What this lesson teaches
This activity helps students understand energy transformation through hands-on experience with circuits and light.
Science in Action
Can you finish energy transformation in about 25 min?
Energy Transformation
You will understand energy transformation through hands-on experience with circuits and light.
Duration25 min
Age GroupAges 11–13
DifficultyIntermediate
SubjectScience
See how this hands-on lesson works
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What you need
- 1. Battery (AA or 9V)
- 2. Insulated copper wire
- 3. LED bulb
- 4. Switch
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How the activity runs
- Gather your materials: battery, wire, LED bulb, and switch.
- Connect one wire from the battery to the LED bulb's positive side.
- Attach the second wire to the LED bulb's negative side.
The learning connection
Hands-on activities engage students and make abstract concepts tangible. By building a circuit, students can visually and practically observe how energy changes form.
Try it with your learner
1. Take one wire and connect it to the positive terminal of the battery. 2. Attach the other end of this wire to the light bulb holder. 3. Use the second wire to connect it to the negative terminal of the battery. 4. Connect the other end of this wire to the other terminal of the bulb holder. 5. If needed, secure your connections with tape. 6. Turn on the circuit and observe the light bulb — what did you notice about the brightness?