Learning Objectives
- Understand the basic components of an electrical circuit
- Differentiate between conductive and insulating materials
- Develop a Beta & Tech (B&T) mentality through experimentation, prototyping, and iteration
- Foster creativity and problem-solving through circuit building
B&T dimensions and types covered
Dimensions
Dimension 1. Self-Confidence in Science and Technology. Students build their confidence as they successfully create circuits and see the LEDs light up. Completing the circuit correctly and understanding how electricity flows boosts their sense of accomplishment.
Dimension 3. Interest in New Technology. The activity introduces students to basic electrical principles in a playful and interactive way, sparking curiosity about how technology works. Exploring how different materials (conductors vs. insulators) affect the circuit can lead to a deeper interest in electronics.
Dimension 6. Technology Can Be Learned. The activity simplifies electronics into an accessible, step-by-step process, showing students that anyone can understand and build basic circuits. Trial and error during the construction process demonstrates that making mistakes is part of learning
Dimension 7. Practical Orientation. This activity focuses on hands-on learning by manipulating materials like conductive dough, insulating dough, and LEDs. Students physically build the circuit, test it, and make adjustments, making abstract concepts tangible.
B&T Types
- Makers: This activity involves physically building and experimenting with circuits, which resonates strongly with their preference for creating tangible objects.Building the circuit with Play-Doh and embedding LEDs aligns perfectly with their inclination toward craftsmanship and functional design.
- Explorers: This activity provides a safe, guided space for them to experiment and learn by trial and error. Testing materials for conductivity and discovering how circuits work helps Explorers build confidence while satisfying their curiosity
- Creative Makers: Creative Creators value activities that combine technology with artistic expression. The opportunity to design characters and integrate LEDs appeals to their aesthetic and imaginative side.
Grade Level
Intermediate school (3/4–5/6)
From 8 to 12 years old
Subjects
Natural Sciences: Basic electronics, material properties.
Technology: Circuit design and construction.
Art: Modeling with playdough and character creation.
Mathematics: Measuring and classifying materials based on conductivity
Materials
- Conductive playdough (Playdoh)
- Insulating playdough (Jovi)
- 9V battery
- Battery holder
- LEDs
- Conductive wires
- Adhesive tape
- Various materials to test for conductivity (textile cord, aluminum foil, copper tape, plastic strip, metal clips)
Duration
90 minutes – 120 minutes (2h)
Lesson Plan
Introduction
Duration: 10 minutes
Explain what an electrical circuit is and its basic components.
Discuss the difference between conductive and insulating materials.
Introduce the activity objective: to build a character with conductive playdough and incorporate lights using a simple electrical circuit.
Step-by-step development
Step 1: (15 minutes) Create a basic setup to test the conductivity of different materials using Playdoh and Jovi playdough, a battery, and an LED.
Step 2: (15 minutes) Classify materials as conductors or insulators in a table.
Step 3: (20 minutes) Create a character using conductive and insulating playdough, ensuring the conductive parts do not touch directly.
Step 4: (10 minutes) Insert the LED into the character and connect the battery to light it up.
Step 5: (10 minutes) Experiment with different configurations of series and parallel circuits.
Wrap-up & reflection
Duration: 10 minutes
- Reflect on what was learned: Which materials were conductive? What challenges were encountered while building the circuit?
- Discuss how the principles learned apply to the technology we use every day.
Extension activities
- Investigate how to create homemade conductive playdough and test its effectiveness.
- Explore how to add more than one LED to the character and the effects of different types of connections (series or parallel).
- Extend the project to include sound or movement using small motors