Explore series and parallel circuits with this light bulb circuit kit. Build DC circuits, observe brightness, and compare energy use with incandescent lights vs LEDs alternatives for hands-on electricity experiments.
This Light Bulb Circuit Kit provides everything needed for introductory electricity and circuits experiments. Students can build simple DC circuits to explore how electrical current flows and lights miniature bulbs. By visually comparing brightness, learners see how current and voltage interact, the foundation of electrical science.
This light bulb circuit kit includes ten 2.5 V, 0.3 A miniature bulbs with holders and 1 m of insulated copper wire, ideal for school labs and science fair projects. It’s widely used as an electrical experiment kit for demonstrating current, voltage, and resistance in a visible, hands-on way. Unlike modern LED-based kits, incandescent bulbs clearly show how brightness changes with circuit design, making electrical concepts easier to grasp.
2 AA batteries and battery holder not included.
| Concept | Description | Activity | Learning Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Series circuits | Current is the same through each component; voltage divides among bulbs. | Wire bulbs in series, measure brightness and voltage. | Physics: Ohm’s Law, voltage division, energy conservation. |
| Parallel circuits | Voltage is the same across all branches; current divides among branches. | Wire bulbs in parallel, measure brightness and current. | Physics: Parallel load behavior, energy distribution. |
| Bulb comparison | Incandescent vs LED: differences in energy efficiency, brightness, and heat. | Test same circuit with different bulbs; observe performance and discuss applications. | Science & engineering: energy efficiency, technological evolution. |
| Resistance effects | Adding resistors changes current and voltage distribution. | Insert resistors in series/parallel, observe changes in bulb brightness. | Electrical engineering fundamentals; Ohm’s Law in practice. |
| P/N | Description | QTY |
|---|---|---|
| 43790 | Bulb holder | 5 |
| 43791 | Bulb, 2.5V, 0.3A, 10 pack. | 1 |
| 43799 | Insulated Copper Wire, 19 Gauge, 1m, DC Battery Experiments | 1 |
This light bulb electric circuit kit for school experiments includes the following:
| Aspect | Incandescent (2.5 V, 0.3 A bulbs) | LED | Teaching implication |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visual & Physical Clarity | Immediate, continuous brightness change with voltage; visible dimming makes series/parallel effects intuitive. No polarity to worry about. | Often either on or off without added control; less visible gradation unless PWM or resistors are used. Polarity must be correct. | Incandescents are easier for first-time students to see and predict circuit behavior; LEDs require extra explanation about polarity and control methods. |
| Robustness for Experimentation | Simple voltage handling and tolerant to wiring orientation; easily replaced and inexpensive per unit. | More fragile to reverse polarity and sensitive to over-current without resistors or drivers; longer-lived in normal use. | Incandescents reduce setup errors in beginner labs; LEDs are better for repeated demos where long life and low power matter. |
| Teaching of Electrical Principles | Filament temperature dependence of resistance provides a real demonstration of non-ideal components and Ohm’s Law in practice. | Highlights semiconductor behavior, forward voltage, and the need for current limiting; useful for more advanced lessons. | Start with incandescents to teach basic current/voltage relationships; introduce LEDs when covering semiconductor devices and efficiency. |
| Energy & Heat | Converts significant electrical energy to heat; easy to demonstrate energy loss and inefficiency, but requires simple heat-safety guidance. | Highly efficient (light with minimal heat), demonstrating modern energy-saving technology. | Use side-by-side comparison to teach energy efficiency, heat management, and real-world design tradeoffs. |
| Cost & Practicality | Low upfront cost; compatible with legacy kits and easy to source; quick replacements keep labs running. | Higher upfront cost per component but longer lifetime and lower power draw overall. | Incandescents are practical for short lessons and budget kits; LEDs are ideal for frequent, long-term classroom use. |
| Safety & Limitations | Shorter lifespan and generates heat (minor safety consideration); higher current draw may limit number of bulbs per battery pack. | Requires correct polarity and current limiting; very low heat, safer for touch, but can suffer from flicker or inconsistent dimming without proper drivers. | Teach safe handling (heat, correct battery selection) for incandescents; teach polarity and current-limiting basics for LEDs. |
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