Teacher of the Lesson: Kelly Pelak
Grade Level: 5
Estimated Time: 20-25 minutes

OBJECTIVES:

• Students will demonstrate their understanding of circuits by constructing a flashlight with a variety of materials.

MATERIALS:

Each group of students will need:

• A sheet of instructions for the activity
• a zip-lock bag
• 2 size "D" dry cells
• 1 small 3-volt bulb
• 1 thin piece of insulated wire, 30 cm long
• 1 metal paper clip
• 2 metal paper fasteners
• 1 cardboard tube, 15 cm long
• 1 roll of masking tape
• 1 plastic bottle cap
• 1 small knife (substitute with a pair of scissors)

PROCEDURES:

Introduction

1. Before the lesson begins, create a bag of materials for each group and have the bags ready to go on the back table. Begin the lesson by having all of the students clear off their desks. Briefly review the lesson from the previous day and discuss the difference between a parallel and series circuit.
2. Notify the students that todayÕs assignment will be an informal test of their knowledge of circuits thus far. They will be working in small groups of 2-3 students and will be expected to create a flashlight using a limited supply of materials. Each group will receive a bag with instructions. Read the instructions aloud and remind students to follow the directions carefully. First, the students will sketch their plan. After they have finished their sketches, they will begin constructing a flashlight using the materials in their bags.
3. Remind students of the expectations of working in groups. Students should work together, respect their partners, and use half inch voices. Each group is a team. In order for the lesson to be a success, the students must work together. Those students who do not choose to work effectively in their groups will complete an individual assignment in another room.

Sequence of Instruction

1. When all of the questions have been answered, announce the names of the students in each group. Release the students and give them approximately 15-20 minutes to construct their flashlights. If students are using their time effectively, this time may be extended.
2. Walk around the room and observe the studentsÕ work. After roughly 20 minutes, notify the students that they have 2 minutes to finish their designs and return to their desks.

Closure

1. Make sure that students hold on to their sketches and to their flashlights. Gather the students back at their desks and discuss the task. Were their groups able to complete the assignment? What did their flashlights look like? Did every groupÕs invention look the same? If not, how did they differ? What materials did they use? Was there any materials that they did not need?
2. Wrap up the discussion and reward the groups that followed directions and worked well together throughout the lesson. Remind students to turn in their sketches and their flashlights together at the back table. Evaluate their work after the lesson.

EVIDENCE OF STUDENTS ACHIEVING OBJECTIVE:

1. Were the students able to create a working flashlight with the provided materials? Did their sketches demonstrate a clear understanding of the most essential parts of a working circuit? Did their plans match their final product? Were they able to explain how their flashlight worked to the rest of the class?

ADAPTATIONS:

1. Provide students who need an extra challenge with a bag that is missing materials. Have these students work to improvise and create a working flashlight without them.

REFLECTION:

1. How did the lesson go?
2. Did students follow directions?
3. Were the students challenged by this activity?
4. Did the activity demonstrate the studentsÕ understanding of circuits?