Today, as part of our energy unit, we tested electrical circuits using batteries and other materials.
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| These are the materials we used |
Unfortunately, I forgot to get the camera out while the students were experimenting, but there were a lot of interesting points in the discussion, particularly about why the painted wire worked for some people, but not for all of them.
Avery: The metal worked, but not the painted wire.
Jackson D.: It worked for me.
Oscar: Because Electricity only goes one way, maybe it would work if they put the wire backwards?
:I demonstrate it connecting and not connecting and ask the difference:
Joel: Oh, I get it! You're touching the white part, not the red part.
Me: Yes. I'm touching the metal and not the paint. The paint protects the metal, like the plastic cover on the copper wire.
This was a busy lesson with lots of materials management. Students are still learning to work as a team, share materials and return them to where they got them, but everyone respected the safety rules we'd set out beforehand and most people seemed to have a lot of fun making the lightbulb go on. Many many thanks are due to Maggie, who helped check work and lead students back on track.
Some students were also excited about making their own experiments (Jackson B. suggested using a paper clip), so that may be our next step, bringing student led inquiry into the mix.
On another note entirely, our Mad Science presentation for energy is happening on the afternoon of October 25th. Volunteers are not required, but I'm happy to have them. Please let me know if you are available to support us.
Sincerely,
Ms. Goegan
