Download P08–Circuits - Science from Scientists

Classroom Teacher Preparation
Physics 8: Circuits
Please use the following to prepare for the next SfS lesson.
Description:
This lesson is a more advanced version of the P02: Electricity lesson. The basics of electricity are reviewed and circuits
with lamps in series vs. parallel are explored in depth.
Preparation:
Students should be familiar with the concept of electricity being the flow of electrons, and should understand that a circuit
is a closed loop through which electricity can flow.
Vocabulary:
Introduce these terms:
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Insulator — material through which electricity cannot flow
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Conductor— material through which electricity can flow
These terms will be defined in lesson:
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Coulomb — unit for measuring the magnitude of an electric charge
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Ampere — unit for measuring the magnitude of an electric current
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Volt — unit for measuring the magnitude of an electric potential
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Ohm — unit for measuring the magnitude of an electrical resistance
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Resistor — a device which impedes the flow of electricity
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Series circuit – a circuit containing elements in a single path
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Parallel circuit – a circuit containing elements in more than one path
Room Set Up for Activities:
For the activity, students will work in small groups of 2-3 to build circuits using AA batteries, small lamps, switches, and
alligator clips. No special equipment or space is required.
Safety:
Care must be taken when working with electricity, and the components are delicate. The circuits should be tested only
briefly to avoid burning out any components.
Lesson Objectives – SWBAT (“Students Will Be Able To…”)
4-8
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Understand that electricity is the flow of electrons
Define a resistor, output device, and switch
Follow a diagram to build a circuit
Predict the effect of adding lamps to the circuit in series or in parallel
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Copyright © 2014 Science from Scientists
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MCAS/NGS Standards Covered:
MCAS standards:
rd
th
3 -5 PS6: “Recognize that electricity in circuits requires a complete loop through which an electrical current can
pass, and that electricity can produce light, heat, and sound.”
HS P5.3: “Analyze simple arrangements of electrical components in both series and parallel circuits. Recognize
symbols and understand the functions of common circuit elements (battery, connecting wire, switch, fuse, resistance)
in a schematic diagram.”
NGS Standards:
4-PS3-2. Make observations to provide evidence that energy can be transferred from place to place by sound, light,
heat, and electric currents.
4-PS3-4. Apply scientific ideas to design, test, and refine a device that converts energy from one form to another.
Related Modules:
Physics 2: Electricity – A basic introduction to electricity and circuits for younger audiences without prior exposure.
Students create a simple circuit, battery, and test the conductance of various materials.
Physics 7: Electrostatics – Students will learn the fundamentals of electrostatics and its role in everyday life.
Physics 9: (Electro-)Magnetism – Introduces a variety of magnetic phenomenon including but not limited to
ferromagnetism.
Additional Resources:
WGBH Videos and Activities: The PBS educational site is a great, free resource for educators but you must create an
account to use the materials. The first time you log in to the PBS Learning Media website you will be asked to create an
account and provide an email and password. Once you have logged in, select “keep me logged in” to avoid having to
repeat the process.
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Electric circuit lesson plans: http://mass.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/phy03.sci.phys.mfe.lp_electric/electriccircuits/
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Flow model of series and parallel circuits (video, 6:08):
http://mass.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/rr10.sci.phys.energy.sources.seriespar/series-and-parallel-circuits/
Science from Scientists • 515 Beacon Street • Boston, MA 02215
617-314-7773 • [email protected] • www.sciencefromscientists.org
Copyright © 2014 Science from Scientists
Page 2