Play Dough Power Failure

Students will need the worksheet for this activity.

Equipment list

Per group (recommended 2-3 per group):

• Playdough
• 3 LED’s (green, yellow and red)
• D cell battery

Preparation

We recommend making sets of equipment (playdough balls, iron, copper, leads and LED) for faster distribution on the day. 

Additional information

Make the circuit as per picture on the student worksheet, then connect the playdough to make sure all the lights are working (the LED may need to turned 180 degrees if it isn’t working as this component is polarised).

Have items available for students to test their circuits, this can include items from their pencil cases, around the room or a set box of items to test. A mix of items that are both conductors (metals) and non-conductors (insulators) is ideal.