Description

Series & Parallel Circuits Activities & Reading Passages for Google Classroom

Teaching series and parallel circuits is easy and engaging with this interactive Google Classroom activity pack! This no-prep, standards-aligned resource helps students explore how to identify, create, and compare series and parallel circuits while building their understanding of electricity.

With drag-and-drop tasks, editable reading passages, and short-answer questions, students will develop critical thinking skills and apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios like troubleshooting holiday lights. Interactive, hands-on activities make these concepts both relatable and fun!

Perfect for independent work, science centers, or even sub plans, this resource simplifies lesson planning while keeping students excited about learning. Whether introducing circuits for the first time or reviewing key concepts, this pack is a must-have for your classroom!

Series & Parallel Circuits Activities Includes the Following Google Slides:

Closed circuits & open circuits

• Editable reading passages
• Drag-&-drop: match the vocabulary and definition (electric current, circuit, closed circuit, open circuit)
• Drag-&-drop: identify if the circuit is closed or open
• Use the toolbar: create a closed circuit
• Use the toolbar: create an open circuit
• Short answer: read the closed circuit and open circuit diagram and write what identifies on the diagram if closed or open

Series circuits & parallel circuits

• Drag-&-drop: match the vocabulary and definition (series circuit and parallel circuit)
• Drag-&-drop: identify if the circuit is series or parallel
• Short answer: how are the charges created?
• Use the toolbar: create a series circuit
• Use the toolbar: create a parallel circuit
• Drag-&-drop: finish the sentences about series circuits
• Drag-&-drop: finish the sentences about parallel circuits
• Short answer: compare series circuits and parallel circuits on a Venn diagram
• Short answer: answer a scenario about holiday lights not working

Why Teachers Love these Series & Parallel Circuits Activities:

• No Prep: Ready-to-use in Google Classroom™ or other LMS platforms like Canvas, Schoology, or Microsoft Teams.
• Engaging & Interactive: Drag-and-drop activities and toolbar tasks make learning circuits fun.
• Flexible Use: Ideal for independent practice, science centers, early finishers, or sub plans.
• Real-World Connections: Helps students apply their knowledge to everyday scenarios.

Ideal For:

• 3rd–5th Grade Teachers: A comprehensive and interactive way to teach series and parallel circuits.
• STEM Enrichment: Incorporate hands-on digital learning into your science curriculum.
• Homeschool Families: Bring engaging science concepts to life in your lessons.