Lesson Ideas

Electric Circuits

Electrical circuits are mighty important — but how do they work? In this BrainPOP movie, Tim and Moby introduce you to the basics of what electrical circuits are all about! First you’ll get a working knowledge of the components of a circuit, including the power source, terminals, and switch. You’ll also learn what a current is, what a load is, and how batteries and wall outlets supply electricity to your house. Tim and Moby will also teach you why we use insulated copper wires to conduct electricity, and the difference between static electricity and the electrical currents in our homes. Don’t get shocked if you become an electrical circuit genius after watching this movie!

Touch Screens Lesson Plan: Make a Diagram

In this lesson plan, adaptable for grades 3-12, students watch the BrainPOP movie Touch Screens to discover how the capacitive touch screens in our smartphones, tablets, laptops, and more work.  Then they will demonstrate their understanding by creating an annotated diagram. This lesson plan is aligned to Common Core State Standards.  See more »

Batteries Lesson Plan: How Does a Battery Work?

In this lesson plan which is adaptable for grades 3-8, students use BrainPOP resources and a hands-on investigation to learn how batteries operate. This lesson plan is aligned to Common Core State Standards.  See more »

Electricity Lesson Plan: Exploring Currents, Circuits, and Electromagnetism

In this lesson plan, which is adaptable for grades 4-12, students use BrainPOP resources to explore various aspects of electricity. Students will identify pertinent questions related to electrical currents, circuits, and electromagnetism and present the answers in a creative display of their choosing. This lesson plan is aligned to Common Core State Standards.  See more »

Energy Technology and Science Industries Lesson Plan: STEM Careers of the Future

In this lesson plan, which is adaptable for grades 6-12, students will analyze a slideshow of the 10 best careers of the future. Students will use BrainPOP and other internet resources to research one of these careers, or design their own career based upon the most pressing 21st century needs identified in the slideshow. Each student will create an individual slide and description based on his or her selected career to create a collaborative slideshow about STEM careers of the future. This lesson plan is aligned to Common Core State Standards.  See more »

Science Fair Lesson Plan: Planning Projects with BrainPOP and BrainPOP Jr.

In this lesson plan, which is adaptable for grades K-12, students use BrainPOP and/or BrainPOP Jr. resources to learn about planning projects when they create a science fair exhibit.  They will select their topic, explore the criteria for planning, and design a compelling and realistic experiment based on their topic. This lesson plan is aligned to Common Core State Standards.  See more »

STEM Skills Lesson Plan: STEM to the Rescue!

In this lesson plan that is adaptable for grades 3-12, students use BrainPOP and other online resources to research a science, engineering, or technology topic, and create a digital public service announcement to raise awareness of the topic. This lesson plan is aligned to Common Core State Standards.  See more »
Comments
  • Ms. Benish

    Great lesson choices here! I am particularly looking forward to using on of the STEM plans with my students to review this concept in order to engage multiple areas. The cause and effect organizer will also be helpful for my students to understand what makes a circuit work!

  • Michele Young

    I like the variety of activities these lesson provide. The exploring circuits lesson has students answering student generated quiz questions. I love the idea of students creating questions and then having their peers answer them. This is a great way to see how well the students understand the information.

  • Lital

    I think the Electricity Q&A section is a great way for students to create their own learning about electricity. I think it’s a great idea for students to explore STEM careers as well. I also loved the battery activities and how they are available both online and offline.