SCIENCE 8

MODULE 7

LABORATORY ACTIVITY-
CURRENT AND CHARGES

Activity 1: Real Deal Relationship (Current and voltage)

(Adapted From LM Grade 8)

Learning Competencies/Code:
Infer the relationship between current and charge. (S8FE-Ih-30)

Objectives:
After performing this activity, you will:
1. Measure the electric current and voltage in a circuit using an ammeter and voltmeter
respectively; and
2. Determine the relationship between electric current and voltage.

Materials Needed:
1 ammeter 1 voltmeter
2 dry cells (1.5 V each) 2 dry cell holders
4 connecting wires 1 switch
1 bulb 1 bulb holder

Procedure:
1. Construct a simple circuit using a dry cell, a bulb, a switch and an ammeter. Close the circuit
by turning on the switch. Observe the bulb and the ammeter. Record the ammeter reading in
Table 1.

Note: Upon completion of the task, switch off the circuit.

Figure 3. Ammeter connected in a circuit with one dry cell

Guide Question
Q1. What is the reading on the ammeter?

2. Add another dry cell to the circuit. Record the electric current measurement in Table 1.

Note: Once the task is done, turn off the switch.

Figure 4. Ammeter connected in a circuit with two dry cells

Table 1: Voltage and Current

No. of batteries Voltage (V) Current (A)

1
2

Q2. Compare the brightness of the bulb with one dry cell to two dry cells in the circuit

Q3. What is the ammeter reading this time?

Q4. What can be inferred about the current passing through the bulb?

3. Connect the voltmeter in the circuit as shown in Figure 5. Switch on and record the voltage in
Table 1.

Note: Once the task is done, turn off the switch.

 Figure 5. Voltmeter connected in a circuit with one dry cell
Q 5. What is the voltmeter reading?

4. Add another dry cell to the circuit. Record the voltmeter reading in Table 1. Observe the
brightness of the bulb.

Note: Once the task is done, turn off the switch.

Figure 6. Voltmeter connected in a circuit with two dry cells

Q6. Describe the brightness of the bulb.

Q7. What is the voltmeter reading this time?

Q8. What can you infer about the voltage across the bulb?

Q9.Refer to Table 1, how are voltage and current related?

➢ You will use voltmeters and ammeters to measure the current and voltage in a circuit. Make
sure that you will follow the correct way of connecting the ammeter and voltmeter.

➢ If the school cannot provide voltmeters and ammeters, you can modify the activity by just
relating the number of dry cells or increase in voltage with the brightness of the bulb. The
brighter the bulb, the bigger the current.

➢ The dry cells must be connected in series which means the positive terminal of one cell is
connected to the negative terminal of the other.

➢ Be sure also to use new batteries for this activity especially when the brightness of the bulb
is being asked. For the bulb, use a flashlight with a voltage rating of 2.5 V.

➢ Ideally a switch must be included in the circuit so that they can turn off the circuit to avoid
wasting energy. The teacher can make an improvised switch using illustration board and
aluminum foil as shown in Figure 3.

Figure 3 : Improvsed switch

 SCIENCE 8
MODULE 8

LABORATORY ACTIVITY-
Type of Electric Circuits and Functions of Electrical Safety Devices

ACTIVITY 1: The Electrical Connections! (NO VOLTMETER?

(adapted from Division Training for Teachers Grade 8 Science)

Learning Competencies/Codes:
1. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of series and parallel connections in homes.
(S8FE-li-32).
2. Explain the function of circuit breakers, fuses, earthing, double insulation, and other
safety devices in the home (S8FE-li-33).

Materials:
2 - 2.2 V light bulb with holder
2 - 1.5 V dry cell ,
3 connecting wires w/ alligator clips

Procedure:
Construct a circuit such that if you unscrew one bulb, the other bulb will not light.
Note the brightness of the bulbs before you unscrew one bulb.
Draw a schematic diagram of your circuit. Label this as Circuit A.

Given the following materials:

2 - 2.2 V light bulb with holder
2 - 1.5 V dry cell
4 connecting wires w/ alligator clips

Procedure:
Construct a circuit such that if you unscrew one bulb, the other bulb will remain lit.
Note the brightness of the bulbs before you unscrew one bulb.

Point of Comparison Circuit A Circuit B

1. When one bulb is
unscrewed, what happens
to the other bulb?
2. How are the bulbs
connected to the dry cell
3.Describe the brightness
of the bulbs in each circuit
GUIDE QUESTIONS:

1. How many pathways are there in Circuit A?

2. What do you call circuit A?

3. How many pathways are there in Circuit B?

4. What do you call circuit B?

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