< Previous ………. Next Topic >
Electricity
Electricity is the movement of electrons. This topic reviews similarities and differences of static electricity, mechanically generated electricity, and chemically generated electricity. All three types represent the movement of electrons.
Material
Day 1 – Introduction
- Student Work Packet – Topic 34
Day 2 – Virtual Textbook
- Read Physical 34 – Electric Battery
- Read Physical 34 – How is Electricity Generated?
- Read Physical 34 – Electrical Energy
Enrichment
- Write a letter 34 – Electricity
Videos
3:38 The science of static electricity – Anuradha Bhagwat
4:06 What is a Battery?
5:18 Energy 101: Electricity Generation
Debate
Most electricity generated today is through coal, natural gas, and nuclear generators. Much attention has been given toward wind generated electricity and solar generated electricity in recent years. While there have been increases in renewable sources of electric energy, the total percentage generated from these sources remains comparatively small.
- Position A: The pace of increases in renewable energy is sufficient and there is no need to increase our attention toward these sources beyond what is already in progress.
- Position B: The pace of increases in renewable energy is too slow. A significant level of added attention toward these methods of generating electric power is important.
Instructor Resources
Standard Daily Material
- Day 1 – Standard material – introduction day
- Day 2 – Standard material – reading day
- Day 3 – Standard material – make a presentation
- Day 4 – Standard material – give a presentation
- Extra! – Enrichment and remediation options
Other Topic Specific Resources
- PS34.BellringerElectricity.tnsp
- PS34.DC_Motors.tns
- PS34.Electric_Field_Hockey.tns
- PS34.Moving_Objects_Electrically.tns
Special Notes
Instructor Emphasis:
- Science & Engineering Practice: Construct explanations and design solutions.
- Cross-Cutting Concept: Energy and Matter: Flows, cycles, and conservation.
Standards Concepts
Energy can be seen in multiple ways and be used to accomplish goals by building machines that capture and use that energy. These machines will transfer one type of energy to another form until a balance between the amounts of the different forms of energy is reached.
- Energy can be transformed (converted) within a system.
- Energy can be transferred from one system to another (or from a system to its environment) in different ways: by conduction, mechanically, electrically, or by radiation (electromagnetic waves).