Explaining Electrical Circuits

Journal Article | March 2011

A unit designed to help fourth graders explain (in writing) scientific concepts they learned through inquiry activities and explicit teaching.

A Virtual Circuits Lab

Journal Article | June 2010

The University of Colorado’s Physics Education Technology (PhET) website offers free, high-quality simulations of many physics experiments that can be used in the classroom. The Circuit Construction Kit, for example,…

Teaching Circuits Is Child's Play

Journal Article | February 1999

Although all the basics were covered in a traditional unit on electricity, it felt like something was missing—would the students be able to apply their knowledge of circuits to real-world situations. In this activity,…

Safe Science: Circuit Safety

Journal Article | October 2007

The study of electricity in general science or physics is fascinating for students. Unfortunately, a number of electrical dangers exist in the laboratory that are applicable to all types of science including biology,…

Spring Break: A Lesson in Circuits

Journal Article | August 2001

This case, taught in a problem-based learning format, introduces students to the topics of electricity and circuits within the context of house wiring. Students explore the properties of series and parallel circuits,…

Don't "Short Circuit" Stem Instruction

Journal Article | December 2015

Exploring the goals of engineering and science.

Science 101: What's Really Going on in Electric Circuits?

Journal Article | February 2013

This column provides background science information for elementary teachers. In this month’s issue the author explores electric circuits.

Science 101: What’s Really Going on in Electric Circuits?

Journal Article | November 2016

This column provides background science information for elementary teachers. This month’s issue discusses how electric circuits work.