Curated OER
Electrical Circuits
Students explore parallel and series circuits. In this electrical circuit activity, students investigate the differences between series and parallel circuits. Students observe the benefits and drawbacks of series and parallel...
Curated OER
On The Move
Fourth graders solve basic mathematical problems. They identify and apply key terms and equations relative to physical science. They discuss how train engines use fuel to move a generator, which creates electrical current that moves...
Curated OER
Electrical Energy
Pupils compare and contrast a cell and a battery. In this physical science lesson, students explain how they create energy. They conduct an experiment to apply what they have learned in this lesson.
Georgia Department of Education
Ga Virtual Learning: Electric Current and Circuits
Students have the opportunity to explore the basics of current and circuits in this online module. Some of the activities include interactive animations, informational text, practice problems, and lab experiments.
University of Colorado
University of Colorado: Ph Et Interactive Simulations: Circuit Construction Kit
Build circuits with resistors, light bulbs, batteries, and switches. Take measurements with the realistic ammeter and voltmeter. View the circuit as a schematic diagram, or switch to a life-like view.
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Batteries: The Shocking Truth
Here you can find what you need to scientifically assess battery performance. In this exercise (that should take about one week) learn how batteries work, how they wear out and most importantly, how to make valid measurements to assess...
University of Colorado
University of Colorado: Ph Et Interactive Simulations: Signal Circuit
Why do the lights turn on in a room as soon as you flip a switch? Flip the switch and watch the electrons. Does the light turn on immediately? Explain using observations of the model.
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Which Materials Are the Best Conductors?
There are two main types of materials when it comes to electricity, conductors, and insulators. What are they made of? Find out by testing different materials in a circuit to see which ones conduct the most electricity.
Other
The Blobz Guide to Electric Circuits
An exciting interactive site of games, activities, information, and quizzes about electric circuits. You'll learn what makes circuits work, all about conductors and insulators, switches, changing circuits, and circuit diagrams. Learning...
Smithsonian Institution
Lemelson Center: Spark!lab: Make a Light Bulb
This lab shows students how to make a light bulb using 6V battery, wire, cork, and a nail. Print a form where you can record your results.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Ph Et Simulations: Replace Real Equipment in Lab Circuit Construction Kit
Students explore with a PhET interactive simulation to replicate the construction of electrical circuits.
Georgia Department of Education
Ga Virtual Learning: Ap Physics 1: Electric Circuits
In this unit students discover the meaning and some applications of electric potential, commonly known as voltage, and how it powers some simple circuits.
Georgia Department of Education
Ga Virtual Learning: Currents, Resistors, and Power
In this interactive tutorial students will learn about electric current, resistance and current density. Learn how current density relates to electric field strength and how resistance produces heat.
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: The Power of Food
Students imagine they are stranded on an island and must create the brightest light possible with the meager supplies they have on hand in order to gain the attention of a rescue airplane.
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Saltwater Circuit
Students build a saltwater circuit, which is an electrical circuit that uses saltwater as part of the circuit. Students investigate the conductivity of saltwater, and develop an understanding of how the amount of salt in a solution...
Utah Education Network
Uen: Flowing Electrons
For this fifth grade activity, students explore electric circuits by acting out different types, then construct circuits themselves.
Physics Classroom
The Physics Classroom: Current Electricity
Four complete lessons on current electricity in the study of physics. Lessons include informational text, interactive activities, animations, and quick, interactive comprehension checks.
Concord Consortium
Concord Consortium: Stem Resources: Electric Current
In this interactive, students can explore how current, voltage, and resistance are related in a model showing the flow of electrons in an electric circuit. They will learn about Ohm's law and how other forms of energy can be made from...
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Project Ideas: Which Materials Are the Best Conductors?
A simple science fair project to test whether electricity can flow between two things. The Science Buddies project ideas are set up consistently beginning with an abstract, objective, and introduction, followed by a section on terms,...
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Series Circuits
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Using diagrams, video clips, and informational text, students learn how electrical current flows through a series circuit.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Off the Grid
This interactive activity produced for Teachers' Domain presents users with three hypothetical scenarios in which they are challenged to design a wind power system that will meet their electrical needs.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Parallel Circuits
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] In this module, students learn what a parallel circuit is and how it differs from a series circuit.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Mit: Open Course Ware: Current, Resistance, and Power
Learners investigate current, resistance, and power. Some topics explored in the activities are Ohm's law, electrical power, and solving circuits. The resource consists of video clips, lecture notes, online textbook chapters, exam...
Georgia State University
Georgia State University: Hyper Physics: Ohm's Law and Current Law
At this site from Georgia State University Ohm's law is stated in words and using equations. A JavaScript form allows for multiple practice problems with instant feedback and reinforcement. Kirchoff's current law is stated and...