This document explains how to build a basic circuit to light a bulb using batteries, wires, a battery holder, and a light bulb. It states that the circuit needs to have a complete conductive loop from the negative terminal of the battery holder through the light bulb and back to the positive terminal in order for current to flow and the bulb to light. Several circuit diagrams are shown and it is explained whether each circuit would light based on whether all the components are properly connected in a complete loop.

2. We are going to make a
circuit that will make the bulb
light up.
To do this we need………
…batteries in a
battery holder…
…a light bulb…
…electrical wires and
crocodile clips.

3. The battery holder has a positive and a
negative side. The batteries are not the
same way up.
Positive
side
Negative
side

4. When you have collected all of the
equipment you can start to make the
circuit.

5. First you must
connect one of
the crocodile
clips to one of
the battery
sides
Then you need to
connect the other
wire.
Now the bulb will light.

6. The circuit starts from
the negative side of
the battery holder.
The electric
current runs
through the
light bulb…..
…and continues
along the wire to
the positive side
of the battery
holder.
This completes the circuit.

7. The circuit only
works when
everything is
connected
correctly.
Look at the next few pictures. See if you
can guess whether the circuits will light up
or not. Can you see what might be wrong
with them?

8. Will this
circuit
light?
This circuit will
not light
because the
wires are not
all connected.
When the wires are all connected the
circuit will work.

9. Will this
circuit
light?
This circuit will
light because
everything is
connected
properly.
This keeps the circuit working properly.

10. Will this
circuit
light?
This circuit will
not light
because the
batteries are
facing the
same way up in
the battery
holder.
When the batteries are the right way
round the circuit will work.

11. Will this
circuit
light?
This circuit
will not light
because one
of the wires
is attached
to the glass
part of the
light bulb.
When the wire is properly
connected to the battery side the
circuit will work.

12. Keeping everything
correctly connected is
the only way the circuit
will work.