Grades 3–4 Lesson (45–60 min)

Paper Circuits: Light Up a Card

Big idea: Electricity flows in a closed loop and can power devices like LEDs.

Objectives

• Build a simple series paper circuit that lights an LED.

• Identify a power source, conductor, and load.

NGSS Links
4‑PS3‑2, 4‑PS3‑4; 3‑5‑ETS1‑1

Materials (per student/team)

• Card stock (postcard size)

• Copper tape (conductive)

• 1 coin‑cell battery (CR2032)

• 1 LED (5 mm)

• Tape, marker, optional sticker for a switch flap

Procedure

1. Model (10 min): Draw a simple loop: battery (+/‑), tape paths, LED orientation (long leg = +).

2. Build (15–20 min): Lay copper tape, place LED legs on tape, tape battery with a paper flap “switch.”

3. Troubleshoot (10 min): If it doesn’t light: check LED polarity, gaps, tape overlaps.

4. Decorate (10 min): Add artwork (e.g., lightning bolt, “You’re Electric!” card).

Assessment
Checklist: loop closed, LED lights, student can point to source/paths/load.

Safety
Coin cells are a choking hazard—count in/out, supervise, and tape the cell partly covered so it’s not loose.

what you will learn:

• Electricity needs a closed loop to light an LED.

• Know the parts: battery (source), copper tape (path), LED (load).

• Polarity matters (which side is +/–) and troubleshooting fixes breaks.