Squishy Circuits

Target Learners: Grade K – 7

Students will explore properties of static and current electricity with everyday objects. Students investigate conductors and insulators as they tinker with electricity through the creation of circuits.

Vocabulary:

• Circuit: A path between two or more points along which an electrical current can be carried.
• Conductor: A material that allows electricity to flow through it easily.
• Insulator: A material that does not allow electricity to flow through it easily.
• Electricity (from Greek, meaning “amber”): Phenomena resulting from the presence and flow of electric charge; includes lightning, static electricity, electromagnetic field, and electromagnetic induction.
• Electron: Subatomic particle possessing a negative (-) electric charge.
• Static Electricity is the form of electricity were charges gather and remain at rest.

Current Electricity is the form of electricity which makes all our electronic gizmos possible. This form of electricity exists when charges can constantly flow.

• Duration: 40-45 minutes

Curriculum Links

Grade 4-7 

Cause and effect:

• Mechanism and explanation
• Scale, proportion and quantity
• Systems and system models
• Energy and matter: Flows, cycles, and conservation
•  Structure and function
•  Stability and change
• Science and Engineering Practices:
• Asking questions and defining problems
•  Developing and using models
•  Planning and carrying out investigations
• Analyzing and interpreting data
• Using mathematics and computational thinking
•  Constructing explanations and design solutions
• Engaging in argument from evidence
•  Obtaining, evaluating and communicating information