Holiday Lights: Play-Doh Circuits – Answer Key

Summary

Save grading time and strengthen classroom discussion with a complete Answer Key for every section of the activity. The key includes expected sketch labels for LED polarity and battery terminals, sample hypotheses, and clear explanation-based answers for why series circuits fail when one LED is removed and why parallel circuits keep working. It also provides sample responses describing brightness changes as more LEDs are added, including the key pattern that series circuits tend to dim as components share voltage, while parallel branches stay closer to consistent brightness.

For the CER section, the answer key supplies a full model Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning that references both student observations and the supporting science concepts of voltage and current distribution. It concludes with sample responses to the final reflection questions, helping teachers quickly check understanding of circuit identification, troubleshooting, manufacturing trade-offs, and brightness considerations.