Explains and illustrates the meaning of series connections. Discusses the voltage-current-resistance relationships for series connections of resistors. An example problem on series calculations can be accessed from this page.

Explains and illustrates the meaning of parallel connections. Discusses the voltage-current-resistance relationships for parallel connections of resistors. An example problem on parallel calculations can be accessed from this page.

Students act as engineers to apply what they know about how circuits work in electrical/motorized devices to design their own battery-operated model motor vehicles with specific paramaters. They calculate the work done by the vehicles...

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,...

In this hands-on activity, students build their own two-cell battery. They also determine which electrolyte solution is best suited for making a battery.

Students investigate circuits and their components by building a basic thermostat. They learn why key parts are necessary for the circuit to function, and alter the circuit to optimize the thermostat temperature range. They also gain an...

Students learn about electricity and air pollution while building devices to measure volatile organic compounds (VOC) by attaching VOC sensors to prototyping boards. In the second part of the activity, students evaluate the impact of...

In this science fair project, use a calorimeter with an attached heating element to measure how water responds to added thermal energy.

Using simple materials, students will learn how to create batteries, and about the relationship between voltage and current.

Determine the internal resistance of a battery based on the graph of terminal voltage vs. current. Also find the maximum current and the electrochemical potential.

This lab is designed to have students investigate the relationships between voltage, resistance and current in a circuit with only one passive component. This version of the lab requires students to read analog meters to get the voltage...

A study guide covering electrical systems.

In this activity, students use voltage and current probes to investigate Ohm's Law. The students collect data and use their graphing calculators to perform data analysis and "discover" Ohm's Law.

[Free Registration/Login Required] Learn about how high-voltage alternating current (AC) electricity generated by a power station is converted into low-voltage AC electricity for your home using this interactive simulation. A PDF...

The voltage in AC circuits oscillates at a rate known as the frequency. With an oscilloscope, see and measure the length of time between signals, and calculate the frequency of an AC signal.

Explains what an LCR meter is and how it is used to measure the inductance, capacitance, and resistance of a circuit. Lists the different parameters of a circuit that it measures, describes two types of LCR meters, and gives definitions...

We solve a circuit by direct application of the fundamental laws: Apply element laws (Ohm's Law and the like) plus Kirchhoff's Laws to solve for the currents and voltages of a circuit.

Review how to find the equivalent resistance for resistors in parallel and series configurations. Recall the current and voltage properties of series and parallel configurations of resistors.

The core of this lesson is simple circuits and the differences between parallel and series circuit design. Students perform experiments to test the differences between the two circuit designs using low voltage light bulbs.

A simulation investigating a parallel-plate capacitor which is charged by connecting one plate to the positive end of a battery, and the other plate to the negative end. The battery sends electrons from one capacitor plate to the other...

This lab is designed to have students look at the change in the terminal voltage of a battery that occurs as you draw more current from the battery.

This lesson plan contains several activities designed to help the student understand the magnetic effects of an electrical current.

Frankenstein's electricity is out. In this activity, students help him find another source of energy using citrus fruit. Good for students who want to do their own projects or for class lessons.

Learn how to use an oscilloscope.