Indiana Science HS-ICP3-5

ScienceGrades 9–12Energy

The Standard

Gather data to build a model to describe and explain the flow of current through series and parallel electric circuits.

Indiana Academic Standards for Science (2023) · Energy

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students measure current at several points in circuits with two bulbs. They use the readings to draw models showing where current stays the same and where it splits and rejoins.
What Mastery Looks Like: A student labels the same current throughout a series loop. In a parallel circuit, they show that the branch currents add up to the current entering and leaving the junction.
Common Misconceptions: Students may think the first bulb uses up current, leaving less for the second. They may assume parallel branches always carry equal current or that current splits in a series loop.
How to Assess It: Give students these readings: a series circuit has 0.30 A before the first bulb and after the second; a parallel circuit has 0.30 A before the split and 0.20 A and 0.10 A in its branches. Ask them to sketch both current paths, predict the reading after the branches rejoin, and explain their prediction.

Lesson moves

Build two low-voltage bulb circuits, first in series and then in parallel, and place an ammeter in each path to record current.
Show 0.6 A before a junction and 0.2 A in one branch; ask students where the remaining current goes.
Give groups circuit diagrams and current reading cards to match, then have them explain each match.
Draw two room lamps on separate switches; trace why turning one off does not stop current through the other.

Free download

A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to HS-ICP3-5, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.

PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.

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