Guide

www.SquishyCircuits.com Page 6
Parallel Circuits - A parallel circuit allows multiple paths for electricity to flow through. LEDs or other
electrical items are connected to the dough each in their own loop or circuit. Since electricity flows
through each LED independently, if one is removed or burns out, the others will continue to shine
brightly.
Schematic – A schematic is a way to draw electrical circuits on paper easily. Each component has a
specialized symbol that is connected by lines (which represent wires) that complete the circuit.
Series Circuits - A series circuit only allows one path for the electricity to flow through. LEDs can be
added however they will get dimmer because there is less electricity available to power them. If one of
the LEDs is taken out, the entire circuit is broken and all of the lights will go out.
Short Circuit - Electricity is like water; it takes the path of least resistance. It is easier for the electricity
to flow through the conductive dough than through the LED (or other component), so if there is a path
where the electricity can skip the LED and instead run through play dough the entire way, the majority
of the current will do that. When this happens, the LED will stay unlit. This is called a short circuit.
Essential Questions
1. How can we create an electrical circuit using play dough?
2. What does it mean for a material to be conductive? Insulating?
3. When would it be beneficial to use a series vs. parallel circuit and vice versa?
4. How can we use schematics to show electrical circuits?
Pre-/Post- Lesson Assessment
1. What is electricity?
2. What is a conductor?
3. What is an insulator?
4. Draw an electrical circuit with the following components: battery, wire, and Light Emitting Diode
(LED)
5. What is a closed circuit?
6. What is an open circuit?
7. How can you tell that energy is moving (transferred) from the battery pack and through the play
dough? (PS3.B, 4-PS3-2, 4-PS3-4)
8. When is there energy present in the circuit? (PS3.B, 4-PS3-4)
a. How could you prove this?
9. What components (parts) are needed to make a circuit work? (3-5-ETS1-1)
10. What configurations of insulating and conductive dough work to construct a functioning circuit?
(3-5-ETS1-3, 3-5-ETS1-2)