Electric Play Dough

Materials/Equipment: conductive dough,

insulating dough, battery packs, batteries,
LEDs, science journals, computer pencil
Discovery website:
http://discoverykids.com/articles/how-doelectric-circuits-work/ Youtube video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9EwBpQDdg

Differentiated Learning:
Auditory
Kinesthetic
Verbal/Linguistic
Intrapersonal

Visual/Spatial
Logical/Math

Curriculum Integration:
Science
Writing

Technology

TEKS Achieved:
112.5.b:6C
Demonstrate that electricity travels in
a closed path, creating an electrical
circuit

Interpersonal

Blooms Taxonomy:

Knowledge/Remember
Analysis
Comprehension/Understand
Application

Classroom Strategies:
Cooperative Groups
Technology
Independent Activities
Charts/Graphs/Maps
Problem Solving
group
Peer tutoring

Hands-On

Simulation
WholePairing

Submitted by: Carly Payne and Olicia Alvarez

Grade Level: 4th
Subject/Topic: Science
Rationale: The purpose of this lesson is to create a complete electrical circuit.

Objectives:

TSW create a complete circuit (electricity) through playdoh and a battery.

Lesson Plan:
Introduction (Anticipatory Set/Motivation):
1. I will begin by turning the lights on and off, turning the lamps on and off, and any plugged in
form of electricity on and off. I will ask the students: How do these lights work? What
makes them turn on and off?
2. Show them video on electricity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-9EwBpQDdg
Process:

Information Giving: Have students get out science journals and write down a few of the
words that they heard in the video. (Circuit, battery, voltage). Next, read this article in
small groups that talks more about a complete circuit/ have students discuss their
thoughts in groups: http://discoverykids.com/articles/how-do-electric-circuits-work/
Finally, tell students that they are going to make their own complete circuit. Explain that
we have two types of playdoh, an LED light, a battery pack, and batteries. Each group of
students will get these materials. By manipulating the material, the students will create a
complete electric circuit.
Modeling: Demonstrate how to complete a complete circuit by allowing input from the
students. Roll two pieces of dough into small balls. Put one piece of wire from the battery
pack into one piece of dough and the other wire into the other dough. Place batteries
inside battery pack. Finally, Place the LED into the dough to create a full circuit.

Check for Understanding: Ask if anyone has questions and write the instructions on the
board.
Guided Practice: Allow students to create the complete circuit. The students will draw
and write an explanation of their circuit in their science journal.
Independent Practice: Let students explore different ways to use the circuits. Have
them draw/write about each new circuit they create in their science journal. Ask what
other objects you could use to create a complete circuit. Brainstorm in science journal.
Closure: Allow each group to present their circuit and a fact they learned through this
lesson.
Enrichment/Extension:

Allow students to work in groups to investigate, explore, and create large circuits. Once
completed, allow students to type up a formal science report in Microsoft word.

Accommodations:
1. For a child with autism, allow student to work with a partner for the entirety of the lesson.
2. For an ELL student, allow them to work with a partner for the entirety of the lesson. Translate vocabulary words
or new words into their language for better understanding.

Assessment/Evaluation (Students):

I will know the students understand what a complete electrical circuit is

by what they write/draw in their science journal and by watching if their light bulb lights.

Assessment/Evaluation (Self):

Did the students meet the objectives? Did they understand the lesson? Were they engaged? What ways can I improve this
lesson for next time?