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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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- 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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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
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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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- A working flashlight (optional)
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- Masking tape, aluminum foil, batteries, LED, or flashlight lightbulb (optional—used in Handout: Fun With Circuits)
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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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