1. K-6 SciTech Curriculum K-12 Directorate NSW Department of Education and Training Electric Circuit Basics

2. K-6 SciTech Curriculum K-12 Directorate NSW Department of Education and Training The components of the kit Foam kneeler Drawing pins Paper clips Map pins Aluminium foil Globes Insulated wire Wire strippers Batteries Globe holders Electric Motor

3. K-6 SciTech Curriculum K-12 Directorate NSW Department of Education and Training The Batteries Multiple batteries need to be connected + to – Alternatives: purchase battery holders; roll the pair of batteries in paper and tape to secure, then stretch a thick rubber band endwise around them to keep them firmly connected to each other and secure the wires. The slot in the kneeler holds 2 size C batteries firmly. Wedge with aluminium foil to secure a good connection.

4. K-6 SciTech Curriculum K-12 Directorate NSW Department of Education and Training The Switch Strip the end of one wire, loop and pin to the base with a drawing pin. Use a second pin to hold together another wire and a paper clip, spaced so the clip makes firm contact with the first pin. On position Off position

5. K-6 SciTech Curriculum K-12 Directorate NSW Department of Education and Training Globe holder Examine the base of the globe. Black insulation separates the metal in the centre of the base from the metal of the screw thread. You need one wire in good contact with each. The blue map pin anchoring the paper clip ensures the base of the globe is in firm contact with the drawing pin.

6. K-6 SciTech Curriculum K-12 Directorate NSW Department of Education and Training Example 1 A single globe with switch. Current flows through the globe and the switch and back to the battery.

7. K-6 SciTech Curriculum K-12 Directorate NSW Department of Education and Training Example 2 If the circuit is broken no current flows, regardless of where the break is. The circuit below is equivalent to the preceding one, merely arranged differently.

8. K-6 SciTech Curriculum K-12 Directorate NSW Department of Education and Training Example 3 Two globes with a single path through both of them. Either both are on or both are off (technically a series circuit)

9. K-6 SciTech Curriculum K-12 Directorate NSW Department of Education and Training Example 4 Two globes, each of which can be switched on and off independently. The current can bypass the first to get to the second. (Technically, a parallel circuit )