Simple Circuit Building With a Battery
Connect a battery, wire, and LED to build a working circuit. Your child lights up a bulb and learns the basics of how electricity flows.
What You'll Need
- 1AA battery
- 2Small LED bulbs (2-3)
- 3Copper wire or aluminum foil strips
- 4Tape for securing connections
What You'll Need
A AA battery
Small LED bulbs (2-3)
Copper wire or strips of aluminum foil
Tape for securing wire-to-battery connections
How to Play
Show the battery: "Electricity flows from positive through the wire, through the LED, and back to negative."
Touch one wire to the positive (+) end, another to the negative (−) end.
Touch the free ends to the LED legs — one to each. The LED lights up!
Remove one wire: light off. "When the circuit breaks, electricity stops."
Reconnect: light on. "That's how a switch works!"
Try a second LED: "Can we light two with one battery?"
Try different items in the circuit: "Does a paper clip conduct? A pencil? A penny?"
The Science Behind It
A circuit is a complete loop that electricity flows through. It needs a power source (battery), a conductor (wire), and a load (LED). If the loop is broken at any point, current stops and the light goes off. This is the foundational concept behind every electronic device your child uses — and they just built one with their own hands.
Tips
LEDs have polarity — the longer leg is positive. If it doesn't light up, try flipping the LED around.
Aluminum foil strips work as wires in a pinch. Fold them narrow for better connections.
Tape helps hold wires to battery terminals. Alligator clips make connections even easier if you have them.
Test conductors vs. insulators: "Does the spoon complete the circuit? What about the rubber band?" Build a conductor tester.
Never use batteries larger than AA/AAA for child experiments. Household batteries are safe at low voltage.
Age Adaptation Tips
School-age kids can take more ownership. Let them lead the activity, experiment with variations, and explain what they learned.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this activity take?
This activity takes about 20 min, with 5 min of preparation time beforehand.
What materials do I need?
You'll need: aa battery, small led bulbs (2-3), copper wire or aluminum foil strips, tape for securing connections.
What age is this activity for?
This activity is designed for 5-8 years. You can adapt it for younger or older children by adjusting the complexity.
Can this be done indoors?
This activity is designed for indoor play, making it perfect for rainy days or when you're staying inside.
How difficult is this activity?
This activity has a moderate difficulty level. It may require some preparation or guidance, but is manageable for most families.
Ratings & Reviews
Sign in to leave a rating or review.
Add to Your Weekly Plan
Schedule this activity into your family's week. It takes about 20 min.
Free account required to save plans
Explore More
Love this activity?
Create a free account and add it to your weekly planner. Discover hundreds more activities matched to your child's age.