Skip to main content

3rd Grade Lights LEDs!


This week, third graders began a study of circuits and electricity. During the first part of class, students had to figure out how to light up an LED using a coin cell battery and two alligator wires. It was very exciting when the bulbs turned on when our circuits were properly completed!

In the second part of our exploration, students used their alligator wires to test various materials to determine whether they conducted electricity. We found that craft sticks, magnets, string, and rubber bands did not allow electricity to flow through, but pipe cleaners did complete the circuit. Finally, students roamed the STEM lab looking for more materials that would complete the circuit when they were incorporated into it.

In future explorations, we'll be working on creating circuit sculptures using conductive dough.












Comments

Post a Comment

Use the form below to provide a response to a post. Feel free to ask questions and offer suggestions, but please maintain a respectful tone of discussion.

Popular posts from this blog

Welcome to DCS STEM!

"Q" -- our STEM class mascot Welcome to the DCS STEM homepage. On this page, you can learn about STEM class, see student projects, and discover what students in different sections of class are exploring. Take a look at our class principles below -- these ideas guide our work in all of our STEM activities.
Post a Comment
Read more

5th & 6th Graders Invent Baby Products!

 During their fall STEM classes, 5th and 6th graders acted as inventors and entrepreneurs as they devised and created prototypes of innovative baby and toddler products. Students began their work by developing a list of potential challenges or problems facing babies and new parents and then selected a problem to try to remedy with a new invention. After developing their concept and thinking about the features of their products, students then built prototypes and created advertisements for their inventions. Finally, students presented their work to their classmates and tried to convince Ms. Hewes that their items would help make her life as a new parent easier.  With thoughtful and creative ideas ranging from RFID-enabled baby gates, diaper-changing robots, self-walking strollers, and a wide variety of educational games and toys, it wouldn't be surprising to see some of these products on store shelves someday!  
Post a Comment
Read more

Building for a Thanksgiving Feast!

During their November STEM classes, kindergarten students completed the Dinner Table Challenge. Given a set of dishes, students used a limited set of materials to create a table that could hold all of the food items on a flat surface. Tables also needed to include legs to elevate the food items off of the ground. In addition to designing their tables, students also envisioned and built seating for all of the guests who would be enjoying the meal.  Take a look at some of their table creations below!  
Post a Comment
Read more