1. Teaching Children about Circuits (Sample Story Board) 1

2. Goal Your task is to help students develop the idea that electricity travels in a circle in a simple circuit (complete loop of conductors). 2

3. Scene 1 TEXT You have spent 40 minutes allowing students to explore what happens when they place batteries, bulbs, and wires in different configurations. The students have discovered that if they place a battery, bulb, and two wires “in a circle” the bulb will light. However, two students (“David” and “Ricardo”) begin an argument about the direction that the electrons travel. Watch the following video that shows this argument. Ricardo’s IdeaDavid’s Idea VIDEO Showing Ricardo’s and David’s argument

4. Choice 1 TEXT (Choice) Which student’s idea do you think is consistent with the scientifically accepted idea? David Ricardo Ricardo’s IdeaDavid’s Idea IMAGE Showing Ricardo’s and David’s ideas

5. Choice 1-David It seems you have a good understanding of electric circuits. If you’d like to review your understanding of circuits, here are some resources. (link to online simulator) 5

6. Choice 1-Ricardo It seems you could use a review your understanding of circuits. Here are some resources. (link to online simulator) 6

7. Choice 2 TEXT (Choice) What would you do next? A. You responded with, “Have the students look up the answer in a book or on the internet.” B. Ask both students what evidence they have to support their ideas. C. Propose a test that will challenge Charlie’s idea. D. Ask the rest of the students what they think.

8. Choice 2-A Your response was, “You responded with, “Have the students look up the answer in a book or on the internet.” The students find out that electricity travels in a circle and that David’s idea is correct. The conversation among the students ends. The students are all able to state that electricity travels in a circle around the circuit. However, a week later, Ricardo answers a question about the direction of travel of electricity incorrectly. He again stated that electricity traveled from both ends of a battery and met at the light bulb. What do you know about how children learn science that might explain why Ricardo’s ideas might have reverted to the ideas he argued in class. Text box: See what happens when you try another response (link to Choice 2) 8

9. Choice 2-B Your response was, “Ask both students what evidence they have to support their ideas.” Video: David and Ricardo presenting evidence for their ideas. 9

10. Choice 2-C Your response was, “Propose a test that will challenge Charlie’s idea.” Which of the following tests do you think might challenge Charlie’s ideas? (These links do not work) 10

11. Choice 2-D You responded with, “Ask the rest of the students what they think.” 11 Video: Other students talking about their ideas