Bayview Students Complete ‘Electrifying’ Lighthouse Project

From W. Islip Schools:While exploring the topic of electricity for a lighthouse project, fourth- graders at West Islip’s Bayview Elementary School investigated how electrical charges flow in a circuit and built their very own circuits.

First, the students engaged in hands-on lessons to support their understanding of electricity. After careful training, these young “electricians” were ready to put their skills to the test. To power their lighthouses, the students used batteries as an energy source. Wires allowed for the charges to flow and the lightbulbs acted as resistors to transform the energy. The students added switches to their circuits to easily change them from open to closed. With the circuit closed, electricity was able to travel and the lightbulbs would shine brightly. Lighthouses Complete, Lighthouses Wiring: Fourth-graders at West Islip’s Bayview Elementary School investigated how electrical charges flow in a circuit and built their very own circuits for a lighthouse project.

Photos courtesy of the West Islip School District