First we're going to define Direct Current and Alternating Current. We're going to do this with straws. It includes a lesson about Resistance.
Next we have the three units of measure in Ohm's Law presented as the simple phonetic words that they are, like cat, dog, rug....volt, ohm, amp.... Then we're going to associate simple hand gestures with the basic idea and vocabulary needed to describe electricity. Gestures aid understanding, memory and meaning. The physical explanation of electricity is that a power source, in this curriculum usually a AA battery, literally pushes electricity through a circuit. When we get to Alternating Current it becomes push-pull, but to begin its just Direct Current. Push. This not the only possible explanation of how Electricity flows, but it is an accurate description of what's happening. Pushing and being pushed are also actions every child experiences. Push is a known word with a clear physical meaning. Push and Pull are also monosyllables that can be spelled phonetically. Push has three aspects. Each aspect has a name and a unit of measurement which also has a name. The units of measurement will later be associated into one of the child's basic three part equations, Ohm's Law. Current=Voltage/Resistance These three aspects of electricity can be measured with a simple device the use of which is well within the child's level of dexterity. How hard you push: Voltage, unit name is Volt. How hard it is to push: Resistance, unit name is Ohm. How much gets pushed: Current, unit name is Amp. |
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