Simple Circuit Challenge  

5th Grade Science Lesson Plan  

Time:​ 3 x 40-45 minute class periods

Standards:

ISTE standard
4a
Students know and use a deliberate design process for generating ideas, testing theories,
creating innovative artifacts or solving authentic problems.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.5.1
Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and
teacher-led) with diverse partners on ​grade 5​ topics and texts, building on others' ideas and
expressing their own clearly.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.5.4
Report on a topic or text or present an opinion, sequencing ideas logically and using appropriate
facts and relevant, descriptive details to support main ideas or themes; speak clearly at an
understandable pace.

Grade: ​ 5th grade

Student Learning Objectives​:​ I can create a simple circuit using various materials that
act as conductors and insulators.
I can help myself gain a growth mindset by using the engineering design process identify the
problem, create a plan/solution, build a prototype, test, and redesign.

Key Questions: ​ What basic materials do you need to create a simple circuit? Does it need
to be the same materials every time? How did you maintain a growth mindset through this
process?

Problem:​ Create a simple circuit using different materials and a Makey Makey kit.
Assessment:

Students successfully created the challenge and took a video using ​screencastify​ to show their
success. ​/10

Students demonstrate their understanding of a simple circuit by showing their original design.​ /5

Students demonstrate their growth mindset by showing their redesign for their prototype. ​/5

BONUS: ​The circuit that was created was drawn up, by using the circuit component symbols
found​ here​. ​/5

Materials:
● Makey Makey for 5-6 groups of students
● Alligator Clips
● Tin-foil
● Playdoh
● Popsicle Sticks
● Bananas or other conductive fruits
● Challenge cards1​ and C​ hallenge Cards 2​- I recommend copying two of each and 5 of
the 2 Starter challenges. Laminating them for better protection.

Rationale:

The main goals of this lesson are to learn how a simple circuit works, but more importantly help
to create a growth mindset while applying the Engineering Design Process. Using the Makey
Makey to design simple circuits creates an environment for Collaborative Problem solving and
allows students to build a growth mindset. Collaborative Problem-Solving states that students
will be able to achieve more, on each challenge, working together, then they would be able to
alone. Through scaffolding, students can combine their understanding of the each topic to have
collaborative success. They will create and redesign their circuits using shared knowledge
(O’Donnell, 2012).

Throughout this process, students will follow the Engineering Design Process, by working
together to design a plan, create a prototype, redesign, and find a solution (Science Buddies,
2017). This process is a great tool for a Makerspace as well as creating an environment for
growth mindsets. Students will build a “Growth Mindset” and learn that it is okay to “fail” or not
have something work the first time. The important thing is to be able to identify the problem and
create a positive solution by working with one another (Popova, 2015). Students should not fear
the challenge, but embrace it to expand their knowledge and understanding.

Hook/Antecedent Set:
​ rovide students with alligator clips, copper wire, coated wire, C or D battery, and a light bulb.
P
Say:​ Students, today I want you to attempt to make this light bulb light up. The challenge is that
your design constraints are that you can only use these materials (alligator clips, copper wire,
coated wire, C or D battery, and a light bulb). Explore! Give students around 20 minutes to
figure this out.

​Procedures:

Day 1: (approx. 45 minutes)

● Complete the Antecedent Set. Allow students to explore for around 15-20 minutes.

● Bring their attention back together to discuss their findings and process.

● Connect their exploration to having a growth mindset. They were faced with a challenge.
Ask:​ Did you give up? Did you put in your best effort? Did you try something new,
redesign, and try again?

● Ask:​ What was the challenge that you were trying to complete? How did they get the
light bulb to work? What didn’t work?

● Draw the “circuit” they created to make the lightbulb work on the board. See if students
connect to the idea of creating a simple circuit.

● Read over the student objectives posted in the classroom together. ​I can create a simple
circuit using various materials that act as conductors and insulators. I can help myself
gain a growth mindset by using the engineering design process identify the problem,
create a plan/solution, build a prototype, test, and redesign.

● Briefly go over the ​simple circuit​ website.

Day 2: ​ ​(approx. 40 minutes)

● Review what made their lightbulb work in yesterday’s lesson.

 ● Quickly go over what a simple circuit is again.

● Display the 7 challenge cards to spark their interest in each challenge.

● Explain that they will be working in groups to complete the challenge. They will need to
draw/write up their original plan, then redesign it to work better. Students are welcome to
grab any materials they need from the “makerspace”/materials table. Their design
constraint is to use a Makey Makey board for each challenge.

● All Students need to complete the Starter Challenge Cards 1-2

● Disperse the challenge cards around the room into 5 designated work spaces placing
Challenge Cards 1-2 at each station.

● Allow students to choose their challenge.

● Students will work in groups to complete 1 project. All students must participate in their
design. If they finish early, each card should have a challenge shown on the “How to”
link below.

● If they need assistance, students can access “How-To’s” through this ​link​ on a
document showing step-by-step instructions for completing their challenge.

Day 3: (approx. 45 minutes)

● Students will put the final touches on their project.

● Groups will record their project by using screencastify.

● CHALLENGE:​ Students will draw up their simple circuit by following the circuit
component symbols shown on this ​website​.

● Students should check the ​rubric​ to be sure they have completed all the criteria for this
project.
References:

O'Donnell, A. (2012). Constructivism. In ​APA Educational Psychology Handbook: Vol. 1.

Theories, Constructs, and Critical Issues. K. R. Harris, S. Graham, and T. Urdan

Popova, M. (2015, September 18). Fixed vs. Growth: The Two Basic Mindsets That Shape Our
Lives. Retrieved April 09, 2017, from ​https://www.brainpickings.org/2014/01/29/carol-dweck-mindset/

All of the Makey Makey activities above were found at the sites below:

Makey Makey Kit Librarian Reference Manuel. (2017, June 07). Retrieved April 8, 2017, from
https://cdn.sparkfun.com/assets/7/d/2/2/1/MakeyMakeyKitLibrarianReferenceManual.pdf

Simple Circuits Challenge. (n.d.). Retrieved April 09, 2017, from

http://makeymakey.com/lessons/simple-circuit-challenge/

The Engineering Design Process. (n.d.). Retrieved April 09, 2017, from
http://www.sciencebuddies.org/engineering-design-process/engineering-design-process-steps.shtml

The Blobz Guide to Electric Circuits. (n.d.). Retrieved April 09, 2017, from
http://www.andythelwell.com/blobz/guide.html