Common Circuit Misconceptions
The Common Circuit Misconceptions Video Tutorial identifies five common preconceptions that students have that hinders their ability to learn circuits. The fallacies of the ideas are explained and an effort is made to highlight the logic of the alternative model.
The video lesson answers the following questions:
- What are common preconceived ideas that cause difficulty understanding circuits?
- What is the essential problem with those ideas?
Video
You can watch the video below, or click here to watch on YouTube (opens in a new tab).
To improve the effectiveness of the learning experience, The Physics Classroom has provided the following tools:
Additional and Related Learning Tools
Minds On Physics, Electric Circuits Module
A Minds On Physics provides a rigorous workout in conceptual reasoning, critical thinking, and close reading. Missions EC1 - EC3 are great complements to this video.
Missioin EC1 Current
Mission EC2 Voltage
Mission EC3 Voltage-Power-Energy
Concept Builders, Electric Circuits section
A Concept Builder is a multi-part, interactive questioning module that offers immediate feedback, question-specific help, and a game-like atmosphere. This video would be relevant to any of the early Concept Builders found in the Electric Circuits section.
Physics Classroom Tutorial, Electric Circuits Chapter
Our written Tutorial came first. Our video tutorial was modeled after it. Thus, there is almost always a written equivalent to the video on our website. It's easy reading with appeals to logic, periodic self-checking exercises, and numerous examples and illustrations. The following page coincides with the video:
Common Misconceptions Regarding Circuits
Teacher Resources
Teacher Toolkits: Circuit Concepts
Try a Teacher Toolkit ... you might be very glad that you did. Each toolkit includes annotated links to vetted resources from across the web that we feel reliably support the specific topic. Give this one on circuit concepts a try.
Minds On Physics, Electric Circuits Module
A Minds On Physics provides a rigorous workout in conceptual reasoning, critical thinking, and close reading. Missions EC1 - EC3 are great complements to this video.
Mission EC1 Current
Mission EC2 Voltage
Mission EC3 Voltage-Power-Energy
Concept Builders, Electric Circuits section
A Concept Builder is a multi-part, interactive questioning module that offers immediate feedback, question-specific help, and a game-like atmosphere. This video would be relevant to any of the early Concept Builders found in the Electric Circuits section.
Physics Classroom Tutorial, Electric Circuits Chapter
Our written Tutorial came first. Our video tutorial was modeled after it. Thus, there is almost always a written equivalent to the video on our website. It's easy reading with appeals to logic, periodic self-checking exercises, and numerous examples and illustrations. The following page coincides with the video:
Common Misconceptions Regarding Circuits
Lesson Notes
Download (opens in a new tab) or view below
Slides
Do you like the slides we used? They are available in our low cost Teacher Presentation Pack, along with other updated materials used in our presentation.