Discrepant Activity for - Simple electric circuit concept assessment

Preparation

Have a copper insulated wire, one battery, and one bulb for the student to manipulate and paper for the students to draw the arrangements of the three objects in different ways and which will light or not light the bulb along with explanations.

Activity

With only one wire, one battery, and one bulb ask the student to find as many arrangements as possible that can made to light the bulb.

 

 

 

Ask the following:

  1. How would you explain the arrangements that worked?
  2. What conditions were necessary?
  3. What are the least arrangements sufficient to light the bulb?
  4. What did you learn about what is not necessary?

Results

 

 

 

 

Dr. Robert Sweetland's Notes ©