Guide

www.SquishyCircuits.com Page 14
Instructor Procedure:
1. After students have been divided into pairs or trios, provide each student with the materials
listed above
2. Provide students with the following directions:
a. With your partner, discuss different ways you think you could make the two LEDs to light
up. (Use this time to investigate your materials, but don’t hook anything up yet)
b. Draw in your science journal how you will attempt to solve the challenge: “Make two
LEDs light up using only the materials in front of you.”
c. Using the materials, work with your partner as a team to create working circuit.
3. Spend time wandering the classroom to identify student misunderstandings, comprehension,
and answer questions as well as ask questions. Provide guidance as you see fit.
4. When students have completed the challenge, ask pairs to share with neighboring groups. Allow
students one minute to do this.
5. Bring the class together. Invite a few groups to share what they now know, and what they
wonder about as a result of the activity.
6. Instruct class on two different types of series and parallel circuits’ configurations. Brainstorm
benefits of each together.
7. Provide students with another challenge: “Can you design both series and parallel circuits? What
are other examples of them in your life?” Encourage students to plan and document in their
journals or handout as a way of emphasizing the engineering design process.
a. Optional: Allow groups to join together.