In a simple circuit, does electricity start instantly? A simulation encourages thinking about the flow of electrons at a microscopic level. Pupils control the voltage, resistance, and switch in order to observe the change in both ideal and realistic conditions. Graphs of voltage and power assist in interpreting the data.

Concepts

electric circuits, electric currents, resistance, ohm's law, electrical energy, electricity, simple circuits, circuits

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Use a battery-operated flashlight and a hand crank flashlight to discuss the similarities and differences

Classroom Considerations

• Teachers must have a free CK-12 account to access the interactive
• Assumes prior knowledge of current and voltage

Pros

• Offers challenge questions in the simulator
• Provides answers to many of the worksheet questions

Cons

• None

Common Core

RST.9-10.4 RST.11-12.4