Exploring Electricity!

Our "Little Builders" today explored the concept of circuts, sockets, switches, and more! We looked at different kinds of lights and how they work, discussing where the electricity comes from (the wall outlet/power plant or batteries).


We were able to take apart several items to see how the electricity passes through to make the item work. They were interested in seeing how the different types of switches worked (pushing a button vs. pushing a switch) and took turns exploring each type.















Then we brought out our "Snap Circuts" sets to apply what we had learned! Most of the older children have become familiar with the set and are able to make several simple projects without instructions--the "flying saucer" is one of their favorites! For our "challenge activity" we decided to do a more complex project. It took a lot of work and a lot of patience (we had to check our work 3 times!) but we managed to build a fully functional AM radio!

Project Work: Blue Prints

After observing the children's ongoing interests in building, construction,and how things work we decided to go in that direction for our February project topic. We decided to start off where all major construction projects begin, with blueprints!

The construction workers began

with a 2-dimensional layout using concrete objects, unit blocks. They then traced around the blocks to get the general outline for their house.

Then the important work began--adding the details! They outlined each room and started in with labeling rooms and adding the furniture.

We hung it up on the wall to get a different viewpoint--our work wasn't done yet! As the children revisited their blueprint they discovered a few key aspects were missing. They worked together to add a fireplace and a kitchen--can't do without the most important room in the house!

Next week we'll look at ways to make our 2-dimensinonal work 3-dimensional!