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All grades  Project 2 weeks

"Zap the Gap: Circuit Showdown"

Chloe M
HS-PS3-3
HS-PS2-5
3-PS2-4
Productive Collaborator
Critical Thinker
+ 1 more
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Purpose

This project aims to immerse students in the exploration of electrical circuits by engaging them in hands-on activities that highlight the differences between open and closed circuits. Through collaboration, critical thinking, and interaction with community partners, students will develop a deeper understanding of how electricity flows in everyday objects. The project will culminate in an exhibition where students showcase their learning journey and circuit models, fostering a sense of accomplishment and connection to real-world applications.

Learning goals

Students will explore and understand the fundamental concepts of open and closed circuits, gaining hands-on experience by constructing simple circuits with everyday materials. They will develop critical thinking skills by analyzing how circuits function and impact the flow of electricity in real-world applications. Through collaboration and interaction with community partners, students will enhance their communication skills and build positive relationships, while also cultivating a deeper understanding of energy conversion principles.
Standards
  • [Kentucky] HS-PS3-3 - Design, build, and refine a device that works within given constraints to convert one form of energy into another form of energy.*
  • [Kentucky] HS-PS2-5 - Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence that an electric current can produce a magnetic field and that a changing magnetic field can produce an electric current.
  • [Kentucky] 3-PS2-4 - Define a simple design problem that can be solved by applying scientific ideas about magnets.*
Competencies
  • Productive Collaborator - Engages with others to achieve a common goal through building positive relationships, actively listening, showing empathy, and making individual contributions to a larger group.
  • Critical Thinker - Thinks deeply and makes informed decisions to create solutions or new understanding supported by relevant and reliable evidence.
  • Empowered Learner - Demonstrates mastery and application of academic competencies. Develops the skills and dispositions to persist through difficulties and plan for a future of self-improvement.

Products

Throughout this project, students will collaboratively build and refine simple circuit models using everyday materials, demonstrating their understanding of open and closed circuits. By the end of the project, each student will have created a visual representation of their learning journey, such as a timeline or concept map, showcasing their academic growth and resilience. These products will be presented at the 'Bright Ideas Expo', where students will also display their circuit models and explain their functionality to community members and university partners.

Launch

Kick off the project with an interactive 'Circuit Challenge' where students are grouped into teams to create a chain reaction using open and closed circuits. Each team will use provided materials to design a sequence that lights up or activates a small device. This activity encourages collaboration, critical thinking, and hands-on experimentation, setting the stage for deeper exploration of electrical circuits.

Exhibition

Host a 'Bright Ideas Expo' where students showcase their circuit models and visual representations of their learning journey. Invite local community members and the university partner to engage with students, ask questions, and provide feedback. This event will allow students to share their understanding of open and closed circuits and demonstrate their ability to apply scientific concepts to real-world scenarios.