When electrical components are connected ‘in series’, it means that they are connected one after another in a chain. A light bulb can be illuminated when a battery is connected in a simple circuit, but only when the circuit is ‘complete’, meaning the flow of electricity forms a continuous ‘loop’. In this science experiment, use a ‘series’ electrical circuit to make an education board for testing your friend’s worldly knowledge:
Topics covered
Electrical current, In Series
What will I need?
INSULATED COPPER WIRE
9-VOLT BATTERY
LIGHT BULB IN HOLDER
WIRE CUTTERS
PLYWOOD BOARD
SMALL BOLTS & NUTS
POWER DRILL
COLOURED PAINT
Procedure (Method)
Unfortunately, this section is only available in the e-book version of the project.
How does it work?
Unfortunately, this section is only available in the e-book version of the project.
The power or ‘electrical energy’ stored in a battery can only be released and allowed to flow, when a complete circuit is made out of wires or other ‘conductors’ that conduct electricity. In the above experiment, when your friends touches the probes to the correct bolts, which is connected to each other at the back of the board, a complete circuit is made from the positive (+) terminal of the battery to the negative (-) terminal of the battery. The current flows from the battery through the wires, connecting two bolts and ‘light bulb’ and back to the battery. When the circuit is complete and the current is flowing, the light bulb shines to indicate a correct answer.
Like the sound of it?
Why not check out the full worksheet in one of our popular e-books?
This particular science project can be found in any of the following Experiland e-books:
Experiland e-books contain detailed steps, including illustrations, to complete the science projects from start to finish.
Experiland's science e-books contain a diverse range of several hundred of exciting science projects, ideas and experiments.
A project introduction and background, complete listing of required materials, step-by-step instructions on how to carry out the project, why it works, learn more section, as well as a science glossary with all the relevant terms make up each of the all-inclusive science project worksheets in our e-books!