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Circuit Jam
Grades
4–12 This grade range is based on learning appropriateness and doesn't take into account privacy. It's determined by Common Sense Education, not the product's publisher.
Subjects & Skills
Science, Critical Thinking
Use Circuit Jams as a supplement to help kids visualize and understand the flow of energy within circuits. Have kids work in teams or small groups to complete the puzzles, one at a time. Come together as a class to discuss the solution to each puzzle. Encourage kids to take notes about their puzzle-solving strategies to share with the class. If possible, conduct a laboratory session in which kids can recreate one or more of the circuits they've had a chance to build in sandbox mode.
Continue readingCircuit Jam is an engaging tool that kids can use to safely explore circuits, empowering them to test, modify, and retest. Puzzles are arranged in the following categories, depending on the type of challenge they present: Current, Voltage, Resistor, Ohm's Law, and Capacitor. Each category includes several puzzles that must be unlocked in sequential order. The first set of puzzles is free, but the remaining ones must be purchased. In sandbox mode, kids can build and test circuits using components such as resistors, capacitors, lamps, switches, voltage sources, and more.
Circuit Jam offers a unique mix of lab simulation and gameplay. Kids get to experiment in a virtual lab-like setting while solving puzzles and unlocking components for the sandbox mode. One of the best features is that kids get to manipulate components of circuits, observe what happens, make modifications if needed, and test them again. It's a great application of common science practices. As they experiment, kids can learn about electrical circuits and energy flow: They're given a certain shape for each circuit and have to manipulate its components to generate signals that will replicate that shape.
Puzzles become increasingly difficult as kids progress. For example, in the first puzzle, kids must simply close a switch within a circuit to generate a constant electronic signal that produces a flat line. In later puzzles, they have to toggle switches to generate fluctuating signals, add current by connecting current sources in parallel, and divide current by adding multiple parallel branches within a circuit. Kids get instant visual feedback as they work with the circuits, but the addition of some hints could help guide those who struggle to solve the puzzles. The sandbox mode is a great opportunity for kids to replicate and test their own circuit problems or to freely experiment with circuit building.
Overall Rating
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Classroom teacher
Elk Meadows School
South Jordan, United States
South Jordan, United States
I like this as an option to let the students practice the concept of building and understanding circuits.
I think that this is a nice tool to teach students about how a circuit works and lets them try different things to see what will complete the circuit and what will block the flow of electricity.
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