Electrical Circuits Lesson Plan for Science Teachers
In this blog post, we’ll explore a hands-on electrical circuits lesson plan designed to teach middle school students the basics of electrical circuits and how to build both series and parallel circuits.
Learning about electricity can spark curiosity and ignite a passion for science in young learners. This electrical circuits lesson plan will help middle school science teachers make learning about circuits both engaging and educational for their students.
A downloadable copy of this lesson plan is available in The ETI Academy TpT Store.
[Click here to download your copy today!]
Our Electrical Circuits Lesson Plan
Electrical circuits are fundamental to understanding how electricity powers our world. From the lights in our homes to the gadgets we use daily, circuits are everywhere. Teaching students about circuits not only builds foundational knowledge in physics but also fosters problem-solving skills and creativity.
Below is a detailed look at our lesson plan objectives, materials needed, and an introduction. For a full look at the lesson plan, visit our TpT store to download your copy today!
Lesson Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will:
- Identify the basic components of an electrical circuit.
- Understand the differences between series and parallel circuits.
- Build and analyze both types of circuits.
What You’ll Need
Here’s a list of materials to gather for this activity:
- Batteries (AA or D size)
- Battery holders
- Light bulbs (small, low voltage)
- Light bulb holders
- Wires with alligator clips
- Switches
- Multimeters (optional, for measuring voltage and current)
- Circuit diagrams worksheet
- Whiteboard and markers
- Handouts: Basic Circuit Components & Diagrams
Step-by-Step Lesson Plan
1. Start with the Basics (10 minutes)
Kick off the lesson with a discussion about electricity and its everyday applications. Ask students: “What is electricity, and where do we see it in our daily lives?”
Next, introduce the key components of a circuit:
- Power Source: Provides energy (e.g., a battery).
- Conductor: Pathway for electricity (e.g., wires).
- Load: Converts electrical energy into another form (e.g., a light bulb).
- Switch: Controls the flow of electricity.
Use a simple circuit diagram to illustrate these elements and explain how they work together.
To gain access to this presentation along with supplementary resources for this lesson plan, consider downloading our electrical circuits bundle package available on our TpT store.
The bundle includes:
- Our Electrical Circuits Lesson Plan
- Introduction to Elements of Electricial Circuits Worksheets
- Series and Parallel Circuits Worksheets
- A Presentation Guide to Electrical Circuits
- A Guide to Ohm’s Law in Electrical Circuits
Answer keys are available for all worksheets provided.
Extensions and Modifications: Supporting Diverse Learners
Every classroom is unique, with students who bring varied strengths, needs, and learning styles. The Extensions and Modifications section of any lesson plan is designed to ensure that all learners, from those who require additional support to those ready for greater challenges, can engage meaningfully with the material.
By incorporating differentiated strategies, this section provides opportunities to deepen understanding, accommodate diverse abilities, and foster an inclusive learning environment. Whether adapting tasks for accessibility or offering enrichment activities, these adjustments aim to maximize each student’s potential and create a dynamic, supportive classroom experience.
- For Advanced Learners: Introduce Ohm’s Law and have students calculate resistance in their circuits.
- For Struggling Learners: Provide pre-drawn diagrams to guide their circuit construction.
- Real-World Connection: Discuss how circuits are used in household wiring and other everyday applications.
Why This Lesson Works
This hands-on approach makes abstract concepts tangible and encourages active learning. By building their own circuits, students not only grasp the theory but also develop critical thinking and collaboration skills.
Electrical Circuits Resources for the Classroom
This blog contains Amazon affiliate links to highlighted resources. By clicking on the link and making a purchase we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Click here for full disclosure.
Here are five highly-rated Amazon resources for building and teaching electrical circuits in the classroom:
1. Snap Circuits Jr. SC-100 Electronics Exploration Kit
- Why It’s Great: This beginner-friendly kit includes over 30 snap-together parts that allow students to build 100 different projects, such as alarms and lights.
- Educational Value: Perfect for introducing students to the basics of electrical circuits in a hands-on way.
- Ideal For: Elementary to middle school students.
- Link: Snap Circuits Jr. SC-100
2. EUDAX Basic Electricity Discovery Circuit Kit
- Why It’s Great: This comprehensive kit includes motors, buzzers, switches, LEDs, and a breadboard for experimenting with series and parallel circuits.
- Educational Value: Encourages hands-on exploration of electrical components and circuit design.
- Ideal For: Middle and high school students.
- Link: EUDAX Basic Electricity Discovery Circuit Kit
3. Circuit Scribe Basic Kit
- Why It’s Great: This innovative kit allows students to draw circuits on paper using a conductive ink pen. Components like LEDs and switches can be easily added to their designs.
- Educational Value: Combines creativity with STEM learning and provides a unique approach to understanding circuits.
- Ideal For: Middle school students and creative learners.
- Link: Circuit Scribe Basic Kit
4. ELEGOO UNO Project Super Starter Kit
- Why It’s Great: This Arduino-based kit includes everything needed to learn about microcontrollers and build programmable circuits.
- Educational Value: Teaches coding and electronics, making it great for advanced learners.
- Ideal For: High school students and advanced middle schoolers.
- Link: ELEGOO UNO Project Super Starter Kit
5. Thames & Kosmos Electronics Learning Circuits Kit
- Why It’s Great: This kit offers over 50 experiments, including creating circuits with LEDs, motors, and buzzers. The components are mounted on a board for easy assembly.
- Educational Value: A structured approach to learning about electricity and circuits.
- Ideal For: Middle school students and beginner high school students.
- Link: Thames & Kosmos Electronics Learning Circuits Kit
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