Teaching of the Light Emitting Bulb Conditions in a Simple Electrical Circuit Using a Pneumatic System Model

Abstract

The topic of electricity is included in science and physics curricula because of the importance of electricity and its use in daily life. The understanding of a simple electric circuit as the basic system is extremely important for the teaching of electrical concepts. Therefore analogical relationship have been formed with “air pump-battery, transparent plastic hose-power line, valve-switch, plastic balloon-light bulb, inflating plastic balloon-the light emitting bulb” in the Pneumatic System Model. Also the differences between the source and target concepts in the PSM have been expressed for preventing misconception. An experiment-based analogical Pneumatic System Model (PSM) used to teach the 5th students (11 year-old), the variables having an effect on the brightness of a light bulb in a simple electric circuit has been revised and its suitability and operability for teaching of the light emitting bulb conditions in a simple electric circuit, and resolving the faulty circuits have been discussed. © 2016, Ankara University. All rights reserved.