Light Up the World: Paperclip Circuits
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we design and build a device using basic materials that demonstrates our understanding of electrical circuits and their components?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How can we use simple materials to create a functioning circuit?
- What are the basic components of an electrical circuit and what role does each play?
- How does electricity flow through a circuit?
- What is the difference between a closed and open circuit?
- How can we represent a circuit using a diagram?
- How can we control the flow of electricity in a circuit?
- What are conductors and insulators and how do they affect a circuit?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Understand the basic components of an electrical circuit (battery, wires, LED).
- Build a simple circuit using a battery, paper clips (wires), and an LED.
- Differentiate between open and closed circuits.
- Explain how electricity flows through a circuit.
- Represent a circuit using a diagram.
- Control the flow of electricity in a circuit.
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsThe Impossible Circuit
Present students with a seemingly impossible task: to light up an LED using only paper clips and a battery. This hands-on challenge immediately sparks curiosity and encourages experimentation. Students must think creatively and apply their emerging understanding of circuits to solve the puzzle.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.The Light-Up Challenge
Students will construct a physical circuit using the provided materials to light an LED.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA working circuit and a photograph/video of the circuit in operation.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Build a simple circuit using a battery, paper clips (wires), and an LED.Open and Shut Case: Circuits
Students will manipulate their circuit to create open and closed states, observing the effect on the LED.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA written explanation of the difference between open and closed circuits, with accompanying diagrams.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Differentiate between open and closed circuits.Switch It Up: Controlling the Current
Students will design and implement a switch in their circuit to control the flow of electricity.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA circuit with a functional switch and a demonstration of its use.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Control the flow of electricity in a circuit.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioBasic Electrical Circuits Rubric
Circuit Construction and Documentation
Assessment of the physical circuit construction and its visual documentation.Circuit Construction
Accuracy of circuit construction and functionality.
Exemplary
4 PointsCircuit is perfectly constructed, functions flawlessly, and demonstrates deep understanding of component connections.
Proficient
3 PointsCircuit is correctly constructed, functions as expected, and demonstrates good understanding of component connections.
Developing
2 PointsCircuit has some errors in construction, functions partially, and demonstrates basic understanding of component connections.
Beginning
1 PointsCircuit has significant errors, does not function, and demonstrates limited understanding of component connections.
Documentation Quality
Clarity and accuracy of the photograph/video documentation.
Exemplary
4 PointsPhotograph/video is clear, well-composed, and accurately showcases the working circuit with detailed explanations.
Proficient
3 PointsPhotograph/video is clear, shows the working circuit, and provides a sufficient explanation.
Developing
2 PointsPhotograph/video is somewhat unclear, shows the circuit, but lacks detailed explanation.
Beginning
1 PointsPhotograph/video is unclear, does not clearly show the circuit, and lacks explanation.
Understanding Open and Closed Circuits
Assessment of the understanding and representation of open and closed circuits.Diagram Accuracy
Accuracy of diagrams representing open and closed circuits.
Exemplary
4 PointsDiagrams are perfectly accurate, clearly labeled, and demonstrate a deep understanding of open and closed circuits.
Proficient
3 PointsDiagrams are accurate, labeled, and demonstrate a good understanding of open and closed circuits.
Developing
2 PointsDiagrams have some inaccuracies or are not clearly labeled, demonstrating a basic understanding of open and closed circuits.
Beginning
1 PointsDiagrams are inaccurate, poorly labeled, and demonstrate a limited understanding of open and closed circuits.
Explanation Clarity
Clarity and completeness of written explanation differentiating open and closed circuits.
Exemplary
4 PointsExplanation is exceptionally clear, comprehensive, and demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the differences between open and closed circuits, referencing observations effectively.
Proficient
3 PointsExplanation is clear, complete, and demonstrates a thorough understanding of the differences between open and closed circuits, referencing observations.
Developing
2 PointsExplanation is somewhat unclear or incomplete, demonstrating a basic understanding of the differences between open and closed circuits, with limited reference to observations.
Beginning
1 PointsExplanation is unclear, incomplete, and demonstrates a limited understanding of the differences between open and closed circuits, with little to no reference to observations.
Circuit Switch Design and Implementation
Assessment of the design, implementation, and explanation of a switch within the circuit.Switch Design
Creativity and functionality of the switch design.
Exemplary
4 PointsSwitch design is highly creative, functions flawlessly, and demonstrates an innovative approach to controlling the circuit.
Proficient
3 PointsSwitch design is functional, effectively controls the circuit, and demonstrates a good understanding of circuit control.
Developing
2 PointsSwitch design is partially functional, demonstrates some control over the circuit, and shows basic understanding of circuit control.
Beginning
1 PointsSwitch design is non-functional or ineffective, demonstrates limited control over the circuit, and shows minimal understanding of circuit control.
Demonstration and Explanation
Clarity and effectiveness of the switch demonstration and explanation.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstration is exceptionally clear and engaging, explanation is comprehensive and insightful, showcasing a deep understanding of the switch mechanism.
Proficient
3 PointsDemonstration is clear and effective, explanation is thorough and demonstrates a good understanding of the switch mechanism.
Developing
2 PointsDemonstration is somewhat unclear or incomplete, explanation is basic and demonstrates a limited understanding of the switch mechanism.
Beginning
1 PointsDemonstration is unclear and ineffective, explanation is minimal and demonstrates a poor understanding of the switch mechanism.