1. “Exploring the material world” The torch
Teaching kit
“Exploring the material world”
The torch

2. The torch…
The different aspects of the discovery of the material world can only be approached from real-life situations and observation satisfying children’s curiosity.

3. Activity 16 : the torch
This activity can be performed under the mediator’s supervision.

4. Activity 16 : To make a torch, you need…
Exploring the material world: The torch Sheet n° 16
Activity 16 : To make a torch, you need…
4,5 V
A battery
Two wires
A lamp

5. - Tell me what you can see on the sheet.
Question 1 :
- Tell me what you can see on the sheet.
Sheet n° 16
4,5 V
A battery
Two wires
A lamp

6. Sheet n° 16
If the child takes a long time to answer, the question should be rephrased.
4,5 V
A battery
Two wires
A lamp

7. - Say what you can see in these pictures
Example of a prompt:
- Say what you can see in these pictures
(while showing the battery, the lamp and the wires).
Sheet n° 16
4,5 V
A battery
Two wires
A lamp

8. At nursery school, the important thing is that children should identify and name what they see.

9. Questions to ask the child:
What do you think could be done with this equipment?
Expected answers :
“a simple circuit”, or “light a lamp”, etc.

10. The mediator will ask the child to turn the sheet over.

11. Activity 16 : Making a homemade torch…
Exploring the material world: The torch Sheet n° 16
Activity 16 : Making a homemade torch…
I should check that: - the lamp is in good condition
- the battery is in good condition
- the two wires are conductors (metal)
4,5 V
For the torch to light up, the circuit must be closed.

12. Making a homemade torch as shown in the activity sheet…
Exploring the material world: The torch Sheet n° 16
Making a homemade torch as shown in the activity sheet…

13. Questions to ask the child:
Exploring the material world: The torch Sheet n° 16
Questions to ask the child:
Why does the torch not light up?
I should check that:
- the lamp is in good condition
- the battery is in good condition
- the two wires are conductors

14. Observation and description are the opportunity to draw attention to the functions of the different parts of a battery…

15. For the torch to light up, the circuit must be closed.
Exploring the material world: The torch Sheet n° 16
For the torch to light up, the circuit must be closed.
I should check that:
The wire is touching the contact of the lamp at one end
and a terminal of the battery at the other
4,5 V
The other wire is touching the base of the lamp at one end
and the other terminal of the battery at the other

16. Conducting experiments, observing and looking after things are a unique resource for verbal expression and interaction, even for the youngest and most reserved children.

17. For the torch to light up, the circuit must be closed.

18. In the course of these exchanges with the adult, an orderly pattern of questioning, clear concepts and, ultimately, knowledge will take shape.

19. Advice for performing the activity without supervision :
You can make another torch by yourself or with your parents’ help…

20. You can illustrate each stage in the experiment with drawings, notes and photos…
(these notes and observations can sometimes be made with the mediator and sometimes independently)

21. All these experiments are an aid to discussion and to attempts at representation (through drawing or photography), which are themselves new subjects of discussion.

22. Making a notebook with the children
They will be able to record each stage with drawings and photos illustrating what they have learnt from the experiment:
- drawing the equipment needed to make a homemade torch
- drawing the inside of a homemade torch
(these notes and observations can sometimes be made with the mediator and sometimes independently)

23. The written recording of observations (dictated to an adult) helps to memorise knowledge, become aware of relationships in space and time and identify causal links.

24. All these experiments are an aid to discussion and to attempts at representation (through drawing or photography), which are themselves new subjects of discussion.

25. the child should be able to…
On completion of the activity
the child should be able to…
- recognise a closed electric circuit and an open electric circuit
- name the different parts of a torch
- make a homemade torch from everyday objects.