Lesson Overview
Upon completing this lesson the students will:
• Develop models to illustrate and explain that energy can be transferred from place to place by electric currents and that electric currents flowing through a simple circuit can be used to produce light;
• Understand the difference between series, and parallel circuits;
• Construct explanations of how some materials allow electricity to flow through a circuit and some do not; and
• Understand the difference between conductive material and insulating material.
Essential Question
1. How are electrical circuits created?
2. What does it mean for a material to be conductive? Insulating?
Grade(s):
Subject(s):
Recommended Technology:
Other Instructional Materials or Notes:
3, 6
• Battery Packs and Batteries with Leads
• Conductive Dough
• Insulating Dough
• LEDs (should be appropriate for the source voltage)
Optional, but recommended:
• Buzzer
• Motor
CONDUCTIVE DOUGH RECIPE – http://youtu.be/cpUFL5LZpv4
1 Cup Water (tap) • 1 1/2 Cups of Flour • 1/4 Cup of Salt • 3 Tbsp. of Cream of Tartar • 1 Tbsp. Vegetable Oil Food Coloring (optional)
INSULATING DOUGH RECIPE – http://youtu.be/Wz8rGNt-iEQ
• 1 1/2 Cup of Flour • 1/2 Cup of Sugar • 3 Tbsp. of Vegetable Oil • 1/2 Cup of De-Ionized (or distilled) Water • 1 tsp. of Granulated Alum (optional)
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Log In to View LessonStandards
- Physical Science: Energy Transfer - Electricity and Magnetism
- 3.P.3 The student will demonstrate an understanding of how electricity transfers energy and how magnetism can result from electricity.
- Physical Science: Energy Transfer and Conservation
- 6.P.3 The student will demonstrate an understanding of the properties of energy, the transfer and conservation of energy, and the relationship between energy and forces.
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Log In to View LessonLesson Partners: The South Carolina Energy Office