CLASS WORKSHOP: Beginner Circuit Challenges for Young Innovators for 3rd & 4th class

Wires, Lights & Mighty Motors: Introducing our exciting workshop designed to introduce children to the fundamentals of circuits, motor mechanics, and problem-solving through engineering design challenges.

During this workshop, children will have the opportunity to learn about Energy and Light and have a first try of exploring and experimenting with circuits, learning the basics of electricity flow and how to create series circuits that included devices like a bulb, motor and buzzer. 

This beginner circuitry workshop in CRAFT invites children to think about energy and in particular electrical energy.  They will get to explore light and motion through circuits. In this hands-on session, children will be introduced to the fundamentals of circuits, lights, motors and problem-solving through engineering design challenges.  They will discover how to power a light bulb, a buzzer and a small motor using essential materials, learning step by step how electricity flows through a complete series circuit. We will emphasize safety precautions and ensure that your child understands how to correctly connect the components.

During the workshop they will complete STEM challenges:  

• Light a Bulb- By connecting a bulb to a battery with wires, children will see firsthand how a closed circuit allows electricity to flow and make the bulb shine. This simple but powerful activity builds confidence in understanding how electricity works. 

• Power a Motor- With the same principles, children will connect a motor to a battery, watching in excitement as the motor shaft begins to spin and how this is used in many real world applications and in their own design ideas. They can then attach a hand-crafted paper fan to the motor, creating a working mini-fan that really moves air or design a Newton Wheel to further examine concepts of light.

Throughout the activity, safety will be emphasized, and children will be encouraged to experiment, test, and problem-solve.  

By participating in this workshop, children will:

• Learn about energy, electricity and light.
• Gain a clear understanding of how electricity flows through a closed circuit
• Build and test circuits that create light, sound and motion
• Develop hands-on making skills by crafting and attaching their own paper fans to motors.
• Foster creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities
• Enhance collaboration and communication skills through group activities
• Foster an interest in STEAM-related subjects, specifically electronics and engineering

This activity offers an engaging and interactive way for children to explore electricity in action, seeing how simple circuits can power light, sound and movement – just like in the real world around them.

Curriculum Links

Primary school New STEM Curriculum Links: Science, Technology and Engineering Education:

Energy and forces: Investigate core ideas related to light such as light as energy, the spectrum of colours; research how electricity works and conduct open-ended scientific inquiries using electric circuits. 

Learning is supported through the elements of Exploring and understanding, Creative and critical thinking, Applying and problem-solving and Evaluating and communicating, while developing the key competencies of Being an active learner, Being a communicator and using language, Being creative, Being mathematical and Being an active citizen 

Interested?  Use the Contact Form to let us know