Students use potatoes to light an LED clock (or light bulb) as they learn how a battery works in a simple circuit and how chemical energy changes to electrical energy. As they learn more about electrical energy, they better understand the concepts of voltage, current and resistance.

Uncountable times every day with the merest flick of a finger each one of us calls on electricity to do our bidding. What would your life be like without electricity? Students begin learning about electricity with an introduction to the most basic unit in ordinary matter, the atom. Once the components of an atom are addressed and understood, students move into the world of electricity. First, they explore static electricity, followed by basic current electricity concepts such as voltage, resistance and open/closed circuits. Next, they learn about that wonderful can full of chemicals the battery. Students may get a "charge" as they discover the difference between a conductor and an insulator. The unit concludes with lessons investigating simple circuits arranged "in series" and "in parallel," including the benefits and unique features associated with each. Through numerous hands-on activities, students move cereal and foam using charged combs, use balloons to explore electricity and charge polarization, build and use electroscopes to evaluate objects' charge intensities, construct simple switches using various materials in circuits that light bulbs, build and use simple conductivity testers to evaluate materials and solutions, build and experiment with simple series and parallel circuits, design and build their own series circuit flashlight, and draw circuits using symbols.

Students use engineering design principles to construct and test a fully solar powered model car. Several options exist, though we recommend the "Junior Solar Sprint" (JSS) Car Kits that can be purchased with direction from the federal government. Using the JSS kit from Solar World, students are provided with a photovoltaic panel that produces ~3V at ~3W. An optional accessory kit also from Solar World includes wheels, axles and drive gears. A chassis must be built additionally. Balsa wood provides an excellent option though many others are available. The testing of the solar car culminates in a solar race between classmates.

This resource is part of Tools4NCTeachers.

A Common Formative Assessment (CFA) provides a snapshot of current student understanding. It serves as a checkpoint, and may be used to guide future whole and small group instruction. This CFA addresses 2nd grade, Cluster 1 standards.

This resource is part of Tools4NCTeachers.

A Common Formative Assessment (CFA) provides a snapshot of current student understanding. It serves as a checkpoint, and may be used to guide future whole and small group instruction. This CFA addresses 2nd grade, Cluster 1 standards.

This resource is part of Tools4NCTeachers.

A Common Formative Assessment (CFA) provides a snapshot of current student understanding. It serves as a checkpoint, and may be used to guide future whole and small group instruction. This CFA addresses 2nd grade, Cluster 1 standards.

Students build their own two-cell batteries. They also determine which electrolyte solution is best suited for making batteries.