Electricity Elementary

• PS.7.4.2   Classify electrical conductors and electrical insulators
• PS.7.4.3   Construct simple circuits from circuit diagrams

Notes:

• What is Electricity? – Just the basics about electricity
• Circuits Can Be Electrifying! – All types of circuits covered — open, closed, series, and parallel
• Static Electricity and Dryer Sheets! – Covers that problem of static cling in your clothes
• Electricity and Magnetism –  Tells students how these two are related
• Conductors and Insulators – What will and what won’t conduct an electric current and why

Interactive Activities:

• Let’s Go Swimming with Electric Eels! —Great interactive on insulators
• Electric Current and Voltage — Another great BBC interactive!
• Build an Online Circuit for Annie’s Home! — Good way for students to build and explore working circuits in their homes
• Circuits and Conductors — Test different substances by adding them into the circuit and seeing if the bulb will light
• Using Electricity! — Complete circuits and then take a quiz on electricity to see what you’ve learned

Smart Board Activities:

Labs:

• Complete the Circuit Game! — Elementary students will love this activity by competing with each other for the most steady hand!  They’ll learn something about open and closed circuits too!!

Great Links:

• The Energy Story – This site has great kid-friendly interactives on all aspects of energy!
• Where Does Our Town’s Electricity Come From? — This is great for those GT kids that want to know more about electricity.  Students will visit and electrical substation like one in their town.
• Learn About Electricity Online — Students learn what causes electricity, how to build circuits, conducting and insulating materials, and much more!
• Electricity Web Quest – This site contains several links on topics such as static electricity, circuits and safety.