Alisha Ahmed (Y8)
Exploring the difference between
Charge and Current
This week in science we started looking at the topic of Electricity. In our first lesson, we learned about what charge is and how it is transferred. We had to identify where charged particles are found, describe how charges are transferred and finally explain how charges interact. We started off by examining static charge and looking at how it is transferred when we rub two insulators together. Insulators are materials that do not allow electricity or heat to pass through them. When you rub two insulators together, this is a good example of static electricity. We had to examine what actually is being transferred and explain this. The friction created when rubbing two insulators together is what makes the electrons transfer between the two materials. This is called static electricity!
Our second lesson was all about current. We completed a worksheet on circuit symbols for our Do Now. This made us identify each circuit symbol and its function which built on our previous knowledge of circuits. During this lesson, we did various activities to consolidate our knowledge of current and electrical circuits. We had to identify and describe different components of a circuit, draw circuits and explain how charge moves through a circuit. We learnt what a component is and how each component functions in a circuit. For example, this could be a buzzer, a bulb, a motor or many others. An important note we had to remember was that current flows through components in a complete circuit and that an electric current is a flow of charge. Current is measured using an ammeter, the units for current are amps. Electrical devices have different currents flowing through them.
To help us build an understanding of circuits and components, we did a mini practical as a class. We all stood in a circle and were each given a component of the circuit on different cups with the symbols of our components. We handed around red blocks which came from the battery and represented the charge flowing through the circuit. We then added more components to the circuit such as a bulb and an ammeter. Then we identified how this changes the circuit and the speed that the charge flows at. This model was effective because it created a physical image of how charge and current flow through a circuit.
In our third lesson, we began to do a practical on current, which we practised as a class in the lesson before. We started off by recapping charge and current and drawing some circuits in our book. We then went over the equipment that we would be using during the practical. The first thing we looked at was the ammeter. An ammeter is an instrument used to measure the current in a circuit. Electric currents are measured in amps, hence the name. Then we had the battery, the battery is the main source of energy that provides a voltage which allows the current to flow through. The wires are used to transport electricity throughout the circuit and the bulb gives out light when electricity passes through it.
After we drew down the circuits in our book and became familiar with the equipment, we started to create our own circuits in pairs and groups. We looked at how to make a series and a parallel circuit and had a go at both. My partner and I worked collaboratively to create each circuit and we also noted down the reading on the ammeter for each circuit. We looked at how the reading changed on a series circuit and a parallel circuit and discussed why there might be a varied result. Our batteries weren’t very strong but we still had a good go at creating the circuits and getting an image of how it really works!
This topic was really interesting as it built on my knowledge from previous years on circuits. We actually looked in-depth into what happens in a circuit and it was really intriguing to learn all about it. Carrying out the practical was also very beneficial as we had at go at getting hands-on as well as doing a lot of theoretical work. Overall, I really enjoyed this topic and thought the content and practical were extremely informative and fun!
