Let There Be Light

Theme: Introduction to Electricity

Age Group: 6–9 years

Tool: Tinkercad Circuits

Estimated Time: 30 minutes

NGSS Alignment: K-PS3-1, K-PS2-1

Objective

Build your first simple electronic circuit in Tinkercad to light up an LED using a battery. Learn how electricity flows and what a complete circuit means.

Key Features of NGSS

1. Three Dimensions of Learning

1. Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs): Understanding basic electricity and energy flow.
2. Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs): Building models, testing, and observing results.
3. Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs): Cause and effect (electricity makes the LED light), energy and matter (electricity transfers energy).

2. Performance Expectations (PEs)

Students will demonstrate they can build a working circuit and explain how electricity makes light.

3. Grade-Banded Structure

Designed for K–2 level with simple hands-on learning.

4. Integrative Approach

Combines science concepts with engineering skills like building and testing circuits.

Materials (Tinkercad Components)

1. 1 x 9V Battery
2. 1 x LED (any color)
3. 1 x Resistor (330Ω)
4. Breadboard
5. Connecting wires

1. Go to Tinkercad
2. Create a free account if needed.
3. Click "Circuits" > "Create new Circuit"

1. Drag a Breadboard, 9V Battery, LED, and Resistor onto the workspace.

1. Connect battery (+) to breadboard power rail.
2. Insert the LED: The long leg goes to positive side.
3. Connect a resistor from LED's short leg to negative rail.
4. Complete the loop: Battery (–) to negative rail.
5. Use wires to connect all rails appropriately.

1. Click the "Start Simulation" button.
2. If connected correctly, your LED will glow!

"Electricity is like invisible water flowing through pipes. If the pipe is complete from the battery to the light and back, the electricity flows, and the light turns ON."

This is how flashlights work! When you press the button, the battery sends electricity through wires to light up the bulb.

Students observe that electric energy can cause a visible change (the LED glows) — matching the K-PS3-1 standard.