I asked students to use the phet circuit simulator to design an electric circuit to light a lightbulb. I required they use a "switch" in their design. I asked them to work individually. Here is an example of what they did:
After they successfully designed their circuit to light the light bulb, they played around with the simulator. I loved how they tried different things like including additional batteries. When things didn't work, it was a great opportunity to discuss why it didn't work. When they had questions, I would say "try it out and tell me what happens". Sometimes their designs caused fires, but better "simulated" than "real" fires.
Then I gave them a Littlebits Circuit kit and had them explore creating circuits. Here is a TED Talk from when Littlebits was first introduced:
| A super short video of Zac's creation - a waving hand. TIP: It's easier to see in "full screen" mode. |