Circuit Sparks Activity Guide
Grade 5 Science Unit 4: Energy & Electricity
45 Minutes Lab
Electric Circuits Investigation
Focus Question: What makes the bulb light up?
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Student Name:
Lab Partners:
Date:
Step 0: Lab Station Equipment Check Verify you have all materials before beginning
1 D-Cell Battery
1 Small Light Bulb
2 Insulated Wires
1 Tray of 5 Objects
1 Part 1: Build a Working Circuit (12 Minutes)
Goal: Make the bulb light up!
Step 1: Inspect the Terminals
Locate the positive (+) and negative (-) ends of your battery, and the metal side and base of the bulb.
Step 2: Experiment & Connect
Try different arrangements using the battery, wires, and bulb until you create a working pathway.
Step 3: Test the Connection
Ensure wire ends make solid contact with the metal parts. Once the bulb lights, hold it in place.
Step 4: Verify Complete Loop
Trace the path of electricity with your finger from the battery, through the bulb, and back to the battery.
Step 5: Circuit Blueprint Sketch
Accurately draw your working circuit below
[LAB SKETCHPAD] LABEL: BATTERY (+/-), WIRES, BULB CONTACT POINTS
SCALE: 1:1 WORKING CIRCUIT
Circuit Checkpoint Questions
1. Where exactly on the light bulb must the two wire contacts touch?
2. What happens immediately when you detach any single wire? Why?
Turn to Page 2 for the Conductor & Insulator Hunt Electric Circuits Lab • Mrs. Alvarez
Electric Circuits Investigation
Part 2: Conductor & Insulator Hunt
12 Minutes Testing
Page 2 of 2
Testing Instructions & Protocol
Step 6: Break Circuit
Disconnect one wire connection to create a gap in your loop.
Step 7: Insert Object
Place each test item across the gap so electricity must flow through it.
Step 8: Record Results
Record if the bulb lights up and classify as conductor or insulator.
Material Testing Data Log Conductor = Loop complete • Insulator = Loop blocked
| # | Test Object | Material Type | Prediction | Bulb Lights? | Classification |
|---|
| 1 | Paper Clip | Steel / Metal | Light Dark | YES / NO | C / I |
| 2 | Rubber Eraser | Synthetic Rubber | Light Dark | YES / NO | C / I |
| 3 | Key | Brass / Metal | Light Dark | YES / NO | C / I |
| 4 | Craft Stick | Wood | Light Dark | YES / NO | C / I |
| 5 | Aluminum Foil | Aluminum Metal | Light Dark | YES / NO | C / I |
| ★ | Your Choice Item: | _________________ | Light Dark | YES / NO | C / I |
Step 9: Class Discussion Evidence Pattern Recognition
What did every object that allowed the bulb to light up have in common?
Step 10: Exit Reflection (5 Minutes) Individual Response
Prompt: Explain to a younger student why the light bulb only lights up when the loop is complete. Be sure to use the science terms: circuit, conductor, and insulator.
Student Self-Check Checklist:
Built working circuit
Completed sketch
Tested all 5 items
Wrote exit reflection
Teacher Verification:
Stamp / Initials
