This has been a HUGE hit this week! I scored this box labeled "electricity" at a preschool closing sale. I wasn't entirely sure what was in it, but I figured it had to be fun.
Here's what we found:
-battery operated lights
-motors from old electronics
-a cut up string of lights
-some red and black wires
And what we added:
-new batteries
After giving Bear (4 1/2) a chance to explore the box, I showed him how to put new batteries in the case for the lights. We then talked about turning the lights on and off and what might make them do that.
Next we used a battery to create a circuit to light up one of the lights from the cut up string. We talked about circuits and their role in electricity.
We also talked about how the circuit has to be complete for something to be on and an incomplete circuit would leave something off. I connected this back to the battery operated lights and what the on/off switch does.
Finally we attached the battery to one of the exposed motors. We used electrical tape...please be careful not to touch the exposed wires while the circuit is complete... We were able to get it to spin! It was a surprise for both of us...
There is no reason you can't start with younger kids... this is also a really great on/off activity. I put on/off labels next to the battery operated lights (with the cover on) for Indie and we talked about whether the lights were on or off.
parental supervision is probably pretty important for this activity...since...you know...it has to do with electricity.
Happy schooling!
-Lauren
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