Objective
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to understand the basics of engineering and electricity through fun physical activities.
Materials and Prep
- Empty cardboard boxes
- Tape
- Balloons
- Straws
- String
- Scissors
- Markers
No prior knowledge or special preparations are required for this lesson.
Activities
- Create a cardboard city: Use the empty cardboard boxes to build a small city. Design and construct buildings, roads, and bridges using tape. Let your imagination run wild!
- Balloon-powered car: Attach a balloon to the back of a small toy car using tape. Blow up the balloon and release it to propel the car forward. Experiment with different sizes of balloons and observe how it affects the car's speed.
- Straw rockets: Cut a straw in half and attach a small piece of string to one end. Blow into the straw to launch the rocket into the air. Measure how far each rocket flies and try to improve its distance by adjusting the angle and force of your breath.
- Electricity dance: Put on some energetic music and dance around. Every time the music stops, freeze in place and hold hands with a friend. Then, one person in the chain touches a metal object (like a spoon) to create a static electricity shock. See who can make the biggest shock!
Talking Points
- Engineering is all about designing and building things. When you create a cardboard city, you are using your engineering skills to plan and construct structures.
- Electricity is a form of energy that powers many things around us. It can be created by moving electrons, which are tiny particles inside atoms.
- Balloons can store air, and when you release the air, it creates a force that pushes the balloon-powered car forward. This force is called propulsion.
- Straw rockets work based on the principle of action and reaction. When you blow into the straw, the air rushing out creates a force that propels the rocket in the opposite direction.
- Static electricity is a type of electricity that doesn't flow. When you touch a metal object after dancing and holding hands, the charge built up in your body jumps to the object, creating a small shock.