Circuits: Card Sorting With Multiple Representations (E&M)

In this activity, students work in groups to sort cards containing different circuit diagrams, graphs, words, and other representations for RC, LR, and LC circuits. The aim is for students to develop their model-building skills by focusing on abstract concepts, making connections between these concepts, and using multiple representations. The review reinforces students’ ability to 1) represent charge, current, and potential difference and link them to the behaviour of circuits, 2) see connections between quantities (e.g. ∆V and I), 3) reason conceptually without relying on equations, 4) understand the roles of resistors, capacitors, and inductors.

The activity is an example of an active-learning, collaborative group-based pedagogy. After groups are formed, the activity begins with the instructor explaining how to set up the circuit situations with an example. The instructor then has students set up the other situations using select initial cards, describing in each case: 1) the direction of the current through the resistor and 2) whether the circuit is storing/releasing energy or oscillating with provided word cards. Once the setups are complete, the instructor distributes the remainder of the cards and the groups determine those that correspond to each setup, sorting them appropriately. Each group then pairs with another to compare their solutions and discuss, after which the instructor briefly wraps up the session.

The only additional materials are the cards required for the activity, which must be printed by the instructor in advance, as well as the detailed teacher guide for the activity (included in “additional materials”).

Students will develop their ability to reason about physics concepts in terms of multiple representations (beyond just using equations).