Electric Play Dough
Grade Range
4th
Group Size
1-2 students
Active Time
45 minutes
Total Time
45 minutes
Area of Science
Physics
Key Concepts
Electricity, energy, circuit, conductor, insulator
Learning Objectives
- Understand the difference between conducting and insulating materials
- Demonstrate how to build a closed circuit while avoiding short or open circuits
- Understand how a circuit can convert electrical energy into light energy
Credits
Ben Finio, PhD, Science Buddies
This lesson plan was inspired by the Squishy Circuits project, developed by Dr. AnnMarie Thomas at the University of St. Thomas.
![]() OverviewIf you love doing arts and crafts with your students, this lesson plan is for you! Teach them about energy, electricity, and circuits as they build light-up sculptures, using something they are all familiar with—play dough! Clear step-by-step instructions are provided and no previous experience with circuits is required.NGSS AlignmentThis lesson helps students prepare for these Next Generation Science Standards Performance Expectations:
Materials![]() For each group of students you will need:
Reviews |
Grade Range
4th
Group Size
1-2 students
Active Time
45 minutes
Total Time
45 minutes
Area of Science
Physics
Key Concepts
Electricity, energy, circuit, conductor, insulator
Credits
Ben Finio, PhD, Science Buddies
This lesson plan was inspired by the Squishy Circuits project, developed by Dr. AnnMarie Thomas at the University of St. Thomas. Learning Objectives
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