Curated OER
The Phantom of the Computer Lab
Learners calculate the power consumption of computers in school. In this physics lesson, students design an experiment to determine whether the school should unplug computers at the end of the day. They collect data and report findings...
Curated OER
Go with the Flow
Students gain an understanding of the difference between electrical conductors and insulators, and experience recognizing a conductor by its material properties. They build a conductivity tester to determine whether different objects are...
Curated OER
Earth's Energy
Students discuss the Earth's energy. In this science lesson, students construct a simple circuit, a series circuit, and a parallel circuit.
Curated OER
How Good Is Green?
Young scholars explore the amount of electricity used and wasted in homes and at school using kilowatt meters. In this environmental energy lesson, students compute power usage by appliances over time and identify ways in which...
Curated OER
The Magic of Static
Students investigate static electricity. In this physics lesson, students participate in an experiment with balloons to demonstrate how static electricity works.
Curated OER
Solar Cells
Students are able to answer basic questions about the process of turning light energy into electrical energy. They are introduced to the basic physics and chemistry behind the operation of a solar cell. Students explore how a single...
Curated OER
Methods of Power- Hybrids
Students list the reasons why people chose hybrid cars over traditional cars. In this technology instructional activity, students create a poster describing how hybrid cars work. They discuss ways to save fuel and improve a car's...
Curated OER
Simple Circuits
Fifth graders investigate simple circuits and identify when a circuit is considered opened or closed. In small groups, they experiment with wires, batteries, and light bulbs to identify how to light the bulb. Students also experiment...
Curated OER
Building Polymer Cup Speakers
Students investigate sound waves and they build audio speakers. In this audio speakers and sound instructional activity, students explore how to make quality audio speakers. As a team they build their own speakers to have clarity in...
Curated OER
Circuits and Electromagnets- A Total Inquiry Investigation
Students investigate how electromagnets work. In this circuits and electromagnets instructional activity, students complete a series of four challenges using electricity and magnetism.
Curated OER
WiTricity Explained
Students explain how electricity is transferred from source to load without actual wires connecting the two. In this physics lesson, students explore how wireless electricity was discovered. They cite practical applications of this...
Curated OER
You’re Tugging at Me!
Students study the sliding and rolling friction. In this forces lesson students divide into groups and use a cart to examine the amount of force that is used to move objects.
Virginia Department of Education
Mystery Iron Ions
Young chemists perform an experiment to determine if a compound is iron (II) chloride or iron (III) chloride. Then they determine the formula, balance the equation, and answer analysis questions.
Virginia Department of Education
Properties of Compounds and Chemical Formulas
Young chemists have unknown compounds they need to sort. Performing three different tests on each, the chemical behaviors they observe become the basis for data analysis.
eGFI
Design a Thermostat
Using a thermostat is an eco-friendly way to control indoor climate. Young engineers practice building electric circuits by designing and constructing a thermostat. Plenty of background information, a vocabulary list, links to the...
Curated OER
Things That Use Electricity
Learners identify ways to save energy. In this electricity instructional activity, students identify things in their house that use electricity and discuss ways to reduce the use of energy.
Curated OER
Click, Clack, Moo: Electric Blanket Science
Students read Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin and discuss the similarities and differences between electric blankets and regular blankets. They brainstorm a list of reasons why the farm animals wanted electric blankets.
Curated OER
Heat and electrical resistance (Middle, Science)
Middle schoolers work in teams to create electrical resistance when studying heat and thermal energy.
Curated OER
Let There Be Light
Fifth graders explore electricity. In this electricity instructional activity, 5th graders experiment with open and closed circuits. Students determine how to properly connect a battery and bulb to illuminate the bulb.
Curated OER
Benjamin Franklin and Electricity
Second graders study Benjamin Franklin and participate in simple experiments in electricity.
Curated OER
Where Did The Electricity Go?
Ninth graders identify problems and research potential solutions regarding the efficiency of energy use. They examine the potential problems associated with the use of electrical appliances. They brainstorm about practical problems...
Curated OER
From Sunlight to Electric Current
Students explore concept of current in electrical circuits. They examine how energy from the sun can be used to power everyday items, including vehicles.
Curated OER
Taking Apart Electrical Appliances
Students apply the scientific method to the act of taking apart appliances. In this scientific process lesson, students disassemble appliances to learn how their components work together.
Curated OER
You Light Up My House
Students explore renewable and nonrenewable resources. In this electricity lesson, students consider way to reduce the energy that they use as they chart and analyze their own electricity usage.