Electricity))
Science Force Grade 5
The purpose of this visit is to explore parallel and series circuits, and static electricity.
The lesson plan begins with an eight-minute introduction by the Science Leader. The
students will break up into four groups, rotating between four centers every eight
minutes. The volunteers will help the students investigate each center. Directions for
each center’s activity will be reviewed during the Leader’s initial presentation to the
students. The Science Leader will gather the class together for the last five minutes of
the visit, briefly reviewing and asking the students to explain what they learned about
static electricity and circuits.
Teachers - please assign the students to four groups. Students do not need to
bring anything with them, and they will not bring anything back to the classroom from
the lab. If your class only has three volunteers, you will need to cover one center.
)
Volunteers: Please read this material, and arrive at the lab promptly to familiarize
yourself with the centers. Your roll will be to ensure safety and prompt the students to
investigate the concepts presented by the Science Leader. You will not be responsible
for presenting this material, but it would be helpful if you read the presentation before
coming to the lab.
)
Suggested Introduction by the Science Leader:
Welcome to the Science Force Lab. This is a special time for you and our parent
volunteers to investigate the exciting things you are learning in your classroom. The
experiments you do during your Science Force visits are prepared and taught by your
parents, and the equipment you use in this lab is purchased using the money from PTA.
(Introduce yourselves and the parent volunteers.)
I know that you are studying Electricity. In our visit to Science Force today we are going
to put what you have already learned to good use as we investigate how circuits work,
and we will watch some spectacular displays of static electricity.
)
Center 1 – Van de Graff Generator
Brainstorm: What are two types of electricity? (Static and current) What is static
electricity? What are some examples of times you have been zapped or have seen
static electricity in action? What is the biggest static electric zap you have ever seen?
(Lightning) Can you hear static electricity? Why? (compression of air) Give me an
example of how you can generate static electricity? Why is friction important?
Static electricity has been understood for many years. Benjamin Franklin performed his
early experiments in static electricity. The most easily observed static electricity is
lightning. Rapid air movement causes static charge to accumulate on the ground and
objects. A similar, but opposite charge accumulates in the air. When the two charges
become great enough, the positive and negative charges discharge across the gap in
the air. This causes lightning. The force of the lightning also sends out compression
waves in the air, causing the thunder. The snap of static electricity on a doorknob is just
the same, on a smaller scale. A laser printer and a photocopier use static charge, too.
The photo drum is coated with a special surface that holds a static charge in the dark,
Electricity))
Science Force Grade 5 – Page 2
but loses the charge when exposed to light. After exposure to a pattern of light, a fine
black powder (toner) is sprayed across the drum and the powder only sticks to the drum
where it wasn’t exposed to light, the powder is then transfer onto as sheet of paper and
then fused (or ironed) on to the paper by heat.
So static electricity is more important than just a zap on the doorknob. Static electricity
is a non-moving electric charge, created by moving electrons from one place to another.
We can do this by rubbing together two things that do not conduct electricity. We call
these insulators. When you walk across the floor, you slowly transfer electrons from the
carpet to your shoes. The electrons move as far away from the carpet as possible you
your fingers. When you touch a grounded object, like a doorknob, the electrons move
so your body will once again be neutral, or without charge. You get a shock as the
electrons jump from your finger to the doorknob.
A Van de Graff Generator is a great collector of static charge. A large rubber band
moves in circle to rub electric charges and send them to the dome. This electric charge
can then be transferred to you through your hand. Place your hand on top of the dome
and watch how you become negatively charged. Because all your hair is negatively
charged, it even repels each other, and stands on end. (Use fur coat strip as an
example.) You need to stand on a plastic stool to make sure the charge is not lost to
the ground. If someone touches you while you are charged, it will affect you the same
way it would if you touched a doorknob after scooting across the carpet! After trying the
hair-raising experiment, use the silver snake and flyer ball. The silver snake is a
metallic ribbon attracted to the dome by induction. (Induction is the attraction of opposite
charges.) As soon as it touches the dome, it becomes negatively charged and is quickly
repelled away from the dome. The ribbon is a poor geometric shape for retaining a
charge, so it loses its charge quickly, and is once again attracted to the dome. If it is
humid, the snake will snap back and forth more quickly. The humidity causes it to lose
its charge faster.
The flying ball works the same way. Induction draws it close to the dome, it becomes
negatively charged when it touches the dome, and it flies away. It circles the dome
because a sphere is the best shape for retaining a charge, and it doesn’t lose the
charge as fast as the snake does.
Centers 2, 3, 4 – Making an Electric Circuit
Brainstorm: In your class, you have studied parallel and series circuits. In these
centers you will use special snap-together components to create parallel and series
circuits. Please do not mix up your components with other groups and make sure all the
pieces are returned to the laminated mat when you are finished. We will follow special
circuit diagrams and put together the components like a puzzle. Begin placing the
components directly on the circuit plate beginning with pieces in layer 1, as indicated by
black numbers on the circuit diagram. Then complete the next layers until your circuit is
complete. Never short circuit, or make a direct connection between the positive and
negative terminals of the battery case without having some type of resistance, like a
resistor or motor or lamp, in between. This will cause the components to overheat and
you could get burned.
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Science Force Grade 5 – Page 3
Circuit diagrams are like maps. Just like on a map, we use symbols. (Show the
symbols and discuss what they represent.) Each of the components are labeled with its
corresponding symbol.
At each circuit center, you will work in pairs (or maybe groups of three) to complete the
required circuits in your diagram booklet. READ the instructions and explanation for
each circuit so you completely understand the concepts of current electricity exemplified
in each. Once you are completed with the required circuits, you may choose to try other
circuits in the booklet until it is time to rotate to the next center. All components should
be returned to the set-up mat, placing each on top of the corresponding component
photograph. Once the adult at your table has checked that your components are
properly replaced, you may rotate to the next table. It is very important that you keep
track of all your components and not mix them up with others or the next group will not
have the components needed to complete their circuits. If at any time a component
feels hot, do not touch. Find an adult to help you. Every circuit includes some type of
switch. Complete the construction of the circuit with the switch in the OFF position, and
then turn it on once it is complete. Also, there are some spinning, flying components!
Never look directly over the top of the circuit when you flip the switch to ON. Remember
that while this is a very fun activity, there is some serious science you are learning here.
Reading and understanding the explanations is critical to getting the most out of this lab
experience.
Conclusion: About 5 minutes before the end of the visit, the Science Leader will ask
the students to return to the center of the room for a brief conclusion and review of what
they have learned about static and current electricity.
Lab Materials and Set-up:
Center 1:
Van de Graff Generator
Accessories for Van de Graff Generator
Plastic box or stool to stand on
Hand Mirror
Center 2:
3 sets of Snap circuit components with AA batteries
1, 2, 5, 6, 9, 13, 14 Diagrams
Conductivity testers (like a bone, craft stick, coin, paperclip, scissors)
Center 3:
3 sets of Snap circuit components with AA batteries
27, 28, 29, 30, 31 Diagrams
Center 4:
3 sets of Snap circuit components with AA batteries
70, 71, 72 Diagrams
3 beakers of water – 3 rags or stack of paper towels
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Science Force Grade 5 – Page 4
Assistant Notes for Center 1 – Van de Graff Generator
A Van de Graff Generator is a great collector of static charge.
A large rubber band moves in circle to rub electric charges and send them to the dome.
This electric charge can then be transferred to you through your hand.
Place your hand on top of the dome GENTLY and watch how you become negatively
charged.
Because all your hair is negatively charged, it even repels each other, and stands on
end.
You need to stand on a plastic stool to make sure the charge is not lost to the ground.
If someone touches you while you are charged, it will affect you the same way it would if
you touched a doorknob after scooting across the carpet! Charge is dissipated.
Try hair-raising experiment. Tell students not to touch the person or they will dissipate
the charge and receive a shock.
Next try the silver snake. The silver snake is a metallic ribbon attracted to the dome by
induction.
As soon as it touches the dome, it becomes negatively charged and is quickly repelled
away from the dome. The ribbon is a poor geometric shape for retaining a charge, so it
loses its charge quickly, and is once again attracted to the dome.
If it is humid, the snake will snap back and forth more quickly. The humidity causes it to
lose its charge faster.
The flying ball works the same way. Induction draws it close to the dome, and then it
becomes negatively charged when it touches the dome and flies away. It circles the
dome because a sphere is the best shape for retaining a charge, and it doesn’t lose the
charge as fast as the snake does.
Electricity))
Science Force Grade 5 – Page 5
Assistant Notes for Center 2
Students work in three groups. Remind them that the components should not be mixed
with other group and that all components must be put back in place on the set-up mat at
the end of the rotation.
Begin with Circuit 1. This is a series circuit where electrical power lights a lamp when
the circuit switch is closed.
Next, complete Circuit 2. Now you will replace the lamp with a motor and fan. Keep
eyes away from the fan, as it may lift off the motor and into the air. Explain that
electrical energy is converted to mechanical energy.
Now try Circuit 5. In this series circuit, the current flows through only one path. Notice
how the light bulb doesn’t light is dim when the fan begins spinning. Then use the
switch to turn the circuit off, remove the blade from the fan, and turn the switch on.
Notice how the lamp is dim or goes off completely. Have the students explain why. The
motor/fan spinning takes up too much of the energy, leaving not enough to make the
lamp work. We call the motor/fan resistance. Now if you replace the fan blade, and
press gently on top of it to slow the fan, the brighter the light becomes since the slowmoving fan is using less of the energy.
Make Circuit 6, a parallel circuit. In a parallel circuit, the current takes multiple paths.
This allows both the fan and the light to work simultaneously. Notice how even when
the fan is spinning, the light is bright. Have the students trace the path of the current
from positive to negative to better understand why this works this way.
Make Circuit 9, a conductivity tester. In a series circuit, current must make a complete
path. Material that conducts electricity is called a conductor; it allows current to flow
through it. Material that doesn’t conduct electricity is called an insulator. In this circuit,
you create a series circuit where there is a space between two terminals to place an
object, like a craft stick or paper clip. If when you place the object between and
touching both terminals, the light is illuminated, then you know that the object is a
conductor. If the light does not illuminate, then it is an insulator.
If time allows, try Circuit 13 and 14. Circuit 13 shows how changing the amount of
resistance in a circuit changes the speed of the fan. Use this example to explain how a
two-speed fan works. In Circuit 14, you will show how a fuse works.
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Science Force Grade 5 – Page 6
Assistant Notes for Center 3
Students work in three groups. Remind them that the components should not be mixed
with other group and that all components must be put back in place on the set-up mat at
the end of the rotation.
First build Circuit 27. Begin with the components shown on the diagram with a black
number 1. This means that they are on the first layer. Then add the components
marked with a two and then finally those with a three. In this circuit, you will investigate
how integrated circuits work. By sending the current through the IC board in different
paths, we can create a different result. Integrated circuit boards are designed for many
types of functions. Using these boards to create different sounds will be fun, but you
have to carefully follow the circuit diagram or it will not work! Follow the instructions in
the book, and notice how changing the path of the current in Circuit 28, 29, 30, and 31
will create different outcomes. This is because of the unique paths inside the integrated
circuits. Think about all the applications for integrated circuits.
After you complete all of these circuits, you may try others in the book until it is time to
rotate to the next center.
Electricity))
Science Force Grade 5 – Page 7
Assistant Notes for Center 4
Students work in three groups. Remind them that the components should not be mixed
with other group and that all components must be put back in place on the set-up mat at
the end of the rotation.
Begin with Circuit 70. Water is a weak conductor of electricity. If the students have
already rotated to Center 2, they will understand that a conductor is a material that
allows electrical current to flow through it, and an insulator does not. Begin with the
components that are indicated with a black number 1 on the diagram, as these should
be placed on the grid first, and then add the components that are shown with the
number 2 on the second layer, and then the number 3. Normally, we would never use
anything electrical around water, because although water is a weak conductor, it does
conduct enough current to cause a dangerous or even fatal shock if the source of the
current is an electrical outlet. Today, we are using a low-voltage current from a battery
source, so our experiment with water is safe. In Circuit 70, you will find that water does
conduct electricity. Try to place the electrodes in the water, and then compare the
result with another trial where the electrodes are touched directly. Notice that water
does not conduct electricity as well as a direct connection. Talk about examples where
this type of a circuit would be useful.
Next, continue with Circuit 71, followed by Circuit 72. This will show how switches can
be light activated or sound activated.
Once these circuits are completed, please make sure that all the components are dry.
Until it is time to rotate to the next center, the students may try other circuits of their
choice.