Circuits 3 Day Unit A gold star indicates high-quality, inquiry-based activities that follow the PhET design guidelines.


Download all files as a compressed .zip


Title Circuits 3 Day Unit
Description This unit includes 3 lessons, intended to be taught in three separate sessions of about 45 - 60 minutes each. In the first activity, students explore circuits and develop an understanding of a circuit's components. On the second day, students discover 2 different types of circuits - parallel and series and must think critically to determine which is more effective in a given situation. The 3rd lesson focuses on conductors and insulators. Lessons are designed to be inquiry-based and student-centered, with the sim, activity sheets, and class discussion supporting students in developing an understanding of electric circuits.
Subject Physics
Level K-5
Type Lab
Duration 60 minutes
Answers Included No
Language English
Keywords circuits, conductors, insulators, parallel circuit, series circuit
Simulation(s) Circuit Construction Kit: DC (HTML5), Circuit Construction Kit (DC Only)


Author(s) Meaghan Hixson
School / Organization St Vrain Valley School District
Date submitted 8/4/14
Date updated 10/30/17