Unit 3:  Electricity

Activity 1:  Electricity Basics (GLEs:  2, 12, 13, 21, 36, 37, 39)

CC: Using a KWL chart, have students generate questions that they wish to answer about electricity and flashlights.

Students can work in groups to make their KWL charts using MS Word, Inspiration or Kidspiration software. Below you will find websites to help with this. 

List

http://www.eduplace.com/graphicorganizer/pdf/kwl.pdf

http://www.teach-nology.com/web_tools/graphic_org/kwl/

Examples

MS Word Template - "KWL Electricity and Flashlights"

                               "KWL Electricity and Flashlights-2"

CC:  Instruct students to use only one battery and the wire to light the bulb.  Allow students to discover how to create a circuit. Using the learning cycle approach, allow this work to be the students' own with little direction. After a period of time, if the students seem to be unable to devise a workable plan, introduce the idea of a complete circuit. Allow students to return to their task. After a period of time (which may vary from class to class), groups may share their outcomes. If any group has not accomplished the task, allow further time to try what they have seen from the other groups.

To facilitate this part of the activity, you could have each group document with pictures.  They can take pictures of the configurations that they try.  When they present, the pictures could be put into a PowerPoint slideshow for them to show the class.

Microsoft Powerpoint Tips can be found at:  http://eduscapes.com/tap/topic76.htm

Scroll down to Microsoft Products Tutorials and locate the desired version of PowerPoint.

CC:  Introduce and use the following vocabulary as needed:  electric cell, electric current, circuit, conductor, resistor, switch, series circuit, parallel circuit, and insulator.

United Streaming has a large assortment of videos on this topic. 

http://unitedstreaming.com

Magic School Bus Gets Charged, The (24:04)

Magic School Bus: Getting Energized, The (28:47)

Getting to Know Electricity (15:00)

CC:  Have students diagram a basic outline of the successful complete series circuit, which will become the basis for a diagram of the circuit using the recognized symbols for electrical drawings. As a culmination to the task of lighting the bulb, students should work individually to illustrate what was required for a successful circuit. Draw, label, and reconstruct the complete circuit and make the comparison with a schematic of a circuit.

To help students understand the role of the electric cell, challenge students to find a way to make the bulb shine brighter and allow students to use more batteries. (Note: Four batteries may burn up your resistors.) Ask students to describe the role of the battery in the circuit in their journals.

Students could create the diagram using technology. 

Suggested software - Paint or KidPix

Teacher Information

http://www.glenbrook.k12.il.us/gbssci/phys/Class/circuits/u9l4a.html