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Session 7: Christmas Circuits 🎄

Overview

Grades: 3-4 | Duration: 40 minutes | Session: 7 of 17

Students build LED circuit Nativity scenes, combining electrical engineering with the Christmas story.

Session 7: Christmas Circuits

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, students will:

  • Build working LED circuits

  • Understand series and parallel circuits

  • Create Christmas-themed light project

  • Connect the symbolism of light to Jesus' birth

Session 7: Christmas Circuits

Materials Needed

  • 🔋 Coin cell batteries

  • 💡 LEDs (yellow, warm colors)

  • 📏 Copper tape

  • 📦 Cardstock/cardboard for scenes

  • 📓 Engineering journals

Catholic Integration

Saint Connection

The Holy Family — Jesus, Mary, and Joseph in the Nativity remind us that God became one of us!

Scripture

"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." — John 1:5

Opening Prayer

Dear Jesus, you came as light into our dark world. As we create lights to celebrate your birth, fill our hearts with Christmas joy. Come, Lord Jesus! Amen.

Lesson Procedure

Opening Circle (5 minutes)

  1. Advent & Christmas:
  2. Preparing for Jesus' birth
  3. Light symbolism: Jesus is the Light!
  4. Star led wise men to Jesus
  5. Circuit Review:
  6. Complete path for electricity
  7. Power source → conductor → output → back to power
  8. Today's Project:
  9. Create lit Nativity or Christmas scene!

Main Activity: Christmas Circuit Creation (27 minutes)

Part 1: Circuit Basics (5 minutes)

  • Review from Session 7 Year A (or teach new):

  • LED has two legs:

  • Long leg = positive (+)

  • Short leg = negative (-)

  • Must connect correctly to light up!

  • Demo simple circuit with battery and LED

Part 2: Design Christmas Scene (5 minutes)

  • Choose design:
  • Nativity scene with star
  • Christmas tree with lights
  • Advent wreath

  • Angel with glowing halo

  • Sketch where lights will go

  • Plan circuit path

Part 3: Build Circuit Scene (15 minutes)

Step-by-Step: 1. Create scene base (cardstock/cardboard) 2. Mark LED positions (poke small holes) 3. Lay copper tape paths: - One path from battery + to LED long legs - One path from LED short legs to battery - 4. Insert LEDs through holes 5. Connect battery with tape 6. Add switch if desired (paper fold) 7. Decorate scene around lights!

Part 4: Light Up (2 minutes)

  • Test your circuit

  • Debug if needed

  • Celebrate the light!

Engineering Journal (5 minutes)

  1. Draw your circuit diagram (label ±)
  2. Sketch your Christmas scene
  3. Write: "Light reminds us of Jesus because..."
  4. Write: "My circuit worked/didn't work because..."

Closing Circle (3 minutes)

  1. Christmas Light Show — All circuits light up together!
  2. Jesus the Light — "How does Jesus bring light to the world?"
  3. Closing Prayer — "Jesus, Light of the World, shine in our hearts this Christmas. May we share your light with everyone! Amen."

Assessment

Observation Checklist:

  • Built working circuit

  • Understood LED polarity

  • Created meaningful Christmas scene

  • Connected light to faith theme

Differentiation

For Students Who Need Support

  • Pre-made circuit template

  • Simple single-LED design

  • Partner assistance

For Advanced Students

  • Multiple LEDs (series or parallel)

  • Blinking effect (add resistor)

  • Complex scene design

Wonder at Home 🏠

Family Activity: Give your light scene as a Christmas gift! Look at Christmas lights—how do they work? Discuss Jesus as the Light of the World. Create more light projects as gifts!

Teacher Notes

  • Test all batteries before class

  • Have extra supplies for troubleshooting

  • Great gifts for families

  • Display at Christmas concert/event

Previous: Session 6 — Thanksgiving Design
Next: Session 8 — Digital Stories