Let The Light Shine

Lesson 5
Title: Let the Light Shine

Grade Level: Third and Fourth

Subject: Science

Learning Outcomes:
Students will:

demonstrate their knowledge of electrical circuits to build a simple circuit.
demonstrate their ability to follow step-by-step directions.
demonstrate their ability to work in cooperative groups.
demonstrate ability to follow safety procedures.

Time Frame: If this activity is being used as a review activity it is suggested that the first session be used to review what it takes to complete a simple electric circuit and the second session be used to build the circuit and place it in the model which was built in the lesson on geometric figures. If students have not been introduced to the electrical circuits, that information will need to be covered using the school's curriculum of study.

Materials: cardboard strips, scissors, 2 large paper clips, insulated wire, six volt battery, six volt light bulb, mini light socket, model of lighthouse built in lesson on geometric shapes, electrical tape.

Technology Tools/Courseware: Internet connection to complete vocabulary review on electrical terms. It is suggested that one of the various software programs available on electricity be used as reinforcement for the unit of study.

Teacher Notes: Students need to be reminded of the safety issues involved in working with electricity.
If the lighthouse is to be lit make sure the tube used for the light is large enough so it will not touch the bulb and cause the cardboard to burn.
Holes for windows for the light to shine need to be cut in the tube, these may be covered with cellophane if desired.

Procedures:
Session 1
A review session will be conducted on electrical circuits. A software program may be used if available. Games which will help students review terms pertaining to electricity is located at: http://www.quia.com/custom/8732main.html

Session 2
It is suggested that students work in cooperative groups to complete the following activity. If students are to use the lighthouse model they constructed in the geometric shape unit it is suggested they work with the same group they were with for this project.

Students will be told they are going to make a working circuit that will light a light bulb.
With their group they should make a diagram showing how their circuit should be made making sure that the battery, wires and connection, light socket and bulb and switch are labeled.
Students will be given the necessary supplies. If equipment such as leads and switches are available these may be used. If not, students may use a 6 volt battery, 3 pieces of insulated wire, (the length will be determined by the distance between switch and where the light will be placed), a mini light socket and 6 volt light bulb, and a small strip of cardboard.
To make a switch cut small slits in each end of the cardboard. A paper clip will be slipped through each slit. To make the switch turn on, the paper clips will be slid forward until they are touching and make contact.
Wrap a wire around the end of the paper clip which is extending from the cardboard, be sure to remove the insulation from the ends of the wires, and wrap the other end of the wire around one of the battery terminals.
Wrap another wire around the end of the second paper clip and connect it to the light socket.
Connect the third wire to the other side of the light socket and other terminal on the battery.
To turn on the light slide the paper clips together.
Another light bulb may be added to this circuit if the innkeepers house is also to be lighted. Again the length of wires will depend on the distance the light needs to be ran.
To place the light in the lighthouse punch a hole in the center of the material used as the base for the lighthouse and the top of the cup used as the body of the lighthouse. Place the light socket in the top of the cup. Run the wires down through the base and attach them to the battery and switch as previously directed. Tape the wires to the base to secure them. Replace the top of the lighthouse and let the light shine!

Modifications: The teacher will need to pair the students according to their abilities and special needs.

Enrichment: The students may choose to add a light to the light keeper's house following the same procedure, or by constructing a parallel circuit which will allow for both or only one building to be lit.
Other types of lighthouses can be build and made to light. Please check reference page for other sources.

Evaulation: Teacher will grade on competion of final project and Cooperative Group Score Sheet.

West Virginia Instructional Goals and Objectivites (IGOs):
Science -
Nature of Science -3.3, 4.3
Scientific Attributes/Habits of the Mind- 3.10, 3.13, 3.15, 4.10, 4.12, 4.14, 4.15, 4.16
Scientific Processes/ThinkingSkills - 3.19, 3.22
Laboratory Investigation/Hands on Learning - 3.27, 3.29, 4.27, 4.29
Science Themes and Subject Matter - 3.30, 3.32, 4.32, 4.49, 4.55, 4.56
Computer and Technology - 3.84, 4.81

National Standards:
Science - 11, 13, 14, 15

References:
Heimler, Charles H. and Price, Jack. Focus on Physical Science,
   Columbus: Charles E. Merrill Publishing, Co., 1981.
Helton, Sonia M. and Micklo, Stephen J. Elementary Math Teacher's Book
   of Lists, West Nyack: The Center for Applied Research in Education,
   1997.
Sibila, Tom. Electric Current. U.S.A.: Frank Shaffer Publication, Inc., 1998.

Created by: Cathy Orndorff, Connie Williams, Carol Young, - Wiles Hill School

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