Activity Overview
In Science, we often use models to explain things that are sometimes difficult to understand. Nearly all students have encountered electricity in their lives outside of school and have already started to build their own (often incorrect) ideas about how it all works. Some students don’t realize you need two wires to connect a bulb in their simple circuits because they are used to seeing only a single cord connecting a lamp to the outlet. Using models can be a great way to overcome these challenges and misconceptions as they allow students to imagine what is happening inside the wires.
In this activity, students will create a circuit model to demonstrate their understanding of how electricity works. An example model of the flow of electrons in a wire is saying electrons are like water flowing down the river. Students will be able to imagine rivers much more easily than the abstract idea of electron flow. Students will be able to let their imaginations run wild by creating their own models of electricity!
Have students compare their models to real circuits, either in the description boxes of the storyboard or as a class discussion. Ask students to use their models to describe current, voltage, and resistance.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
In Science we often use models to explain things that are sometimes difficult to understand. In this activity you are going to use your imagination to create your own model detailing how electrical circuits work.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Create a storyboard that shows how a circuit works by using something else as an example.
- Write a description underneath to describe how it works.
- Say which parts represent the wires, bulb and battery.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visualization | The storyboard clearly illustrates a model of the concept. | The storyboard illustrates a model of the concept. but is difficult to understand. | The storyboard cell does not clearly illustrate a model of the concept. |
| Identification of Components | You have clearly identified simple and complex components of the concept. | You have clearly identified the simple components of the concept | You have not identified the components of the concept. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
Activity Overview
In Science, we often use models to explain things that are sometimes difficult to understand. Nearly all students have encountered electricity in their lives outside of school and have already started to build their own (often incorrect) ideas about how it all works. Some students don’t realize you need two wires to connect a bulb in their simple circuits because they are used to seeing only a single cord connecting a lamp to the outlet. Using models can be a great way to overcome these challenges and misconceptions as they allow students to imagine what is happening inside the wires.
In this activity, students will create a circuit model to demonstrate their understanding of how electricity works. An example model of the flow of electrons in a wire is saying electrons are like water flowing down the river. Students will be able to imagine rivers much more easily than the abstract idea of electron flow. Students will be able to let their imaginations run wild by creating their own models of electricity!
Have students compare their models to real circuits, either in the description boxes of the storyboard or as a class discussion. Ask students to use their models to describe current, voltage, and resistance.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
In Science we often use models to explain things that are sometimes difficult to understand. In this activity you are going to use your imagination to create your own model detailing how electrical circuits work.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Create a storyboard that shows how a circuit works by using something else as an example.
- Write a description underneath to describe how it works.
- Say which parts represent the wires, bulb and battery.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visualization | The storyboard clearly illustrates a model of the concept. | The storyboard illustrates a model of the concept. but is difficult to understand. | The storyboard cell does not clearly illustrate a model of the concept. |
| Identification of Components | You have clearly identified simple and complex components of the concept. | You have clearly identified the simple components of the concept | You have not identified the components of the concept. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
How Tos about Electrical Circuit Models
How to set up a hands-on circuit demonstration using everyday classroom materials
Gather simple supplies like batteries, small bulbs, wires, and paper clips. Using familiar items helps students connect science with real life and makes the activity accessible for all.
Guide students to build a basic circuit step-by-step
Demonstrate connecting a battery, bulb, and wires to complete a circuit. Show how electricity only flows when the loop is closed, helping students see cause and effect in action.
Encourage students to experiment with circuit changes
Let students add or remove wires, bulbs, or batteries and observe what happens. This hands-on exploration helps them discover the effects of circuit components on their own.
Facilitate a class discussion connecting the demonstration to circuit models
Ask students to explain what happened using their own words and models. Relating the activity back to their models deepens understanding and clears up misconceptions.
Frequently Asked Questions about Electrical Circuit Models
What is an electrical circuit model for students?
An electrical circuit model is a simplified way for students to understand how electricity flows by comparing it to something more familiar, like water flowing through pipes. Using models helps explain concepts like current, voltage, and resistance in an engaging, visual way.
How can I teach electrical circuits to kids using models?
To teach electrical circuits to kids, have them create models comparing circuits to everyday things, such as rivers or roads. Ask students to label which parts represent the wires, bulb, and battery, and encourage them to describe how electricity moves using their analogy.
Why do students struggle with understanding electrical circuits?
Many students struggle with electrical circuits because they have misconceptions from real-life experiences, such as seeing only one cord on a lamp. Models help them visualize how electricity flows and why two wires are needed in a circuit.
What are some common misconceptions about simple circuits?
Common misconceptions include thinking only one wire is needed for a bulb to light, or that electricity is used up as it moves through the circuit. Using accurate models and class discussions helps correct these misunderstandings.
What is a good analogy for explaining electron flow in a circuit?
A popular analogy for electron flow is to compare it to water flowing down a river. This helps students imagine how electrons move through wires, making the concept less abstract and easier to grasp.
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