Abstract
Parallel and series combinations of light bulbs with worksheets.
Portable
Yes
Principles Illustrated
Currents and voltages in parallel and series circuits
NCEA & Science Curriculum
SCI 1.2, PHYS 1.3, PHYS 2.6
Instructions
Set up circuits with one bulb disconnected. Ask students to predict what will happen when the remaining bulb is connected and then test their predictions. Photos can be used instead of the physical equipment if necessary. You’ll need the worksheets answers.
We can also set up large scale displays with a car battery for group work.
WorksheetsÂ
| Document | File size | File type |
|---|---|---|
| Worksheet_1.pdf | 67 KB | |
| Worksheet_1_Answer_Photo.jpg | JPG | |
| Worksheet_2.pdf | 68 KB | |
| Worksheet_2_Answer_Photo.jpg | JPG |
Safety
Use low voltage bulbs and power supplies.
Individual teachers are responsible for safety in their own classes. Even familiar demonstrations should be practised and safety-checked by individual teachers before they are used in a classroom.
Teaching Resources
Worksheet 2 is easier than worksheet 1. We sometimes help students with workshee1 and then ask them to do worksheet 2 on their own.
Would you like to contribute lesson suggestions? Contact us.
References
Lillian McDermott at the University of Washington has developed many exercises somewhat similar to this one. Click here to go to the U of W Physics Education Group’s web site. See Physics by Inquiry and Tutorials in Introductory Physics for specifics.
PIRA 5F20.50
Credits
This teaching resource was developed with support from
The MacDiarmid Institute
Faculty of Science, Victoria University of Wellington
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington