Bulbs & Batteries in a Row
Using the science and engineering practice of making observations, we can explore the phenomenon of energy transfer. Every day, we are surrounded by circuits that use “in parallel” and “in series” circuitry. Complicated circuits designed by engineers are composed of many simpler parallel and series circuits, but both kinds of circuits transfer energy. During this activity, students make sense of the phenomenon of energy transfer as they build a simple series circuit and discover the properties associated with series circuits. Through this, students engage with the disciplinary core idea that energy can be transferred from place to place by electric currents.
Students build a simple series circuitCopyright YassineMrabet. Wikimedia Commons http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Circuitenserie.svg
Electrical engineers are well versed in the logic of parallel and series circuitry. They design complicated circuits that are composed of many simpler circuits as well as special parts that make sure the use of electricity is safe. For example, electrical and mechanical engineers design circuit breakers that are connected "in series" in the wiring of your house. This "switch" automatically breaks the flow of electricity if it rises above a safe level, preventing an electrical overload from damaging your appliances or causing a fire.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Define, recognize and assemble series circuits
- Explain the path of electrical charge through their circuit
- Apply appropriate computational techniques to solve a variety of problems on series circuit
- Understand that engineers apply their understanding of circuitry to the design of practical, everyday products