Circuit Builder
Create circuits using batteries, light bulbs, switches, fuses, and a variety of materials. Examine series and parallel circuits, conductors and insulators, and the effects of battery voltage. Thousands of different circuits can be built with this Gizmo.
Launch GizmoCircuit Builder
Create circuits using batteries, light bulbs, switches, fuses, and a variety of materials. Examine series and parallel circuits, conductors and insulators, and the effects of battery voltage. Thousands of different circuits can be built with this Gizmo.
5 Minute Preview
Use for 5 minutes a day.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
- Determine how to light a lightbulb with a battery and wires.
- Classify materials as conductors or insulators.
- Compare the properties of series circuits and parallel circuits.
- Observe the effect of voltage on current.
- Explain how a fuse can prevent short circuits.
VOCABULARY:
- circuit, closed circuit, conductor, current, fuse, insulator, open circuit, parallel circuit, series circuit, short circuit
LESSON MATERIALS:
FROM OUR COMMUNITY
User Lesson Materials (4):
Vocabulario: Construir un Circuito
Vocabulario en español.
Best For:
Middle School Physical Science, Physics
Ejercicio Práctico del Alumno: Construir un Circuito
Ejercicio Práctico del Alumno en español.
Best For:
Middle School Physical Science, Physics
Chart for Testing Insulators and Conductors
If using the Circuit Builder Gizmo for whole class instruction, you may want to provide copies of the ins... (more)ulator vs. conductor chart rather than printing the Activity A student exploration sheet.
Best For:
Middle School Physical Science, Physics
Constructing Explanations Prompt - Claim, Evidence Reasoning
This CER worksheet allows students to consider the differences between the different types of circuits. ... (more)They will make a claim to answer the question, "Which type of circuit represents the kind of circuits that run the appliances in your house?" and support it with evidence and reasoning.
Best For:
Middle School Physical Science, Physics
User Recommendations (showing 5 of 17):
This is a fabulous resource for learning the basics about circuits. My students love Circuit Builder, and I love how it extends learning.
Recommended for: 3rd Grade ScienceGizmo User from New Mexico
Show Remaining Recommendations (12)