High voltage power lines deliver electricity to homes, but each home requires low voltage. How does the energy get converted so it can be used safely? Pupils explore alternating current and transformers through a simulation. They control the voltage as well as the number of windings on both the primary and secondary side of the transformer.

Concepts

energy transformation, alternating current/direct current, electric motors, electromagnetic induction, voltage

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Invite someone from the local electric company to speak to the class
• Build a small model circuit using a transformer

Classroom Considerations

• Requires a free CK-12 account to access the interactive

Pros

• Walk-through video explains in detail the concepts as well as how to use the simulator
• Worksheet provides on-level questions while simulation includes challenge questions to allow for differentiation

Cons

• None

Common Core

RST.9-10.4 RST.11-12.4