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Unit Summary
Learning about simple electrical circuits gives students some basic knowledge about electricity. This knowledge will enable them to more easily understand the complex circuits inside a computer. Computer circuits follow the same principles even if the components are not visible to the naked eye. The online lessons with readings, video demonstrations, and activities introduce students to:
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The basics of electricity |
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Simple electrical circuits |
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Electrical flow |
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Conductive and nonconductive materials |
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Huge electrical circuits at a hydro-electric power plant |
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Mechanical and nonmechanical switches (transistors) |
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AC and DC current |
Students will work online with electrical circuits like the one shown in the figure below.
Goals and Objectives
Students will:
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Understand that an electrical current in a wire is a flow of electrons |
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Be able to construct a simple, working circuit |
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Understand conductivity of solids and how conductivity can be tested |
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Learn some of the terminology used in circuitry |
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Become familiar with the process of assembling and testing a variety of simple electrical circuits |
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Understand that an electrical current in a wire can be controlled (turned on and off) by a switch; the switch may be mechanical (with moving parts) or electronic (no moving parts) |
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Observe the action of a transistor in a simple circuit |
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Understand the construction of a transistor |
Time to Complete Online Lessons: about 30 minutes
Preparation
- Read the background information.
- Review and prepare for supplemental lesson ideas and group activities.
- Organize materials and equipment:
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Student computers with an active Internet connection |
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Copies of the student handouts that you plan to use |
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Printouts of the overhead transparencies |
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A working flashlight (optional) |
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Tokens (optional) |
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Masking tape, aluminum foil, batteries, LED, or flashlight lightbulb (optional—used in Handout: Fun With Circuits) |
Procedures
- Have students complete the online activities:
Throughout the unit, facilitate the development of new vocabulary introduced in this unit.
Encourage students to use the new terminology of circuits correctly in their discussions and written work.
- Students who are not at the computer can work on supplemental lesson ideas and group activities.
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