Not all circuits are arranged the same way. Using the same materials for each circuit (one battery, up to three light bulbs, and many alligator clips), third graders are exploring the differences between series and parallel circuits. They've discovered the main differences between the two.
1. Series circuits have only one path for the electricity to flow.
2. Every time you add another light bulb to a series circuit, the light bulb gets dimmer and dimmer.
3. Parallel circuits have more than one path for the electricity to flow.
4. Every time you add another light bulb to a parallel circuit, the light bulb's brightness stays the same!
1. Series circuits have only one path for the electricity to flow.
2. Every time you add another light bulb to a series circuit, the light bulb gets dimmer and dimmer.
3. Parallel circuits have more than one path for the electricity to flow.
4. Every time you add another light bulb to a parallel circuit, the light bulb's brightness stays the same!