Physics Classroom
Parallel Circuits - ∆V = I•R Calculations
Parallel circuits often provide less of a challenge for teens than parallel parking. An installment of a series on parallel electric circuits requires learners to solve increasingly difficult levels of calculations. Each level...
Curated OER
Series or Parallel?
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...
LABScI
Circuits Lab: Lightbulbs
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,...
Curated OER
Solar Kit Lesson #5 - Build a Simple Ammeter
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...
Curated OER
Electrical Circuits
Students compare series and parallel circuits. For 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. Students construct...
Curated OER
Types of Circuits and Ohm's Law
For this circuits an Ohm's Law worksheet, students read about the differences between series and parallel circuits. They are given Ohm's Law and the definitions of current, voltage and resistance. Students match variables with their...
Curated OER
Simple Circuits Lab
In this electrical circuit worksheet, students follow a pre-planned lab activity to demonstrate a series and parallel circuit. They record their observations and answer 4 questions. This document is printable and the answers are not...
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Simple Circuit: Electric Currents and Circuits
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...
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Electricity: Series and Parallel Circuits
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....
Curated OER
Electrical Circuits
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...
PHET
Capacitor Lab
The first capacitor was a Leyden jar, invented in 1745. Physics scholars explore capacitors in an engaging simulation. They may view one or set up circuits which contain two to three either in series or parallel. Other views include...
Curated OER
Performance-Based Assessments for DC Circuit Competencies
In this DC circuits activity, students are assessed given 31 schematics of DC circuits and they determine the given conditions, the parameters and an analysis of each.
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Series and Parallel Circuits
Learners explore the differences between a parallel and a series circuit.In this current lesson students complete several experiments using a light bulb.
Curated OER
Please Turn Up the Lights!
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...
Curated OER
Electricity
The presentation begins with a circuit building activity and two data tables for young scientists to copy and complete. Full of clever animations, it will definitely spark student interest! However, the information is incoherent. You may...
Curated OER
Circuit Lab
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.
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Introduction to Electric Circuits
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 students experiment.
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Basic Electric Circuits
Students calculate the resistance across a bank of resistors in a series, parallel and combined circuit. Using new vocabulary words, they define and describe them in a scientific manner. After stating Ohm's Law, they solve electrical...
Curated OER
Batteries and Bulbs
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.
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Applied Science - Physics Lab
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.
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Create a Pathway
Fifth graders build and experiment with electric circuits using easily available materials. They hypothesize what may happen if a part is changed.
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Electricity
In this electricity worksheet, students compare open and closed circuits, calculate voltage, and determine total resistance is resistors are parallel or series in a circuit. This worksheet has 19 problems to solve.
Curated OER
Performance-Based Assessments for Basic Electricity Competencies
In this electricity worksheet, students are assessed given 29 schematics and a competency for each schematic. They find either the conditions found in each schematic, the parameters of the schematic or give an analysis of the schematic...
Curated OER
Solar Race Cars
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.