Exploring Electricity Concepts and Circuits

Explain the difference between static electricity and human-harnessed electricity using information from multiple sources.

• Static electricity is generated by friction, while human-harnessed electricity is generated by power plants.

• Static electricity is a flow of electrons, while human-harnessed electricity is a stationary charge.

• Static electricity is used to power homes, while human-harnessed electricity is used in nature.

• Static electricity is a continuous flow, while human-harnessed electricity is a one-time discharge.

Which of the following materials is most likely to be a conductor of electricity?

• Rubber

• Glass

• Copper

• Wood

Design a simple electric circuit and identify the necessary components.

• Battery, wire, and switch

• Battery, wire, and resistor

• Battery, wire, and light bulb

• Battery, wire, and insulator

Plan an investigation to determine if a material is an insulator or a conductor of electricity.

• Use a magnet to see if the material is attracted.

• Use a circuit tester to see if electricity flows through the material.

• Use a scale to measure the weight of the material.

• Use a thermometer to measure the temperature of the material.

Which of the following best describes static electricity?

• A continuous flow of electric charge

• A stationary electric charge

• A type of current electricity

• A form of electricity used in batteries

Explain why copper is used in electrical wiring.

• Copper is a good insulator.

• Copper is a good conductor of electricity.

• Copper is lightweight.

• Copper is inexpensive.

What is the role of a switch in an electric circuit?

• To provide power to the circuit

• To open or close the circuit

• To increase the voltage

• To decrease the resistance

Describe how you would combine information from multiple sources to explain human-harnessed electricity.

• Read a textbook and watch a documentary about power plants.

• Interview an electrician and read a novel about electricity.

• Watch a movie about lightning and read a comic book.

• Listen to a podcast about animals and read a cookbook.

Which component is necessary to complete a simple electric circuit?

• A magnet

• A resistor

• A battery

• An insulator

Plan an experiment to test if wood is an insulator or conductor.

• Place wood in water and see if it floats.

• Connect wood in a circuit and see if a light bulb lights up.

• Measure the temperature of wood with a thermometer.

• Weigh the wood on a scale.