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Parts of a Circuit — Reading Comprehension

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NGSS 4-PS3-2

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This engaging 250-word passage introduces Grade 4-5 students to the essential components of electric circuits aligned with NGSS 4-PS3-2 standards. Students explore how circuits require three main parts: a power source like a battery, wires to carry electric current, and devices that use energy such as light bulbs. The passage explains how all parts must be connected in a complete loop for current to flow properly. Through concrete examples of building simple circuits with batteries, wires, and light bulbs, students understand cause-and-effect relationships in electrical systems. The content uses age-appropriate language and familiar analogies to make abstract concepts tangible. Audio integration supports diverse learners by providing multiple ways to access the material. Activities include comprehension questions, writing prompts about circuit connections, and graphic organizers for identifying circuit components and their functions. This resource helps students develop foundational understanding of energy transfer and electrical systems through hands-on circuit building examples.

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Circuit-diagram — Every circuit needs three essential parts to work properly.

A circuit is a complete path that allows electricity to flow from one place to another. Circuits are important because they power many things we use every day, from flashlights to computers. Without circuits, we wouldn't have electric lights, televisions, or most of the technology we depend on.

Every circuit needs three essential parts to work properly. The first part is a power source, which provides the energy to make electricity flow. A battery is a common power source that stores chemical energy and changes it into electrical energy. Think of a battery like a water pump that pushes water through pipes—it pushes electricity through the circuit.

The second essential part is wires, which are usually made of metal like copper. Wires carry the electric current, which is the flow of electricity moving through the circuit. The current travels from one end of the battery, through the wires, and back to the other end of the battery. Wires must be connected to both ends of the battery to create a complete loop.

The third part is a device that uses the electrical energy, such as a light bulb, buzzer, or motor. When you connect a light bulb to a battery using wires in a complete loop, the current flows through the bulb's thin wire called a filament. The filament gets so hot from the electricity that it glows and produces light.

All three parts must be connected properly for the circuit to work. If there is a break anywhere in the loop—like a disconnected wire or a dead battery—the current cannot flow and the device won't work. This is why when you build a simple circuit, the light bulb only lights up when everything is connected in a complete path.

Understanding circuit parts helps us use electricity safely and build devices that make our lives easier. Whether it's a simple flashlight or a complex computer, all circuits follow the same basic rules: they need a power source, wires to carry current, and devices that use energy, all connected in a complete loop.

What are the three essential circuit parts?

Battery, wires, and deviceSwitch, plug, and outletMotor, fan, and lightCopper, plastic, and rubber

What does a battery do in a circuit?

It carries the currentIt provides energy for electricityIt makes lightIt connects the wires

What material are wires usually made from?

PlasticWoodCopper metalGlass

Why does a light bulb glow?

Battery heats it directlyWires produce the lightFilament gets hot from electricityAir inside bulb glows

What happens if a wire disconnects?

Current flows fasterCircuit breaks and stops workingBattery gets strongerLight gets brighter

How must circuit parts be connected?

In any random orderOnly to the batteryIn a complete loopJust touching each other

A circuit needs all parts connected properly.

TrueFalse

What is 'current' in a circuit?

The battery's powerThe flow of electricityThe wire materialThe light from bulb

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Parts of a Circuit — Reading Comprehension

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