Making Connections with Circuits

Over the past three weeks children have had ample opportunities to explore electricity and develop an understanding of it. Children showed a good awareness before they started of safety surrounding electricity "It can give you a shock!" Aida said. "It runs in pipes under the ground" Joseph told everyone.
​Children also knew some of the common things that needed electricity to work: particularly televisions, toasters, phones and many knew that you cold charge some appliances. Children spend time exploring electrical items us close: deconstructing and reconstructing them using screwdrivers and observing the components. 
Next the children were introduced to batteries and how these also carry electricity. They explored electrical circuits, constructing them together with an adult and then the challenge of making their own. Some children powered light bulbs, some propellers and others had a buzzer! Children have been enabled to 'wallow' in this provision for a few weeks and have shown real perseverance and skill. Many have developed a good understanding of electricity during the process.