Download Circuits - Light My Bulb! - Hawaii Coral Reef Initiative

Circuits - Light My Bulb!
Electricity comes from
the Greek word elektron,
meaning “amber.” Greeks
first noticed electricity
by rubbing amber on
sheepskin.
Think about it...
What is an electric circuit?
Explore
Just
for Fun
Think of how different
your day would be
without electricity. What
would you have to
change?
Prep:
• Secure light bulb holder to wooden block with screws.
Twist black wire to screw on one side of bulb holder. Twist red wire to screw on other
side of holder.
• Place battery holder on 9-volt battery.
Did
you know?
In 1752, Benjamin
Make an electric circuit!
Franklin showed that
lightning is a form of
static electricity.
• Explore how to light the bulb with the materials given to you.
• Draw a picture of your circuit.
How it works
When you flip a light switch on or press the on button on an electric device, what
actually happens? You complete an electric circuit, allowing the current (electrons) to
flow through the wire. A battery or a generator produces voltage (force) that propels
the current through the circuit.
Some materials, like metal, lose electrons easily. These make good conductors.
Others, like rubber, hold onto electrons tightly. These make good insulators.
Scientist
Say . . .
Static electricity for an
electric charge built up in
one place.
Scientists
Say...
Circuit for the path along
which electricity flows.
Circuit comes from
the Latin roots circum
“around” and ire “to go.”
Hawaii Coral Reef Initiative
www.hcri.hawaii.edu
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