What Is Electricity?

• Electricity is a type of energy that can build up in one place or flow from one place to another. When electricity gathers in one place it is known as static electricity (the word static means something that does not move); electricity that moves from one place to another is called current electricity.

Electricity is a form of energy that can be changed into other forms of energy, including motion, sound, heat, or light.

Light•Electrical energy can be changed to light energy with light bulbs in lamps, televisions, and computer monitors.

Sound•Electrical energy can be changed to sound energy with radios and televisions.

Heat•Electrical energy can be changed to heat energy in stoves, toasters, and ovens.

Motion (Mechanical Energy)•Electrical energy can be changed to energy of motion with an electric motor, such as an electric fan or hair dryer.

Challenge

Without getting any help from adults, use only one battery and the motor/fan to make the fan turn.

Electric Current• When electrons move, they carry electrical

energy from one place to another. This is called current electricity or an electric current.

• For an electric current to happen, there must be a circuit. A circuit is a closed path or loop around which an electric current flows. A circuit is usually made by linking electrical components together with a conductor.

Conductors and Insulators

• Conductors– Allow electric

charges to move through it

• Insulators– Do not allow

electric charges to flow through them

Metal, wires, body

Wood, glass, rubber

CircuitsWhat is a

circuit?

A circuit is a closed path or loop around which an electric current flows.

Parts of a Circuit

• a source of energy

• a conductor of the electrical energy

• a device (load) that uses and transforms the electrical energy into light, heat, sound or motion

Simple Circuit

•A simple circuit has one complete path.

Challenge #1: Make a Simple Circuit(You may use a light bulb OR a fan.)

Which diagram shows a simple circuit that most resembles the one in

your challenge?Key

Series Circuit•A series circuit flows through one path to two or more things.

Challenge #2: Make a series circuit using2 light bulbs

(or 1 light bulb and 1 fan)and 2 batteries.

Which diagram shows a series circuit?

Key

Challenge #3: Make a simple circuit using 1 motor/fan, 1 battery, and 1

switch.

Can you name the parts of this diagram?

Key

fan

fan

Parallel Circuit•A parallel circuit

has two or more paths for electricity to flow.

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