Explore circuits and build simple machines that will be dismantled after construction. Younger builders (age 5-7) should plan to build with a caregiver or older sibling.
Display as kids entering: electricity books (J537’s) and books on inventors/inventions (608s/609s)
Discuss: what is electricity/how do we use it in our lives?
Demonstrate: static electricity (rub balloon on kid volunteer’s hair)
Read: Switch On, Switch Off by Melvin Berger.
(optional, if have the equipment – electrical wire, bar magnet & compass -- do the experiment described on pages 10-13)
Diagram: show how the circuit works – from source of power (battery in our kits/electrical outlet in your home/story above) electricity flows through the circuit, powering the objects (light/fan/speaker) before returning to the battery.
Mention that they will be experimenting with different circuits using our Snap Circuit kits. Demonstrate project #1
Tell them If they haven’t used these kits before, recommend that they do the projects in this sequence: Projects 1,3,4,15-21 (shown on board). Follow the instructions and double-check before turning on switch.
Emphasize: Safety precautions (particularly if they you are doing other projects/experimenting):
- Never attach any of the blue pieces across the battery terminals – can get a “short circuit” and burn out the battery
- Never make a circuit that doesn’t go through some object to be powered (light/speaker/motor) – again short circuit!
- Any project that uses the motor/fan has the RED ! box – if you don’t wear glasses, please come get eye protection first. (used plastic sheets because I didn’t have plastic goggles)
Teams – suggest 2-3 people in each group, 5-7 year-olds work with over 8s or adult.
Take Home: Potato electricity experiment sheet (photocopied from back page of Switch On, Switch Off by Melvin Berger.)
Monday, April 18, 2016 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM (21 kids/9 kits good ratio)
So delighted you find it useful! Thanks for commenting. :) Carol
ReplyDelete