Day 1- I gave students who were slower writers slightly more filled in notes as well so they

could keep up with the guided notes.

Day 2- I need to remind students again that not all circuits have switches. For example, the
switch I showed them in the beginning of class did not have a switch.
Day 3- I had to remind students that all parts of the circuit need to be connected in order for a
circuit to be complete.

Personal Reflection Questions

Am I able to get through content and activities in 3 days using time management skills?

Additional reflection/thoughts
Day 1- The students were really engaged and excited to learn about electric circuits. They had
many questions and wanted to talk about what they know. I should give them 10 minutes one
day, uninterrupted, to talk and ask more questions.
Day 2- Today went really well. The students were excited to see the real circuit in the beginning
of class. I had to clarify that not all circuits have switches. The open and closed circuit sort also
went really well.
Day 3- I was able to get through all the content and activities in 3 days using time management
skills.
Developmental Lesson Plan

Teacher Candidate: Makaela Letayf

Date: Lesson 3 Group Size: 23 Allotted Time: 25 Grade Level: 4th
Subject or Topic: Science

Common Core/PA Standard(s):

S4.C.2.1.3
Recognize or illustrate simple direct current series and parallel circuits composed of batteries, light
bulbs (or other common loads), wire, and on/off switches

Learning Targets/Objectives:
● Students will be able to distinguish between parallel and series circuits by
sorting them into the proper group in their circuit sort.
● Students will be able to partake in group and partner discussions by talking
through the questions.
Assessment Approaches: Evidence:
4. Anecdotal notes 3. Are students able to recognize and sort
5. Series and Parallel Circuit sort open vs closed circuits?
Assessment Scale:
HF- All circuit pictures are sorted on the correct side
RO- Only 1-2 circuit pictures are on the incorrect side.
S- More than 2 circuit pictures are on the incorrect side.
Subject Matter/Content:

Prerequisites:
Key Vocabulary:

series circuit- a circuit in which electrical current can follow only ONE path

parallel circuit- a circuit in which electrical current has MORE THAN ONE path to follow

electric circuit- a closed/continuous pathway through which electricity can flow

resistor- a material that cuts down the flow of current, but does not stop it

wires- material that connects the parts of the circuit together and carries electric current

insulators- materials that an electrical current CANNOT easily pass through

energy source- the electrical energy that pushes an electric current a circuit

conductors- materials that an electrical current CAN pass through

Content/Facts:
- Over 200 years ago, electricity had not yet been discovered. People would light their
homes with candle or whale oil and cell phones were certainly not a thing.
- In 1752, the famous Benjamin Franklin paved the way for an understanding of
electricity. He revealed that lightning was electricity.
- Electricity flows along a path called a circuit. To create a circuit, you need a battery,
wire, and a light bulb (at least).
- Electric circuits are made up of components that work together to allow electricity to
flow and do useful work. A circuit may also have a switch.
- Batteries have two ends, a negative and a positive end, the one marked + has a small,
raised button on the end of it.
- Conductors, which transmit electrical current, are things like aluminum, copper, and
steel.
- Insulators, which inhibit the flow of electrical currents, are things like rubber, wood,
and most plastics.
- To prevent electrical shock, most wires are covered in plastic working as an insulator.
- A series circuit is an electrical pathway in which all elements are arranged in a single
pathway.
- In a series circuit, the components are arranged in a single path. If one
component fails, the entire circuit is interrupted.
- A parallel circuit is one with several different paths for the electricity to travel.
- In a parallel circuit, the components are connected alongside one another,
allowing the electricity to flow through multiple paths.
- A simple circuit has a load, a battery (energy source), and conducting wires.
- An electric circuit must be complete in order for electricity to flow through it.
- In a closed circuit, all of the circuit components are connected in a loop, and electricity
is able to flow.
 - Open circuits are incomplete circuits. These are "broken" circuits in which there is no
complete path for current flow.
Anticipatory Set

● Day 1- Video Discovery Ed

○ What is one difference between a parallel and series circuit?
● Day 2-

● Is this a parallel or series circuit? How do you know?

● Day 3- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZjDMQbn3a0
■ Refresher on conductors and insulators and their importance
Development/Teaching Approaches
● Day 1- Guided notes using slideshow content about series and parallel circuits.
■ Teacher will make sure to define a simple circuit as having a full circle
of energy through one load, one battery, and conductors.- Simplest
circuit there is
● Day 2- Continue with guided notes using the slideshow about series and parallel
■ Students will actively participate in the “Light or Won’t light” activity
using the smart board. Circuits will be displayed and students will hold
up their fist if it will light and hold up a 5 if it won’t light.
● Day 3- Finish guided notes then, students will work independently to do the sort
■ Series and Parallel circuit sorts

Closure/Summarizing Strategies:

● Day 1- What is the importance of knowing the difference between series and parallel
circuits?
■ Students will discuss in their groups
● Day 2-

○
■ Will this circuit light? Students will discuss why or why not.
 ● Day 3- What are the basic things you need to make a circuit?
○ Teacher will make a poster with students’ answers.

Accommodations/Differentiation:

● Follow all IEPs and 504 plans

● Slightly more filled in guided notes for struggling students

Materials/Resources:

Series and Parallel circuit sort

Slideshow
Guided notes
Light or Won’t Light activity

Reflective Response:
Report of Student Learning Target/Objectives Proficiency Levels
Remediation Plan (if applicable)

Personal Reflection Questions

Am I able to reach every group in the allotted discussion/sort time?

Days 1-2: Students were quick to understand series and parallel circuits. Their discussions were
well thought and consisted of academic answers.

Additional reflection/thoughts

Developmental Lesson Plan

Teacher Candidate: Makaela Letayf

Date: Lesson 4 Group Size: 23 Allotted Time: 25 Grade Level: 4th
Subject or Topic: Science

Common Core/PA Standard(s):

S4.C.2.1.3
Recognize or illustrate simple direct current series and parallel circuits composed of batteries, light
bulbs (or other common loads), wire, and on/off switches