Circuit Builders Checklist Worksheet
Grade 5 Science • Unit 4: Energy
Circuit Builders Checklist
Part 1: Build the Loop
Name:
Date:
Group / Table:
Mission Goal: Build a complete closed circuit to make the bulb light up, and prove that electricity must flow in an unbroken loop.
Step 1: Check Your Group Materials (Mark each item when found)
1 D-cell battery
1 small light bulb
2 insulated wires (metal tips bare)
1 tray of 5 test objects
Step 2: Build the Circuit (One action per step • Check off as you do it)
1 Place the battery flat on your table.
2 Press the bare metal end of Wire 1 against the flat negative (-) end of the battery.
3 Touch the other metal end of Wire 1 against the threaded metal side of the light bulb.
4 Press the bare metal end of Wire 2 against the raised positive (+) bump of the battery.
5 Touch the other metal end of Wire 2 directly against the silver metal dot on the bulb bottom.
6 Look at the bulb filament to verify that it shines bright.
7 Lift one wire end off the battery to observe what happens when the loop breaks.
Step 3: Sketch Your Closed Loop
Label: Battery (+/-), Wires, Bulb, Closed Loop
Drawing Checklist:
Battery with + and -
Both wires
Light bulb
Unbroken loop
Turn over for Part 2: Conductor & Insulator Hunt Page 1 of 2
Grade 5 Science • Unit 4: Energy
Conductor & Insulator Hunt
Part 2: Testing Materials
Student Name:
5 test objects in tray
Step 4: Testing Procedure (One action per step)
1 Disconnect Wire 1 from the bulb side to create a gap in your loop.
2 Pick one test object from the tray.
3 Touch the free wire tip to one spot on the object.
4 Touch the bulb base directly to a different spot on the object.
5 Observe whether the bulb turns ON or stays OFF.
6 Check your boxes in the table below and repeat for each item.
Step 5: Test Table & Classification
| Test # | Tray Object | Bulb Observation | Classification |
|---|
| 1 | Paper Clip (metal) | | |
| Lights up Stays off | | | |
|
Conductor Insulator
|
| 2 | Pencil Eraser (rubber) |
Lights up Stays off
|
Conductor Insulator
|
| 3 | Metal Key (brass/steel) |
Lights up Stays off
|
Conductor Insulator
|
| 4 | Craft Stick (wood) |
Lights up Stays off
|
Conductor Insulator
|
| 5 | Aluminum Foil (metal) |
Lights up Stays off
|
Conductor Insulator
|
Conductor: Allows electric current to pass through (Bulb ON).
Insulator: Blocks electric current from passing through (Bulb OFF).
Step 6: Exit Reflection
My response includes:
'loop' or 'circuit'
'flow' or 'travel'
Prompt: Explain to a younger student why the light bulb only lights up when the loop is complete.
Completed Mission Checklist • Grade 5 Science Page 2 of 2
