WV State Standards: Science: SC.O.P.2.20 Technology: 21C.O.9-12.1, 21C.O.9-12.2, 21C.O.9-12.3 National Standards:  Math: 4, 8 Science: 12, 13 Technology: 1, 4 Blooms Taxonomy: Comprehension, Application, Analysis, Synthesis 21st Century Skills: Communication, Critical Thinking & Systems, Problem Identification, Formulation and Solution, Creativity and Intellectual Curiosity, Interpersonal and Collaborative, Self Direction

Overview:

In this lesson, students learn the function of electrical circuit components and how to draw and create simple electrical circuits as they design an electrical powered car.  Students will also acquire information literacy while using the internet to research circuits and circuit components.

Objective(s):

SC.O.P.2.20 construct and analyze electrical circuits and calculate Ohm's Law problems for series, parallel and complex circuits including voltage drops; calculating power and energy in electrical systems.

21C.O.9-12.1 The student will access, analyze, manage, integrate, evaluate, and create information in a variety of forms using appropriate technology skills and communicate that information in an appropriate oral, written, or multimedia format.

21C.O.9-12.2 The student will demonstrate the ability to explore and develop new ideas, to intentionally apply sound reasoning processes and to frame, analyze and solve complex problems using appropriate technology tools.

21C.O.9-12.3 The student will exhibit leadership, ethical behavior, respect for others; accept responsibility for personal actions considering the impact on others; take the initiative to plan and execute tasks; and interact productively as a member of a group.

Time Required:

Three 45 minute class periods

Pre-Requisite Skills:

Students need to be able to use the Internet and textbooks to research topics

Computers with Internet access

Instructional Materials:

• Computers with internet access
• V DC battery pack (4 – 1.5 V AA batteries)
• V mini-buzzer (horn)
• V DC light
• DC electric motor
• Electrical wiring
• Electrical switches
• Wire connectors
• Soldering iron and solder
• Electrical quality tape

1.      Have students research (on the Internet and in textbooks) basic electrical circuits.

2.      Ask students to make detailed circuit diagrams that depict the electrical set-up of their car.

3.      Discuss basic safety practices for use of all materials and tools. This should cover topics such as how to safely use a soldering iron. Students should also be made aware that when the batteries are short-circuited, they will get very hot.

4.   Students need to "purchase" supplies to construct their cars.

5.      Ask students to begin constructing their designed electrical circuits with the materials they have purchased.  Consideration should be given to the placement of the components in the circuits.

6.      After students have completed their electrical circuitry, move to Lesson 3.

Differentiated Instruction:

Teachers may wish to provide students with some guided questions to facilitate their research of circuits. Some students may need to complete a worksheet to show the information they have found, in order to keep them on task.

It is suggested that the teacher inspect the circuits before the students install them on the cars to check for short-circuiting. A list of possible guided questions is available to assist students in finding the appropriate information during their research. There are several links throughout the unit that provide possible pages for teachers and students to use during the project.

Assessment for this unit will include the circuit diagrams and the construction of the circuits for the cars.