Circuits

Over the past three weeks children have been developing an understanding of electricity and electrical circuits. First they were supported in sharing what they knew about electricity. "I got a shock when I was 2 and put my fingers in the socket!" said one child "It makes the lights come on" said another. Children then sorted objects that use electricity and ones that do not. They were encouraged to share their ideas and experiences. They shared a information books about electricity and a book made with children's learning with ex-Rachel Keeling friends a few years ago. Children had sustained time to explore electrical items which they deconstruction using real tools and reconstructed again. Next they explored the components such as batteries, bulb, wires, switch, motor and crocodile clips (if anyone can invent small-finger-friendly-crocodile-clips they will forever be my friend!) They were shown how to create a simple circuit alongside an adult and then began to build circuits with a partner or alone. The looked at different circuits, including motors and buzzers. Finally some children decided they wanted to make circuits with lights for purposes: a collaborative fire engine and various bedside lamps and an octopus from Nick Sharratt's Octopus Socktopus! Children sustained interest and concentration, returning to the experience many times. They shared their knowledge through talk and by mark making their ideas as well as by building a variety of successful circuits!