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Flashlights and Batteries      print | email
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(Full teacher resource documents are included in the PDF)

Lesson Focus
Lesson focuses on the concept of electron flow through the demonstration of electrical circuits in a flashlight, and how batteries operate.

Lesson Synopsis

The Flashlights and Batteries activity explores how a flashlight works, showing the electric circuit and switch functions of this everyday household item. Students learn how batteries work, how they provide power to the simple circuit within a simple flashlight, and how the switch controls the flow of electrons. Students disassemble a flashlight, and draw a schematic of a flashlight's circuit design.

Age Levels:   8-11

Objectives
  • Learn how switches control the flow of electricity.
  • Learn to draw basic electric schematic diagrams.
  • Learn how the electric circuit and battery within a flashlight operates.
  • Learn about teamwork and working in groups.

Anticipated Learner Outcomes

As a result of this activity, students should develop an understanding of:
  • batteries
  • switches
  • circuits and current
  • basic electrical schematic diagrams
  • teamwork



Lesson Activities

Students learn how batteries work, and explore the simple circuit system found in a standard flashlight. Topics examined include batteries, electron flow, switches, and bulbs. Students disassemble a flashlight and also document their findings by creating schematics of flashlight electric circuits.

Resources/Materials

  • Teacher Resource Documents (attached)
  • Student Worksheets (attached)
  • Student Resource Sheets (attached)


Alignment to Curriculum Frameworks

Curriculum alignment sheet is included in PDF.

Categories

Electricity And Magnetism, Energy, Technology

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