Even the most experienced teacher can use the Circuits and Symbols Worksheet in an effective way. This worksheet is a great way to get students thinking about a specific problem, such as how many materials they need to create a bridge. What does the schematic diagram on the back of the card mean? Students will probably spend some time trying to figure it out as they read the Back Up Note Card.
It is important for teachers to avoid having students spend a long conversation about every little detail. The best thing to do is start with one basic question. The next step is to have students examine the circuit diagrams or symbols on the cards. Then you will find that it doesn’t take long before you are talking about the various steps of building a bridge.
When children learn math facts, they tend to be visually stimulated. They will notice the blue circuit and find it exciting. Once they get through the circuit description, it can be hard to focus on it. The better the structure, the easier it will be for them to understand the parts of the building.
While children may look at the circuit diagram and see a series of lines and dots, they are more likely to understand it if they know what a part looks like before they see the circuit. For example, if they see a red part, they will know it is a fuse. When you start this worksheet, ask your students to look at the front of the card and identify each of the parts of the circuit.
Circles are a common component of circuits. Start by asking your students to identify a circle in the circuit diagram. They should write their answer in the box that follows.
Once they write their answer, have them put a paper clip on top of the new diagram and then write the answer in the box. Continue by asking them to go back and change the size of the circle or draw a line between the two circles. Allow them to rearrange the circles to fit together.
These questions help students build a new diagram. Once they identify the circles, they can easily learn about the symbols. Building diagrams are very powerful and when you do this with younger students, you are going to find that they don’t simply memorize facts, they also remember the order in which the facts were presented.
Forcing students to think about the structure of the circuit or symbols from the very beginning of the lesson is a skill that will pay off in old workbooks years from now. However, in the classroom, it is best to start students off slowly and only after they have built the circuits and symbols. Once they see the patterns in the diagrams, they will soon be able to show students the next level of constructing the bridge.
