Week 1: Static Electricity
For our first activity we learned how atoms are made up of three kinds of particles: protons and neutrons (in the nucleus) and electrons (orbiting around the outside of the atom). The protons and neutrons can only be disturbed by a nuclear reaction (like an atom bomb). We decided to save nuclear reactions for another day . . . and instead, we explored ways to "rip off" the electrons from atoms- such as by using a Van de Graaf Generator, or by rubbing a balloon on our head.
Using the electrostatic repulsion of the "charged" balloon, we were able to levitate some small objects made from cut up grocery bags. |
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Week 2: Dry Ice Explorations
Students watched some demonstrations with dry ice, and then carried out several investigations on their own. Dry ice is simply carbon dioxide gas that has been condensed into a solid form. As a solid this is -110° F. When dry ice is exposed to room temperature conditions, it doesn't "melt" to become a liquid. Instead, it "sublimates", turning directly from solid to gas.
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Week 3: Magnets and Motors
Students learned a little history about the beginnings of the science of electricity. We learned that Hans Oersted and Michael Faraday first made the connection between electricity and magnetism, and Faraday figured out how to use this understanding to make an electromagnetic motor that could be turned on and off. This was a huge breakthrough, because it proved that electricity is not just a "science trick" for giving people a shock; you can actually USE electricity to do work, or to make something move.
Using these ideas, students constructed a very simple motor using a D battery, some copper wire, and a magnet. In the video below you can see some students testing magnetic fields by levitating paperclips; and also building and testing motors. |
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