6th Grade Mini-Lesson: Circuits

This year we are trying some different ideas in the Lab. One thing is holding mini-sessions for different grade levels on different topics. We picked these topics based on the projects each grade did last year. Our idea is that by the time our students graduate 6th grade and move to the Upper School, they will have been introduced to electric circuits, coding, 3D printing, and Laser Cutting. Here's the break-down of mini-sessions:
     2nd grade...Scratch Jr
     3rd grade...Scratch and MaKeyMakeys
     4th grade...Laser cutting and Inkscape
     5th grade...3D printing and 123D Design
     6th grade...Circuits

Today was our first mini-session with a 6th grade class. We discussed circuits (open, closed, series and parallel), and schematic diagrams. We then were introduced to copper tape, LED's, and coin cell batteries. The students made a simple circuit using a template to make their LED light up. After that, we discussed other possible uses for circuits from making cards that light up to interactive posters to lamps.

Here are some pictures of our students making their circuits.