Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to understand the basic principles of electricity and how it relates to engineering.

Materials and Prep

• Assorted small objects (e.g. paperclips, coins, aluminum foil)
• A small battery
• A small light bulb
• Electrical tape
• A wire
• A pair of scissors
• A piece of cardboard or a small wooden board

No prior knowledge is required for this lesson.

Activities

• Create a simple circuit using the battery, light bulb, and wire. Observe what happens when the circuit is completed.
• Experiment with different materials to see which ones conduct electricity and which ones do not.
• Build a switch using the cardboard or wooden board, wire, and electrical tape. Test the switch by connecting it to the circuit.
• Design and construct a simple electrical device using the battery, wire, and other materials. Test its functionality.

Talking Points

• "Electricity is a form of energy that can flow through certain materials."
• "When we connect a battery to a light bulb using a wire, we create a circuit. The electricity flows from the battery, through the wire, and into the light bulb, causing it to light up."
• "Not all materials can conduct electricity. Some materials, like metal, allow electricity to flow easily, while others, like plastic, do not."
• "A switch is a device that can open or close a circuit. It controls the flow of electricity."
• "Engineers use their understanding of electricity to design and create electrical devices that we use in our everyday lives, like phones, computers, and lights."