Lesson 3: Electric Current and Simple Circuits
Duration of Days: 3
Lesson Objective
Construct simple series and parallel circuits to analyze the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance (Ohm’s Law) and map the flow of energy.
What conditions are required to sustain a continuous flow of electric charge?
How do changes in voltage and resistance affect the total current running through a system?
If charge is conserved, why does a lightbulb use up electrical energy?
Electric Current
Voltage / Potential Difference
Electrical Resistance
Amperes
Ohms
Series Circuit
Parallel Circuit
HS-PS3-2: Develop and use models to illustrate that energy at the macroscopic scale can be accounted for as a combination of energy associated with the motions of particles (objects) and energy associated with the relative position of particles (objects)
To transition from static electricity to dynamic electricity, demonstrating how potential differences (voltage) force charges to move and perform work within a closed system.
Why a single dead bulb ruins old Christmas lights: In older, series-wired holiday lights, the current has only one path to follow. If one filament breaks, the circuit opens, and the entire strand goes dark. Modern homes are wired in parallel so that turning off your bedroom light doesn't shut down your refrigerator.
MPS Science Differentiation Strategies
https://tinyurl.com/5n6c24k7
Unit 8 Assessment