What this lesson teaches
This activity helps students understand electrical circuits and their configurations, focusing on the differences between series and parallel setups.
Science in Action
Can you finish series vs parallel in about 30 min?
Series vs Parallel
You will understand electrical circuits and their configurations, focusing on the differences between series and parallel setups.
Duration30 min
Age GroupAges 11–13
DifficultyIntermediate
SubjectScience
See how this hands-on lesson works
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What you need
- 2 batteries
- 2 light bulbs
- 3 wires
- 1 switch
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How the activity runs
- Gather materials: batteries, bulbs, wires, and switches.
- Create a series circuit with components in a line.
- Observe and note the brightness of the bulbs.
The learning connection
Hands-on experiments allow students to visualize and interact with concepts. Engaging in practical applications reinforces learning and helps solidify understanding of theoretical ideas.
Try it with your learner
1. Gather batteries, bulbs, wires, and switches. 2. Connect batteries and bulbs in a line to create a series circuit. 3. Observe how the bulbs light up and note their brightness. 4. Disconnect the series circuit and connect bulbs side by side for a parallel circuit. 5. Turn on the parallel circuit and compare the brightness of the bulbs. 6. What did you notice about the brightness in both circuits?