Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to understand the basics of electricity and how it works.

Materials and Prep

Materials needed:

• Aluminum foil
• Plastic comb or balloon
• LED light bulb
• AA battery
• Paper clips
• Scissors

Things to know: Make sure to have a safe space to work in and always ask an adult for help when needed.

Activities

1. Create a simple circuit using an LED light bulb, a battery, and wires. Observe how the light bulb lights up when the circuit is complete.

2. Experiment with static electricity by rubbing a plastic comb or balloon against your hair and then attracting small pieces of paper or aluminum foil.

3. Build a simple electromagnet using a battery and some paper clips. Explore how the magnetism works when the circuit is closed.

Talking Points

• Electricity is a type of energy that can flow through things like wires to make things work.

"Electricity is like magic energy that can make things light up and move."

• When we create a closed circuit, it allows electricity to flow and power things like light bulbs.

"Imagine the circuit as a circle that lets the energy flow and make things work."

• Static electricity is when tiny particles have an imbalance of positive and negative charges, causing them to stick together.

"Static electricity is like a magic trick where things stick together because of invisible forces."

• An electromagnet is a temporary magnet that only works when there is an electric current flowing through it.

"An electromagnet is like a superhero that only becomes strong when it gets its power."