Students are briefly introduced to Maxwell's equations and their significance to phenomena …
Students are briefly introduced to Maxwell's equations and their significance to phenomena associated with electricity and magnetism. Basic concepts such as current, electricity and field lines are covered and reinforced. Through multiple topics and activities, students see how electricity and magnetism are interrelated.
The grand challenge for this legacy cycle unit is for students to …
The grand challenge for this legacy cycle unit is for students to design a way to help a recycler separate aluminum from steel scrap metal. In previous lessons, they have looked at how magnetism might be utilized. In this lesson, students think about how they might use magnets and how they might confront the problem of turning the magnetic field off. Through the accompanying activity students explore the nature of an electrically induced magnetic field and its applicability to the needed magnet.
During the lesson, students will learn the basics of electricity and circuits …
During the lesson, students will learn the basics of electricity and circuits and build their first circuit using Snap Circuits. If students do not have access to Snap Circuits, this lesson can be completed using anything that provides students the ability to connect the following components: Power source ( 9V battery); Conductive material (wires, aluminum foil, paper clips, etc.); An “output” device for the electricity (flashlight lightbulb or holiday light); A switch (two metal thumbtacks and a paper clip, aluminum foil and a paper clip, etc.).
Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.
Technology required for this lesson: Electronics Kit, Laptop/Desktop, Tablet.
During the lesson, students will learn about series and parallel circuits and …
During the lesson, students will learn about series and parallel circuits and how they are used for different purposes. If students do not have access to Snap Circuits, this lesson can be completed using safe household materials that provide students the ability to connect the following components: Power source ( 9V battery); Conductive material (wires, aluminum foil, paper clips, etc.); An “output” device for the electricity (flashlight lightbulb or holiday light); A switch (two metal thumbtacks and a paper clip, aluminum foil and a paper clip, etc.).
Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.
Technology required for this lesson: Electronics Kit, Laptop/Desktop, Tablet.
During the lesson, students will learn about slightly more advanced circuitry concepts …
During the lesson, students will learn about slightly more advanced circuitry concepts such resistance, motors, and LED’s. They will conclude the lesson by creating the wiring for a helicopter. Note: See Additional Resources in this lesson's Facilitator Guide for ideas to complete this lesson with common household items. While the circuits may not be identical, students will still be able to understand the basic concepts of a circuit.
Estimated time required: 2-3 class periods.
Technology required for this lesson: Electronics Kit, Laptop/Desktop, Tablet.
During the lesson, students will learn about speakers and integrated circuits. Note: …
During the lesson, students will learn about speakers and integrated circuits. Note: See Additional Resources in this lesson's Facilitator Guide for ideas to complete this lesson with common household items.
Estimated time required: 2-3 class periods.
Technology required for this lesson: Electronics Kit, Laptop/Desktop, Tablet.
This lesson introduces students to the fundamental concepts of electricity. This is …
This lesson introduces students to the fundamental concepts of electricity. This is accomplished by addressing questions such as "How is electricity generated," and "How is it used in every-day life?" The lesson also includes illustrative examples of circuit diagrams to help explain how electricity flows.
Building on concepts taught in the associated lesson, students learn about bioelectricity, …
Building on concepts taught in the associated lesson, students learn about bioelectricity, electrical circuits and biology as they use deductive and analytical thinking skills in connection with an engineering education. Students interact with a rudimentary electrocardiograph circuit (made by the teacher) and examine the simplicity of the device. They get to see their own cardiac signals and test the device themselves. During the second part of the activity, a series of worksheets, students examine different EKG print-outs and look for irregularities, as is done for heart disease detection.
Students are presented with a hypothetical scenario that delivers the unit's Grand …
Students are presented with a hypothetical scenario that delivers the unit's Grand Challenge Question: To apply an understanding of nanoparticles to treat, detect and protect against skin cancer. Towards finding a solution, they begin the research phase by investigating the first research question: What is electromagnetic energy? Students learn about the electromagnetic spectrum, ultraviolet radiation (including UVA, UVB and UVC rays), photon energy, the relationship between wave frequency and energy (c = λν), as well as about the Earth's ozone-layer protection and that nanoparticles are being used for medical applications. The lecture material also includes information on photo energy and the dual particle/wave model of light. Students complete a problem set to calculate frequency and energy.
Students learn about the scientific and mathematical concepts around electromagnetic light properties …
Students learn about the scientific and mathematical concepts around electromagnetic light properties that enable the engineering of sunglasses for eye protection. They compare and contrast tinted and polarized lenses as well as learn about light intensity and how different mediums reduce the intensities of various electromagnetic radiation wavelengths. Through a PowerPoint® presentation, students learn about light polarization, transmission, reflection, intensity, attenuation, and Malus’ law. A demo using two slinky springs helps to illustrate wave disturbances and different-direction polarizations. As a mini-activity, students manipulate slide-mounted polarizing filters to alter light intensity and see how polarization by transmission works. Students use the Malus’ law equation to calculate the transmitted light intensity and learn about Brewster’s angle. Two math problem student handouts are provided. Students also brainstorm ideas on how sunglasses could be designed and improved, which prepares them for the associated hands-on design/build activity.
In this activity, the students will complete the grand challenge and design …
In this activity, the students will complete the grand challenge and design an electromagnet to separate steel from aluminum for the recycler. In order to do this, students compare the induced magnetic field of an electric current with the magnetic field of a permanent magnet and must make the former look like the latter. They discover that looping the current produces the desired effect and find ways to further strengthen the magnetic field.
Students learn about current electricity and necessary conditions for the existence of …
Students learn about current electricity and necessary conditions for the existence of an electric current. Students construct a simple electric circuit and a galvanic cell to help them understand voltage, current and resistance.
In this animation produced by WGBH and Digizyme, Inc., see how molecules …
In this animation produced by WGBH and Digizyme, Inc., see how molecules of DNA are separated using gel electrophoresis, and how this process enables scientists to compare the molecular variations of two or more DNA samples.
Students gain a better understanding of the different types of materials as …
Students gain a better understanding of the different types of materials as pure substances and mixtures and learn to distinguish between homogeneous and heterogeneous mixtures by discussing an assortment of example materials they use and encounter in their daily lives.
This unit provides the framework for conducting an “engineering design field day” …
This unit provides the framework for conducting an “engineering design field day” that combines 6 hands-on engineering activities into a culminating school (or multi-school) competition. The activities are a mix of design and problem-solving projects inspired by real-world engineering challenges: kite making, sail cars, tall towers, strong towers and a ball and tools obstacle course. The assortment of events engage children who have varied interests and cover a range of disciplines such as aerospace, mechanical and civil engineering. An optional math test—for each of grades 1-6—is provided as an alternative activity to incorporate into the field day event. Of course, the 6 activities in this unit also are suitable to conduct as standalone activities that are unaffiliated with a big event.
Students will use critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication skills to create …
Students will use critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication skills to create an emoji. The Vectr graphics software used in this activity helps students develop a STEM mindset. It is important to allow students to work through the process as independently as possible with the facilitator acting only as a guide.
Estimated time required: 1 class period.
Technology required for this lesson: Design Software, Laptop/Desktop.
In this activity, students are divided into a group of hormones and …
In this activity, students are divided into a group of hormones and a group of receptors. The hormones have to find their matching receptors, and the pair, once matched, perform a given action. This activity helps students learn about the specificity of hormone-receptor interactions within the endocrine system.
Students learn to apply the principles and concepts associated with energy and …
Students learn to apply the principles and concepts associated with energy and the transfer of energy in an engineering context by designing and making musical instruments. They choose from a variety of provided supplies to make instruments capable of producing three different tones. After completing their designs, students explain the energy transfer mechanism in detail and describe how they could make their instruments better.
No restrictions on your remixing, redistributing, or making derivative works. Give credit to the author, as required.
Your remixing, redistributing, or making derivatives works comes with some restrictions, including how it is shared.
Your redistributing comes with some restrictions. Do not remix or make derivative works.
Most restrictive license type. Prohibits most uses, sharing, and any changes.
Copyrighted materials, available under Fair Use and the TEACH Act for US-based educators, or other custom arrangements. Go to the resource provider to see their individual restrictions.
