To bridge the gap between the theoretical aspects of Ohm's Law and its real-world applications, I designed a hands-on project where students built their own simple electrical circuits. The project involved each student constructing a circuit that included various components such as resistors, batteries, and light bulbs. This practical engagement allowed students to implement Ohm's Law—V = IR (Voltage = Current x Resistance)—in a tangible way. By manipulating values of voltage, current, and resistance in their circuits, students could directly observe how changing one of these variables affected the others, making the concept more relevant and easier to grasp.
As students worked on building their circuits, I provided guidelines and worksheets that guided them through the process of calculating resistance and current using Ohm's Law. They were encouraged to hypothesize about how different resistances would affect the brightness of the light bulbs in their circuits. For example, they altered resistor values to see the corresponding changes in current, which allowed them to draw connections between the theoretical formulas and their physical results. This experiential learning not only helped solidify their understanding of Ohm's Law but also fostered a sense of ownership and curiosity about the subject matter.
To evaluate the effectiveness of this hands-on approach, I employed various assessment tools. Firstly, I utilized observation checklists during the circuit-building activity to assess students' engagement, collaboration, and understanding of the circuit components. Secondly, I designed a reflective journal assignment where students documented their project experiences, including their initial predictions and final outcomes, which served as a qualitative measure of their learning journey. Finally, I administered a quiz that tested their ability to calculate voltage, current, and resistance, ensuring that they could apply Ohm’s Law conceptually and mathematically.
The feedback and assessment results indicated that the solution worked effectively. Many students demonstrated significant improvement in their understanding of Ohm’s Law and its applications. The reflective journals highlighted students’ increased confidence and excitement about learning physics through practical engagement. Additionally, quiz results showed a notable rise in correct calculations and applications of Ohm's Law, solidifying my belief that connecting theoretical concepts with hands-on projects can enhance comprehension and interest in complex scientific concepts.