Activity Overview
Common circuit symbols exist as a near universal language in electrical engineering and can save a lot of confusion. Having standard circuit symbols allows circuit diagrams to be drawn and understood around the world. In this activity, they will create a storyboard that matches each component of an electrical circuit with their symbol and use. This is a great way to introduce students to the symbols they'll need to master and draw when designing circuits.
Circuit Component Symbols Example
| Wire | Wires are used to connect different components together. They are made of metal and allow current to flow through them. |
|---|---|
| Battery | A battery provides the push to move the charge around the circuit. |
| Resistor | A resistor is a component that reduces the current in a circuit. |
| Variable Resistor | A variable resistor is a resistor which can have its resistance changed. |
| Lamp | A lamp is a component with a filament that glows when a current is passed through it. Lamps can be used to see things in the dark. |
| Switch | A switch is a component that can break the circuit allowing other components to be turned on and off. A light switch is an example of a switch. |
| Voltmeter | A voltmeter is used to measure the potential difference or amount of push between two parts in a circuit. |
| Ammeter | An ammeter is used to measure the size of a current in a circuit. |
| Motor | A motor spins when it is connected to a circuit. It could be used to make a toy car move. |
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a T-Chart that matches components of an electrical circuit with their symbols and uses.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Find the circuit symbols by searching "circuits" or "science".
- Put each of the circuit symbols in the cells on the left.
- Identify each symbol by replacing "TERM".
- In the right hand column, create a visualization and write a sentence to describe what the component can be used for.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Description of uses | All the circuit components have well described uses with few grammar and spelling mistakes. | Most of the circuit symbols have well described uses with some spelling and grammar mistakes. | Some of the circuit symbols have well described uses with some spelling and grammar mistakes. |
| Circuit Symbols | All circuit symbols correctly identified. | Most circuit components correctly identified. | Some symbols correctly identified. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
Activity Overview
Common circuit symbols exist as a near universal language in electrical engineering and can save a lot of confusion. Having standard circuit symbols allows circuit diagrams to be drawn and understood around the world. In this activity, they will create a storyboard that matches each component of an electrical circuit with their symbol and use. This is a great way to introduce students to the symbols they'll need to master and draw when designing circuits.
Circuit Component Symbols Example
| Wire | Wires are used to connect different components together. They are made of metal and allow current to flow through them. |
|---|---|
| Battery | A battery provides the push to move the charge around the circuit. |
| Resistor | A resistor is a component that reduces the current in a circuit. |
| Variable Resistor | A variable resistor is a resistor which can have its resistance changed. |
| Lamp | A lamp is a component with a filament that glows when a current is passed through it. Lamps can be used to see things in the dark. |
| Switch | A switch is a component that can break the circuit allowing other components to be turned on and off. A light switch is an example of a switch. |
| Voltmeter | A voltmeter is used to measure the potential difference or amount of push between two parts in a circuit. |
| Ammeter | An ammeter is used to measure the size of a current in a circuit. |
| Motor | A motor spins when it is connected to a circuit. It could be used to make a toy car move. |
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a T-Chart that matches components of an electrical circuit with their symbols and uses.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Find the circuit symbols by searching "circuits" or "science".
- Put each of the circuit symbols in the cells on the left.
- Identify each symbol by replacing "TERM".
- In the right hand column, create a visualization and write a sentence to describe what the component can be used for.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Description of uses | All the circuit components have well described uses with few grammar and spelling mistakes. | Most of the circuit symbols have well described uses with some spelling and grammar mistakes. | Some of the circuit symbols have well described uses with some spelling and grammar mistakes. |
| Circuit Symbols | All circuit symbols correctly identified. | Most circuit components correctly identified. | Some symbols correctly identified. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
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