Activities/Worksheets: Electrical Mystery

These activities and worksheets provide the necessary background for the online Problem-Based Learning activity as well as learning opportunities that build upon the concepts illustrated in The Case of the Electrical Mystery.

In-Class Activities

Circuit Construction and Exploration - Through exploration, students can learn the basic principles of simple and complex circuits as they compare and contrast the layouts of various circuits.

Solar Cooker - Construct a homemade solar cooker, applying energy concepts while helping students with design technology and scientific inquiry.

Static Glow - Grab students' interest with this charged activity as you demonstrate static electricity principles by using a fluorescent tube and a balloon. The flow of electrons will become evident as white light is given off.

To There and Back - Students will sharpen their map skills as they use a mileage scale to calculate the distance from their hometown to Niagara Falls.

Worksheets

Electricity Concept Map - Connect the various concepts seen in the television broadcast by using a concept map. Help students extend the concept map by using the remaining key terms.

Parts of an Atom - A student assessment activity on the parts of an atom.

Reading an Electric Meter - Students practice reading a meter.

Shocking Scientists - Conduct research online and learn about inventors who had a significant impact on the growth of electrical engineering. Use the information to create a book of inventors or a time line of significant inventions in electrical engineering.

"What's Up?" Questions - These questions are included at the end of segments 1, 2, and 3 in the television broadcast, The Case of the Electrical Mystery.

At-Home Activities

Dancing Paper - This activity helps develop scientific inquiry skills and investigates the properties of static charge.

Making an Electroscope - This activity helps students learn about static charge by showing them how to construct an electroscope.

Homemade Batteries (Grade 3) - Students construct and test a simple battery by using household materials.

Homemade Batteries (Grades 4 & 5) - Students construct and test a simple battery by using household materials.

Runaway Cola Can - This activity helps develop scientific inquiry skills and investigates the properties of static charge.