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My kids wonder all the time about electricity and how it works. I can explain it all I want, but until they see it and try it for themselves, it never quite sinks in. I thought making a simple conductivity experiment with them would help them to get it. This is an awesome STEM idea that can easily be done at home or in a classroom.
Supplies for the Conductivity Experiment:
Alligator Clips (at least 3)
LED Lights
AA Battery Holder & batteries
Random household objects- some metallic and some non-metallic- penny, paper clip, nail, pencil, plastic toys, etc.
How to Set Up the Conductivity Experiment:
Add batteries to your battery holder. Connect an alligator clip to each side. Red is positive and black is negative. On one side attach a pin light with a third alligator clip to the other side. You will need to match the positive side of the pin light with the positive side of the battery pack. The longer pin is the positive side of the light.
Then between the other two openings you can test the conductivity of the different objects. You can clip them on or even just touch them to the object. The alligator clips tend to be hard for kids to squeeze open.
If it is conductive, the light will light up. If it is not, the light will not light up. It is as easy as that! Fun, right?
Want more STEM ideas? Check out my STEAM Kids book!
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