identify the differences between parallel and series circuit
  • Understand that bulbs in a series will light up dimly
  • Understand that bulbs in parallel will light up brighter

Curriculum Connections

  • Grades 5 - 8
  • Click here for a detailed description of the curriculum connections 

Length of Activity

1.5 hours

Materials List

  • Building Parallel and Series Circuits Learner Activity Instructions
  • Building Parallel and Series Circuits Learner Worksheet
For each learner group:
  • 2 Bulb holders
  • 1 Battery
  • 1 Battery holder
  • 2 Bulbs
  • 6 Insulated copper wires (each piece 10 to 20 cm long, ends stripped OR insulated copper wires with alligator clips on the ends, these can be purchased at Radio Shack in packs and are reasonably priced)

Online Lesson Format