AMP EDUTAINMENT · FIELD LAB · PRINTABLE
LIGHT THE CABIN
Understand closed circuits, LED polarity and why current limiting matters.
Student: ____________________ Date: ______________ Instructor: ______________
Mission Objective
Understand closed circuits, LED polarity and why current limiting matters. First run the matching digital laboratory mission, then complete the physical experiment with an adult.
Materials Checklist
Battery holder with two AA batteries, small LED, appropriate 220 ohm series resistor, short insulated jumper wires, optional solderless breadboard.
Adult Safety Check
Adult-supervised battery circuit only. Never connect to a wall outlet or household wiring. Do not use lithium coin cells around younger children. Do not short the batteries; disconnect after each experiment. Verify component specifications.
Prediction — Before You Begin
I predict ___________________________________________________________________
because ____________________________________________________________________
Field Procedure
1. Inspect components. 2. Draw a circuit diagram showing batteries, resistor and LED in series. 3. Assemble with battery disconnected. 4. Have adult check polarity, wiring and resistor before connecting power. 5. Observe whether LED lights; disconnect before any adjustment. 6. Record what happens when LED orientation is changed under supervision.
My Results
Trial 1 / measured result: _____________________________________________________
Trial 2 / what I changed: _____________________________________________________
Trial 2 / measured result: _____________________________________________________
My prediction was: □ supported □ not supported □ inconclusive
Explain It In Your Own Words
What made the system work or fail? _____________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
Instructor Answer Key / Discussion
For a 3 V source, 2 V nominal LED drop and 220 ohm resistor, approximate current = (3 − 2) ÷ 220 = 0.0045 A (4.5 mA). Why use a resistor? To limit current and protect the LED; actual values depend on components and battery condition.
Evidence of Learning
Learning evidence: correct series diagram, no shorts, safe circuit check, explanation of polarity and resistor.
□ Can predict □ Can conduct safely □ Can measure □ Can explain □ Needs another trial
Instructor initials: ____________________________
Educational field-testing worksheet. Not a substitute for the corrected handbook’s complete procedures. A successful game simulation does not certify a physical build as safe. To print: use your browser Print / Save as PDF command.