Bulbs & Batteries Side by Side
We are surrounded everyday by circuits that utilize "in parallel" and "in series" circuitry. Complicated circuits designed by engineers are made of many simpler parallel and series circuits. In this hands-on activity, students build parallel circuits, exploring how they function and their unique features.
Students build parallel circuitsCopyright Svjo. Wikimedia Commons. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Parallellkoppling-3.svg
Engineers apply their understanding of circuitry to the design of practical, everyday products. They often choose to use parallel circuits so that if one circuit part breaks, the rest of the circuit continues to work. For example, when designing the electrical system for cars, trucks and SUVs, electrical engineers configure the wiring system so the brake lights and headlights are connected in parallel. That way, when one of the bulbs burns out, the other headlight or brake light remains illuminated.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Define, recognize and assemble parallel circuits and parallel sections of more complex circuits
- Explain the path of electrical charge through a circuit
- Understand equations to calculate electrical power
- Understand that engineers apply their understanding of circuitry to the design of practical, everyday products