Electricity

Unit 6: Electricity

Chapter 17 -- Introduction to Electricity (electric charge and static electricity / electric current and electrical energy / electrical calculations / electric circuits)

Chapter 18 -- Electromagnetism (magnets and magnetism / magnetism from electricity)

Chapter 19 -- Electronic Technology (electronic devices / communication technology / computers) (my notes)

Electricity powers a large portion of our complicated lives, but understanding how it works is actually relatively simple. During this three-week unit the students experimented with lights, batteries, volt- and amp-meters, and dissected electronics in order to analyze their circuits. They also explored magnets (ferrous and electro), built electromagnets and motors, and related all of those activities to the three chapters in the book. Successful learning experiences answer some questions and raise many others, but most importantly, they increase the appreciation and understanding of the world in which we operate.

Circuit Simulations:

  1. http://www.mos.org/etf/elect.swf

  2. http://www.wvths.com/wvths1/sims/circuitmaker_revised.swf

    1. Open and short circuits: http://www.wisc-online.com/objects/amt2404/amt2404.swf

    2. Another easy one: http://www.goldridge08.com/flashgames/science/electricity.swf

Making an Electromagnet:

http://www.education.com/science-fair/article/electromagnet/

http://www.education.com/science-fair/article/DIY-Electromagnet/

Chapter 19 Groups:

Room 25

    • Inside Electronics & Semiconductors (540): Julian, Patrick, Anand, Stephen

    • Diodes (542): Monika, Zaynab, Karen, Cayley

    • Transistors (543): Alex, Ciaran, Cooper, Tim

    • Integrated Circuits (544): Daria, Hali, Maggie

    • Communication with Circuits (546): skip

    • Analog Signals (547): Allie, Keelin, Theo

    • Digital Signals (548): Delenn, Alisa, Francesca, Bekah

    • Radio & Television (550):

    • Plasma (& other) Displays: Jason, JonMartin, David, Thomas

Room 22

    • Inside Electronics & Semiconductors (540):Minh, Anish, Jeff, Makenna

    • Diodes (542): Ellie, Laken, Eva, Jackie

    • Transistors (543): Dhruval, Hannah, Hagen, Alex

    • Integrated Circuits (544): Clara, Andrew, J., Brian

    • Communication with Circuits (546): skip

    • Analog Signals (547):Kumi, Nicole, Emily

    • Digital Signals (548):

    • Radio & Television (550): Nico, Noami, Miranda, DJ

    • Plasma (& LCD) Displays: Dylan, Claire, Miguel

Room 23

    • Inside Electronics & Semiconductors (540): Justin, Marcos, Amy

    • Diodes (542): JP, Niall, Parker, Jacob

    • Transistors (543): Anthony, Matin

    • Integrated Circuits (544): Sara, Katya, Emma, Ishika

    • Communication with Circuits (546): skip

    • Analog Signals (547): ClaireL, ClaireF, Jillian, Tatyanna

    • Digital Signals (548):

    • Radio & Television (550): Cassie, Will, Josh, Kinsey

    • Plasma (& LCD) Displays: Noa, Dennis, Colin

Household Electricity:

On Thursday, Teddy Lewis (Jeremy's dad) will come in to our class to show us how to do some basic wiring. This will be a great time for you to learn some practical applications of scientific concepts. There are thousands of websites that can show you about basic home wiring. Visit a few and see what you can learn about the following things:

    1. How to wire up a light circuit with a switch.

    2. How a circuit breaker works and why they are important?

    3. What is the difference between a three way switch and a two way switch?

    4. Why are some home appliances 110v and some are 220 v?

    5. How is a electrical panel (meter and circuit breakers) configured?

    6. How many outlets and sockets should be on a single circuit?

    7. How many amps do various appliances draw?

Websites: