Electric Circuits Interactive Simulation

Ohm's Law describes how electric circuits work: the current through a wire is the voltage divided by the resistance (I = V / R). Double the voltage and twice as much current flows; double the resistance and it halves. Students can change voltage and resistance and compare what happens. Use it for physics inquiry with Grades 4–5, Middle School, and High School on a projector or student device.

Standards: NGSS 4-PS3-2

• How raising voltage pushes more current through the circuit
• Why a higher resistance chokes the flow of current
• Reading I = V/R off the live formula with your own numbers
• How the density of moving dots in the circuit tracks the current

1. 1Predict how changing voltage will affect the current, then test the prediction.
2. 2Use evidence from the live calculation and visual to explain the result.

Questions teachers ask