Bulbs & Batteries Side by Side

Each group needs:

• 2 D-cell batteries
• 3 #40 bulbs (available at hardware stores)
• 3 bulb holders (available at hardware stores)
• 48 in (122 cm) of insulated wire (gauge AWG 22) (available at hardware stores)
• 1 store-bought light switch (available at hardware stores) or 1 paperclip and 2 thumbtacks
• 1 paper towel tube
• 4 Bulbs and Batteries Side by Side Worksheets (PDF)
• 4 Electric Power Math Worksheets (PDF) or Parallel Circuit Math Worksheets (PDF)

For the entire class to share:

• rubber bands
• wire strippers or sandpaper (to remove insulation at wire ends)
• wire cutters
• screwdriver

Note: Many of the materials required for this lab can be reused in numerous other electricity activities. When the batteries wear out, dispose of them at a hazardous waste disposal site.