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In this activity about electricity, learners build and test a paper clip switch to turn on a light bulb. This activity introduces learners to open and closed switches and how electricity flows through conductive materials.
- 10 to 30 minutes
- 10 to 30 minutes
- $10 - $20 per group of students
- Ages 8 - 11
- Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per group of students)
- Wire strippers
- 6 rolls of transparent tape
- Brass paper fasteners
- Metal paper clips
- Pieces of 8-10 inch insulated, solid core, 20, 22 or 24 gauge wire
- 2 inch by 2 inch pieces of cardboard
- D-cell batteries
- Battery holders
- 1.5 volt light bulbs
- Pencils
Subjects
-
Engineering and Technology
-
Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
-
Engineering
-
Physical Sciences
-
Electricity and Magnetism
- Electric Charges and Currents
- Electric Circuits
-
Electricity and Magnetism
-
The Nature of Science
-
The Scientific Process
- Conducting Investigations
-
The Scientific Process
-
The Nature of Technology
- The Design Process
Informal Categories
- Electronics
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
Rights:
- All rights reserved, Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, 2002