In the wires of electric circuits, an electron is the actual charge carrier. In this article, an electron's path through the external circuit is introduced.

Students engage in an interactive "hot potato" demonstration to gain an appreciation for the flow of electrons through a circuit. Students role play the different parts of a simple circuit and send small items representing electrons...

In this activity, learners will learn how to create a simple circuit. They will create a matching quiz board that will light up when the correct pair is selected using electricity vocabulary from the text.

This lesson will explain how to calculate voltage, current, and resistance in simple electric circuits. It is 2 of 4 in the series titled "Electric Circuits."

This lesson will explain how to calculate voltage, current, and resistance in simple electric circuits. It is 4 of 4 in the series titled "Electric Circuits."

Learn the basics of electrical circuits and diagrams.

Explore circuits and the flow of electricity. Create a saltwater tester using a battery and electrical buzzer.

Build your own mini propeller car with craft materials and a simple circuit in this fun STEM activity.

A general overview of simple AC circuits. Included is a Java applet that lets you change components from a resistor, to a capacitor or coil.

In this electronics science fair project, students will make a simple dimmer switch and investigate the relationship between the resistance in the circuit and the amount of light produced. The Science Buddies project ideas are set up...

A simple science fair project to test whether electricity can flow between two things. The Science Buddies project ideas are set up consistently beginning with an abstract, objective, and introduction, followed by a section on terms,...

This lab was designed to help students understand the difference between circuits powered by DC and circuits powered by AC. Students can see that simple changes in frequency lead to changes in the potential difference across the...

Lesson focuses on how switches control the flow of electricity. Students are posed with the challenge of designing and building a simple switch into an electric circuit.

This lab was designed to help students understand the difference between circuits powered by DC and circuits powered by AC. Students can see that simple changes in frequency lead to changes in the potential difference across the...

Use this interactive, simple transformer to make a complete circuit via induction using two separate coils with iron cores inside.

Uncountable times every day "with the merest flick of a finger"each one of us calls on electricity to do our bidding. What would your life be like without electricity? Students begin learning about electricity with an introduction to the...

Solar cells provide a clean way of making electricity directly from sunlight. In this project you will build a simple circuit and experimental setup to investigate whether the power output of a solar cell changes with ambient temperature.

Students use potatoes to light an LED clock (or light bulb) as they learn how a battery works in a simple circuit and how chemical energy changes to electrical energy. As they learn more about electrical energy, they better understand...

Student teams measure voltage and current in order to determine the power output of a photovoltaic (PV) panel. They vary the resistance in a simple circuit connected to the panel to demonstrate the effects on voltage, current, and power...

Through nine lessons, students are introduced to a range of energy types--electrical, light, sound and thermal-as well as the renewable energy sources of wind, hydro (water) and solar power. Subjects range from understanding that the...

When there is a power failure, or when we go outside at night, we grab a flashlight so we can find our way. What happens inside a flashlight that makes the bulb light up? Why do we need a switch to turn on a flashlight? Have you ever...

Straightforward introduction to electrical circuits using minimal materials and time. Students learn about the basics of electrical circuits by experimenting with "mystery cards" -- index cards with hidden aluminum foil used to conduct...

In this hands-on activity, students construct a simple switch and determine what objects and what types of materials can be used to close a switch in a circuit and light a light bulb.

This PBS site offers videos and activities are hands-on challenges that focus on the engineering design process. They use simple materials, allow for multiple solutions, and are ideal for ages 9-12.