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Exploring Electricity with Snap Circuits

STEM SPARK

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Introduction

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  • A fun, hands-on electronics kit for kids!
  • Build real working circuits easily using 'snaps.'
  • Learn how electricity flows and powers devices.

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Materials

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  • Wires
  • Battery as power source
  • Light bulb
  • LED bulb
  • Switch
  • Resistor

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Experiment Demo

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Safety First

  • Do not use real wall outlets.
  • Always check connections before turning on power.
  • Follow the instructions carefully.
  • Use fresh batteries only.

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Experiment 1 – The Light Circuit

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  • Goal: Turn on a Light bulb!
  • Parts: Battery, holder, wires, switch, Light bulb
  • Concept: Electricity flows in a closed loop.
  • Result: The bulb lights when the circuit is complete.

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Experiment 2 – The Light Circuit

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  • Goal: Turn on a bulb without light switch
  • Parts: Battery, holder, wires, bulb
  • Concept: Electricity flows in a closed loop.
  • Result: The bulb lights when the circuit is complete.

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Experiment 3 – The Light Circuit

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  • Goal: Turn on LED with light switch
  • Parts: Battery, holder, wires, LED
  • Concept: Electricity flows in a closed loop.
  • Result: The LED lights when the circuit is complete.

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Experiment 4 – The Resistor Light Circuit

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  • Goal: Turn on LED with light switch & resistor
  • Parts: Battery, holder, wires, LED, resistor
  • Concept: Electricity flows in a closed loop.
  • Result: The LED lights when the circuit is complete. Notice intensity of light on LED. It lights since it requires low voltage. Notice what happens to Light bulb.

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Experiment 5 – The Resistor Light Circuit

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  • Goal: Observe with light switch & resistor
  • Parts: Battery, holder, wires, bulb, resistor
  • Concept: Electricity flows in a closed loop.
  • Result: The bulb does not light when the circuit is complete. Resistor reduces amount of current flowing, hence reducing light intensity.

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What Is Electricity?

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  • Electricity is a kind of energy that makes things work.
  • It moves through wires to power lights, phones, and computers.
  • It’s made up of tiny moving particles called electrons!

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Where Does Electricity Come From?

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  • We make electricity in power plants or with batteries.
  • Some energy sources are solar, wind, water, and fossil fuels.

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Circuits – The Path of Electricity

  • A circuit is a loop that electricity travels through.
  • Closed circuit: electricity flows.
  • Open circuit: electricity stops.
  • Switches control the circuit!

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Conductors vs. Insulators

  • Conductors let electricity flow (metals, water).
  • Insulators stop electricity (plastic, rubber, wood).

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What Is Voltage?

  • Voltage is the push that makes electricity move.
  • It’s like water pressure in a hose.
  • Measured in volts (V).

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What Is Current?

  • Current is the flow of electricity.
  • It’s like how much water flows in a pipe.
  • Measured in amps or amperes (A).

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What Is Resistance?

  • Resistance slows down electricity.
  • It’s like a narrow pipe slowing water flow.
  • Measured in ohms (Ω).

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Ohm’s Law

  • Voltage, current, and resistance work together.
  • Formula: V (voltage) = I (Current) × R (Resistance)
  • More voltage (push) makes more current (flow).

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Fun Electricity Facts!

  • Lightning is giant static electricity!
  • Electric eels make their own voltage!
  • Thomas Edison invented the light bulb.
  • Batteries have positive (+) and negative (–) sides.
  • Electricity makes our world shine — and so can you! ⚡

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