Electrons flow from negative to positive, but the general consensus is that current flows from positive to negative. Scholars explore current through construction of circuits in both series and parallel. The focus is on voltage, resistance, and Ohm's Law. 

Concepts

circuits, electric currents, voltage, resistance, ohm's law, electric circuits, parallel circuits, series circuits

Show More Show Less

Additional Tags

science

Show More Show Less

Instructional Ideas

• Extend the idea by discussing how lights with multiple switches work

Classroom Considerations

• Regular version requires a basic understanding of electricity; in addition, the advanced version assumes prior knowledge of fractions
• Requires six D-cell batteries for every two or three students as well as copper wire, lightbulbs, and a multi-meter for each group

Pros

• Provides a lecture introducing all vocabulary
• Includes an optional extension activity

Cons

• None

Common Core

RST.9-10.3 RST.9-10.4 RST.11-12.3 RST.11-12.4