Teach lesson
Series and Parallel Resistors with Hive
Students predict, measure and compare the equivalent resistance of three real networks in LabsLand Hive: two resistors in series, two in parallel, and a mixed network.
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Learning Outcomes
Predict the equivalent resistance of resistors in series and in parallel.
Use a circuit representation to identify which components are in series and which share the same two points before measuring each pre-built circuit.
Use Hive in resistance mode to measure real, pre-built networks.
Compare prediction and measurement using consistent units in ohms or kilohms.
Explain why two identical resistors do not behave the same way in series as in parallel.
Predict how changing one resistor will affect the equivalent resistance before checking it with a measurement, when the teacher activates the optional challenge.
Support a brief conclusion with evidence from three circuits.
Student activity preview
Activity Content
Preview only. In a class session, students can fill in responses and submit their work to the teacher.
1. Predict before you measure
10 min
You are going to use the Hive remote laboratory to measure the equivalent resistance of real resistor networks. The three circuits are already built: your job is not to wire them, but to predict, measure and explain.
Mixed-circuit diagram
Use the circuit diagram to trace where each resistor begins and ends before applying the series and parallel formulas.
When two resistors are in series, the current would have to pass through one and then through the other. The equivalent resistance is the sum of the individual resistances:
Resistors in series
R_\text{series}=R_1+R_2
When two resistors are in parallel, the current would have two possible paths. For two identical resistors, the equivalent resistance is half of one of them:
Two identical resistors in parallel
R_\text{parallel}=\frac{R}{2}
The diagram and its description show that R2 and R3 are separate branches between nodes B and C. Explain why that connection makes them parallel rather than series, and describe where R1 sits in relation to that parallel combination.
Predict the equivalent resistance of these three circuits using exact nominal component values. Write the calculation and the unit in each case; do not use a live reading yet:
1. Two 1 kΩ resistors in series.
2. Two 1 kΩ resistors in parallel.
3. One 1 kΩ resistor in series with two 10 kΩ resistors in parallel.
Why do two 1 kΩ resistors in parallel not give 2 kΩ?
2. Measure three real circuits
18 min
Keep the multimeter in resistance mode. In this activity you do not need to switch on a power supply: the multimeter measures the equivalent resistance between its two probes.
Resistance mode
Do not change the circuit or the multimeter mode. The three circuits are set up to measure resistance, not current or voltage.
Open the series circuit
Open Hive from this block.
Wait for the circuit with two 1 kΩ resistors in series to load.
Check that the multimeter shows resistance mode.
Press Perform Measurement.
Record the reading with the unit that Hive displays.
Open the parallel circuit
Open the circuit with two 1 kΩ resistors in parallel.
Do not change any wires or components.
Press Perform Measurement.
Record the reading with the unit that Hive displays.
Open the mixed circuit
Open the mixed circuit: 1 kΩ in series with two 10 kΩ resistors in parallel.
Measure in resistance mode.
Press Perform Measurement.
Record the reading with the unit that Hive displays.
Prediction and measurement of equivalent resistance
Complete one row per circuit. After answering the prediction question, transfer your own model expression and prediction into the table before recording the measurement. For confidence, write High, Medium or Low and add a short reason: for example, 'High: the multimeter was stable' or 'Medium: the reading changed before I wrote it down'.
| Circuit | Model used | Prediction kΩ | Measured reading | Converted measurement kΩ | Approximate difference kΩ | Confidence and reason |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Choose the row you trust least. Explain which part of the reading or of the conversion makes you less confident.
3. Compare model and measurement
10 min
Real measurements may differ slightly from nominal predictions. Use your own readings to decide whether the overall pattern supports the model.
Put the three circuits in order from lowest to highest measured resistance. Does that order match your predictions? Use the three measured values.
If the live measurement of the mixed circuit is about 6.05 kΩ rather than exactly matching your nominal prediction, why can it still be consistent with the model?
4. Conclusion
7 min
Write a conclusion of 6–8 sentences: what do your Hive measurements show about resistors in series and in parallel? Include a claim, two or three pieces of data from your table, and a brief physical explanation.
5. Optional prediction review
10 min
Compare each prediction with its measured value. Choose the largest difference and explain which is the most plausible cause: resistor tolerance, contact resistance, a unit-conversion error, or instrument rounding. Base your explanation on your own data.
Which prediction had the largest difference from its measured value, and which physical, conversion, or instrument cause best explains that difference? Use your own data.
Optional teacher challenge: when your teacher tells you to, open the circuit with two 1 kΩ resistors in parallel and replace just one 1 kΩ resistor with a 10 kΩ one. Before measuring, predict whether the new equivalent resistance will be less than 0.5 kΩ, between 0.5 and 1 kΩ, or greater than 1 kΩ. Then measure and write down whether the reading confirms your prediction.
If you do not make the change live, answer with the reasoned prediction only: what should happen when one of the two resistors is replaced with a larger one?
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