Werklund School of Education

University of Calgary | Undergraduate Programs in Education

Lesson Overview

Dates March 2025 Subject Science / STEM
Grade Level Grade 2 Length 60 Minutes
Unit Electricity & Circuits Lesson # 1
Teacher Lucas Johnson

Identify Desired Results

Learner Outcomes

  • Identify components of a simple circuit (source, conductor, load).
  • Understand how a complete circuit allows for the flow of electricity.
  • Collaborate effectively in small groups to solve technical challenges.

Objective (Student-Friendly)

  • I Know: A circuit needs a battery, wires, and something to power (like a light or sound module).
  • I Understand: Electricity only flows when the path is complete (no breaks).
  • I Can: Build a working circuit and modify it to change its output.

Assessment Strategies

Formative:

  • Observation of group collaboration and task division.
  • Check for understanding: Can students name the parts of their circuit?
  • Success check: Does the circuit produce sound/light?

Activity: Building & Discovering

Group Roles (Teams of 3)

  1. The Inspector: Compares the physical circuit to the diagram on the board.
  2. The Connector: Snaps the blue wires together to create the path.
  3. The Architect: Adds the final power and output components (battery, sound module).

The Challenge

Once your basic circuit is finished, work together to discover:

  • How can you change the sounds your circuit makes?
  • Is there a way to make it louder? (I won't tell you how—you must discover it!)

Lesson Sequence

1. Introduction (10 min)

  • Hold up components: "This is the battery (power), these are the wires (path), and this is the load (output)."
  • Demo: Show a complete vs. incomplete circuit.

2. Collaborative Building (30 min)

  • Students work in roles to replicate the board diagram.
  • Teacher circulates to provide "Challenge Cards" to groups that finish early.

3. Wrap-up and Reflection (20 min)

  • Class Discussion: Who figured out how to change the sounds? What did you do?
  • Real-world Connection: "Where have you seen circuits like this in your own home?"