What Is Electricity?
An electricity transmission tower.Copyright 2006 Yummifruitbat, Wikimedia Commons http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pylon_ds.jpg
Students are introduced to the concept of electricity by identifying it as an unseen, but pervasive and important presence in their lives. They are also introduced to the idea of engineers making, controlling and distributing electricity. The main concepts presented are the science of electricity and the careers that involve an understanding of electricity. Students first review the structure of atoms and then learn that electrons are the particles behind electrical current and the motivation for electron movement. They compare conductors and insulators based on their capabilities for electron flow. Then water and electrical systems are compared as an analogy to electrical current. They learn the differences between static and dynamic forms of electricity. A PowerPoint® presentation is included, with review question/answer slides, as well as assessment handouts to practice using electricity-related terms through storytelling and to research electricity-related and electrical engineering careers.
An understanding of electricity is important for general technological literacy. In addition, many engineering careers require a fundamental knowledge of electricity in order to invent and design technologies and products that we depend upon every day. Electricity is present everywhere in our modern lives and engineers who specialize in electricity (electrical engineers) make that possible.
After this lesson, students should be able to:
- Relate the flow of electrons to current.
- Correlate the flow of water with the flow of electricity in a system.
- Explain that static electricity is the buildup of a charge (either net positive or net negative) over a surface.
- Compare and contrast two forms of electricity—current and static.
- Name a few engineering careers that involve electricity.