A simple circuit follows the basic formula of resistance equals current or conductivity. Electricity can only flow with a power supply such as a battery and a closed circuit, which the current will flow around. The flow, or current, travels through the circuit in one direction supplying power to the resistor.
Middle school or secondary school children can learn about and create simple circuits in science class to see how electricity works in action using three main aspects: current, conductivity and a resistance. These three keys are demonstrated in action by using common items such as a battery, wire and a light bulb.
Simple circuit science projects in class are designed to encourage hands-on demonstrations by providing multiple items such as light bulbs, small fans and buzzers to visually communicate how all components can be connected together for the circuit to become active. In the case of a battery, wires and resistor such as a light bulb, children recognize that the battery is powering the light bulb but may be unaware that the wires are carrying the power to the bulb, states Ovens. When the children are shown the wires being removed and the light going off, they then begin to understand how the current is necessary to drive power to the bulb from the battery.
Since children are able to understand how electricity works using simple items, circuit board projects are usually avoided. Children have a harder time understanding the three components of a simple circuit if they use a circuit board that contains several parts. This is because the child will not understand the job of each part contained on the circuit board after only learning about three components.